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Visualizing Supply Chain Network using GIS

Writer: Arpit ShahArpit Shah

Updated: Feb 28

Having delved into some specialized Mapping (GIS) applications for Supply Chain in my previous entries (Siting, Logistical Planning, Geospatial Analytics), it dawned on me that I had missed sharing a very basic, yet very useful mapping workflow, altogether.


In this post, I will highlight the output of utilizing Mapping technology to plot the customer-facing Supply Chain network of a manufacturing organization with pan-India operations. The network comprises three echelons - Factories, Warehouses and Distributors.


The final output is depicted below - each state has been shaded as per its sales contribution i.e. percentage of total Sales Revenue it brings to the company.

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

Information conveyed geospatially is not only easier to comprehend, but also reveals insights through a visual perspective - something that one misses out when sifting through a text report or spreadsheet-based data. What you are seeing in Figure 1 is a static visual depiction of the supply chain network data - a dynamic version exists on the following portal https://arcg.is/5LDeL (application has expired as of 28th October 2024). Refer representative visuals in the ensuing figures below.


Usage instructions for the Web Application - Create a free account if prompted >> use the interface as you would while navigating Google Maps >> Try zooming in/out >> click on nodes, states or line connectors and review the information which pops up on the screen >> try modifying the Symbology and Labeling >> use the Search bar to hone in on a desired location).


The interactive Map-based Web Application has several features which add tremendous utility to the Supply Chain Map - primarily because it is dynamic and query-able in nature-

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

For example, one can filter the map application to view just the high-performing states (those states which contribute >INR 10 lacs annually to the organization). Since the Mapping application is dynamic in nature, the view instantly changes as per the parameters applied-

Updated view after applying Display Filter of > INR 10 lacs revenue contribution
Figure 3: Updated view after applying Display Filter of > INR 10 lacs revenue contribution

Can you spot the change I've made to the Map in Figure 4 below? The underlying data remains the same - compare it with Figure 1.

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

I have made the switch to using absolute values across 3 classes (INR 0 - 10 lacs, INR 10 - 20 lacs and INR 20 - 30 lacs) to depict Sales Revenue instead of using percentage values across 4 classes (0-2.5%, 2.6 - 5%, 5.1 - 7.5% and 7.6 - 10%). This iteration, like several others that I can make, may help me to derive useful insights.


Besides dynamic Web Applications, one can also render the Supply Chain data as a custom Dashboard, use GIS-based Supply Chain Modelling, or create engaging Map-visualizations to enhance the utility of the output.


While I had shown you a downstream/customer-facing view of the Supply Chain network with sales revenue as an added parameter, one can also do something similar for supplier-facing network involving Suppliers, Shippers, Farmers, with Procurement Cost as the quantitative parameter.

Virtually every aspect of a Supply Chain can be depicted on a single map-view. One can even integrate Sensor-feeds, Point-of-Sale devices, and GPS Trackers to the Web Application (which by the way is also viewable on a Mobile Phone). By linking the latter, one can track the location of transportation vehicle, route taken by the driver, and estimated-time-of-arrival on a real-time basis.
 

We can help create a Supply Chain Map for your organization - email your requirements.


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-

Mapmyops (Intelloc Mapping Services) - Range of Capabilities and Problem Statements that we can help address
Mapmyops (Intelloc Mapping Services) - Range of Capabilities and Problem Statements that we can help address

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.


Regards,

Mapmyops I Intelloc Mapping Services

Mapmyops
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