Having delved into some specialized Mapping (GIS) applications for Supply Chain in my previous blog entries (Location Selection, Planning, Optimization, Insights), I realized that I have missed sharing something very basic (yet very useful) altogether.
I have used GIS to plot a Customer-facing Supply Chain of a fictitious Tyre Manufacturing Co. - ABC Tyres Ltd. - with pan-India operations. The mapped Supply Chain Network comprises 3 echelons - Factory, Warehouse & Distributor. Each state of India has been shaded as per its Sales Contribution (% of total Sales) to the company.
Here is the final output-
What can you infer about ABC's operations from this Map?
I think you would agree that the Map-based visual depiction is not only easier to comprehend, but also it reveals insights that may be otherwise hidden from view, let's say 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 (doesn't seem to work as on 28th October 2024).
Representative visual in Figure 2 below-
Tips for accessing the Web App - 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, the Connectors and see the information which pops up on the screen >> try changing the Symbology and Labeling >> use the search bar to hone in on a desired location.
The interactive Map-based Application has extra features and utility compared to a Static Map - primarily because the former is dynamic and queryable in nature.
One can even filter the View: for example, we can hide from view the States which contribute < INR 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: I've made some changes to the Static Map below (underlying dataset is the same as Figure 1). Can you compare both the maps and spot what I've done?
A: In this Map, I have used absolute values across 3 ranges to classify Sales Revenue - <INR 10 lacs, INR 10 - 20 lacs and INR 20 - 30 lacs respectively. In the first map, I had used % values of Total Sales Revenue across 4 ranges - <2.5%, <2.6 - 5%, <5.1 - 7.5% and <7.6 - 10%.
With this iteration, I can understand the data from a new perspective and uncover useful insights which could be beneficial for decision-making.
While these are just basic iterations, one can also 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 single screen view.
Also, while this is a Customer-facing view of the Supply Chain with Sales Revenue as the quantitative dataset, one can have a Map-based depiction for the Supplier-facing processes just as well - Suppliers, Shippers, Warehouses with Cost of Procurement as the quantitative dataset.
I want to emphasize is that virtually every aspect of the Supply Chain can be depicted on a single static Map view. One can even link feeds from Sensors, PoS (Point-of-Sale) Devices, Truck Tracking Devices etc. to this map - eg. with the latter one can track the location of goods, route taken & ETA on a 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 and Wastewater Treatment. 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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