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.
In this post, I have used GIS (Geographic Information System software) to plot a customer-facing Supply Chain network of a fictitious Tyre Manufacturing Co. with pan-India operations. The 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 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, Kolkata | Mapmyops.com offers Mapping services 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 and will aid your organization to meet its stated objectives pertaining to Operational Excellence, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, the firm's 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 brochure. 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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