Purpose This paper explores the challenges inherent in the development of a common, inter-agency, humanitarian logistic picture (CHLP) that would, ultimately, provide the mechanism in which the real-time disposition and status of assets, material in transit and forecast demands and re-supply are captured, analysed and presented as the basis for improved coordination and subsequent decision making. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper integrates knowledge management and humanitarian/military logistics literature to offer a research agenda that would help deliver a CHLP. Findings The paper identifies a series of the key challenges that will need to be overcome as part of the development of the concept of CHLP, and it offers some preliminary suggestions for the approaches that might be adopted in order to overcome these. Research limitations/implications Given that the paper has been developed from a theoretical standpoint, the key element of the next stage of the research process is that of corroborating these initial findings with key informants from practitioner organisations drawn from countries across the globe. Practical implications Whilst significant progress has been made in developing the practice of humanitarian logistics, further improvements in both the efficiency and effectiveness have the potential to save lives and reduce suffering. This paper offers a practical way of tackling the key challenge of inter-agency coordination and decision making. Original/value This paper develops existing practice and proposes a research agenda for overcoming one of the key challenges in the humanitarian logistic space.