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  • Writer's pictureArpit Shah

Depicting Supply Chain on a Map

Updated: May 16

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:

Map of a Customer-facing Supply Chain Network of ABC Tyres Ltd. - Fictitious depiction using Esri's ArcGIS Pro.
Figure 1: Map of a Customer-facing Supply Chain Network of ABC Tyres Ltd. - Fictitious depiction using Esri's ArcGIS Pro.

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)


Static Supply Chain Map exported to Esri's dynamic mapping platform - ArcGIS Online
Figure 2: Static Supply Chain Map exported to Esri's dynamic mapping platform - ArcGIS Online
 

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.


Display Filter > 10 lacs revenue applied
Figure 3: Display Filter > 10 lacs revenue applied
 

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?

Revenue depicted in Absolute terms - ArcGIS Online - Depicting Supply Chain on a Map
Figure 4: Sales Revenue depicted in Absolute terms

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 is engaged in providing mapping solutions to organizations which facilitate operations improvement, planning & monitoring workflows. These include but are not limited to Supply Chain Consulting, Drone Services, Location Analytics & Applications, Site Characterization, Satellite Imagery Analytics & Polluted Water Remediation. Projects can be conducted pan-India and overseas.


Several other mapping and operations workflows are documented on this Geo-blog. Reach out to us via email - projects@mapmyops.com or book a paid consultation (video meeting) from the link placed at the footer of this site's landing page.


Regards,

Arpit Shah

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