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.
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-
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-
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.
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-
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,