From Purchase Orders to Predictive Control: How Early PO Visibility Prevents Costly Supply Chain Surprises

Early purchase order visibility can be the difference between staying ahead of disruption and scrambling to catch up.

In this episode, Mike Wiggins, Senior Vice President of Solution Design and Deployment, and Nayeli Valladares, Vice President of Solution Design and Deployment at DP World, discuss why early purchase order visibility matters more than ever as supply chains face disruption, sourcing shifts, and greater complexity. They explain how purchase orders can give teams an earlier read on demand, risk, and pressure across suppliers, carriers, brokers, and internal teams, leading to better forecasting and smarter planning around inventory, capacity, and transportation.

They also explore how companies are using technology and closer coordination to make faster, more informed decisions. From tariff-driven sourcing changes and seasonal demand swings to stockout risk and communication gaps, Mike and Nayeli show how stronger visibility helps teams act sooner, reduce surprises, and build more resilient operations.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:23) Meet the DP World leaders

(07:30) Why purchase orders matter more now

(11:46) How early visibility creates an advantage

(14:09) Why PO data is really a demand signal

(16:51) Turning visibility into smarter control

(18:56) Using KPIs and alerts to act sooner

(20:25) How visibility helps prevent late orders

(21:45) Why stronger PO collaboration matters

(22:47) Aligning stakeholders from the start

(29:43) The case for partner visibility

(33:31) Where automation meets human judgment

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Mike Wiggins: mike.wiggins@dpworld.com
• Connect with Nayeli Valladares: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayeli-valladares-29871285/
• Learn more about DP World: https://www.dpworld.com/en
• Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
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This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Mary Kate Love and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/from-purchase-orders-predictive-control-early-PO-visibility-prevents-costly-supply-chain-surprises-1570

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