A “visibility and analytics network” (VAN) is a virtual platform of people, processes, and technology to capture and use supply chain data to provide enhanced visibility for
short and long-term coordinated decision making, and foster effective collaboration. Commonly known as ‘control towers’ in the private sector, VANs comprise an information hub
that affords visibility on inventory and shipments, linking data from other applications into one console to provide a picture of what’s taking place in the supply chain. Implementing a VAN approach can help catapult the health supply chain to higher levels of performance and close to an integrated state. By providing a coordinated view of such information, a VAN aims to achieve goals such as improved Government planning for better for inbound deliveries and enabling donors, procurers and manufacturers to carry out more coordinated ordering and delivery planning.