Having delved into some advanced mapping applications of supply chain in my previous blog entries (location selection, planning, optimization, insights), I realized that I have missed showing a very basic application of mapping, from a supply chain perspective, altogether.
In this article, I have used a mapping platform to plot a customer-facing supply chain of a fictitious tyre manufacturing company with pan-India operations. The network design comprises of 3 levels / echelons - factory, warehouse & distributor. Alongside, each state has been color-coded as per its sales contribution (% of total sales) to the company.
Here is the Supply Chain Map:
What are your key inferences from this map?
As you would agree, a visual representation is not only easier to understand, but also uncovers insights which may be otherwise hidden from view while sifting through spreadsheet-based data.
However, this is just a static representation of the data. Here is a link to a dynamic version of this same map - https://arcg.is/5LDeL. Representative visual in Figure 2 below:
Tips for the web application - create a free account if prompted >> use the map interface as you would do while navigating Google Maps >> Try Zooming in/out >> click on nodes, states, connectors and see the information which pops up on your screen >> try changing the symbology, labeling >> use the search bar to zero in on a desired location.
(In case you find it tough to navigate, but are interested to learn nonetheless - practice some freely accessible tutorials from here)
The interactive map-based application is high on utility compared to a static map - in terms of capability to navigate and it being query-able & interactive in nature.
One can even filter the view type: for example, we can hide from view the states which contribute < Rs 10 lacs to annual sales.
Since the mapping platform is dynamic in nature, the map view instantly changes as per the parameters we choose to apply.
Q: What changes can you spot in the map view below?
A: In this map, we have used 3 data classes for Sales Revenue in terms of absolute values - <10 lacs, <20 lacs and <30 lacs respectively. In the first map, we had used Sales figures as a % of total sales with 4 data classes - <2.5%, <5%, <7.5% and <10%.
With each iteration, we can understand the data from a new perspective and uncover new insights which could be useful for decision-making.
Now these are just basic iterations. One can create custom dashboards, use geoprocessing tools & create engaging visualizations to enhance the supply chain map so that the user can glean the maximum relevant information from his screen.
Also, while this is a customer-facing view of the supply chain with Sales as a core parameter, one can have a map-based representation for the supplier-facing processes as well- suppliers, shippers, warehouses, and so on.
Through this article, what I want to emphasize is that virtually, every aspect of your supply chain can be mapped out on a single screen. In this map view, one can even sync sensor feed - eg. for logistics assets so that one can track the location of shipments, path taken, ETA, on a near real-time basis.
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services | Mapmyops.com is based in Kolkata, India and engages in providing Mapping solutions that can be integrated with Operations Planning, Design and Audit workflows. These include but are not limited to - Drone Services, Subsurface Mapping Services, Location Analytics & App Development, Supply Chain Services & Remote Sensing Services. The services can be rendered pan-India, some even globally, and will aid an organization to meet its stated objectives especially pertaining to Operational Excellence, Cost Reduction, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, our area of expertise can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. The Infographic below highlights our capabilities.
Our 'Mapping for Operations'-themed workflow demonstrations can be accessed from the firm's Website / YouTube Channel and an overview can be obtained from this flyer. Happy to address queries and respond to documented requirements. Custom Demonstration, Training & Trials are facilitated only on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
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