Visualizing a Supply Chain Network using GIS

Having explored several specialized GIS (Mapping) applications for Supply Chain in my earlier posts—such as Siting, Logistics and Analytics—it struck me that I had overlooked sharing a very basic, yet extremely useful, mapping workflow.

In this post, I highlight how Mapping technology can be used to plot the customer-facing Supply Chain network of a manufacturing organization with pan-India operations. The network consists of three echelons - Factories, Warehouses, and Distributors.

The final output is shown below, where each state is shaded based on its sales contribution—that is, the percentage of total Sales Revenue generated for the company.

Figure 1: Basic Supply Chain Map depicting the customer-facing network of a fictitious manufacturing organization. Prepared using Esri ArcGIS Pro.

Conveying information geospatially not only makes it easier to absorb but also reveals insights from a visual perspective—insights that are easy to miss when combing through text-heavy reports or spreadsheet data. What you see in Figure 1 is a static representation of the network.

A dynamic version previously existed at the following portal (application expired as of 28 October 2024). Representative visuals from that interactive application are shown in Figures 2–4. Usage instructions: Create a free account if prompted → use the interface as you would Google Maps → zoom in/out → click on nodes, states or connectors to view pop-ups → try modifying Symbology and Labeling → use the Search bar to focus on a desired location.

The dynamic, query-able nature of the Web Application adds tremendous practical value to the Supply Chain Map.

Figure 2: Static Supply Chain Network Map exported to Esri’s dynamic mapping platform, ArcGIS Online

For example, you can filter the map to display only high-performing states—those contributing more than INR 10 lakhs annually. Because the view is dynamic, the map instantly updates once the filter is applied.

Figure 3: Updated view after applying a display filter (> INR 10 lakhs revenue contribution)

Now, compare Figure 4 below with Figure 1. The underlying data is the same—can you spot the change?

Figure 4: Sales Revenue depicted in absolute terms

Here, I have switched from percentage-based classes (0–2.5%, 2.6–5%, 5.1–7.5%, 7.6–10%) to absolute values grouped across three classes (INR 0–10 lakhs, 10–20 lakhs, 20–30 lakhs). This iteration—one of many possible—offers a different analytical perspective and may surface new insights.

In addition to dynamic Web Applications, one can also:

• build custom Dashboards,

• run GIS-based Supply Chain Models,

• create interactive Map Visualizations,

to significantly enhance the interpretability and operational utility of the output.

While the example above depicts a downstream / customer-facing view with Sales Revenue as the metric, an analogous workflow can be used to map the supplier-facing network—Suppliers, Shippers, Farmers—with Procurement Cost or other quantitative variables.

In fact, virtually every aspect of a Supply Chain can be visualized on a single map. One can even integrate sensor feeds, point-of-sale devices, and GPS trackers. When the latter is linked, the Web Application (also accessible on mobile phones) can track key parameters such as:

• the real-time location of transport vehicles,

• the route taken by drivers,

• and estimated time of arrival (ETA).

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"We can help create a Supply Chain Map for your organization. Please email your requirements to start the process."

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ABOUT US - OPERATIONS MAPPING SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS

Intelloc Mapping Services, Kolkata | Mapmyops.com offers a suite of Mapping and Analytics solutions that seamlessly integrate with Operations Planning, Design, and Audit workflows. Our capabilities include — but are not limited to — Drone Services, Location Analytics & GIS Applications, Satellite Imagery Analytics, Supply Chain Network Design, Subsurface Mapping and Wastewater Treatment. Projects are executed pan-India, delivering actionable insights and operational efficiency across sectors.

My firm's services can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. Our range of offerings are listed in the infographic below-

Range of solutions that Intelloc Mapping Services (Mapmyops.com) offers

A majority of our Mapping for Operations-themed workflows (50+) can be accessed from this website's landing page. We respond well to documented queries/requirements. Demonstrations/PoC can be facilitated, on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.

Regards,

Arpit Shah