Supply chain visualization enables companies to orchestrate their supply chains for maximum efficiency while also allowing supply chain managers to immediately see all aspects simultaneously. Data visualization can provide insights on alternative sources and suppliers to evaluate the effect on overall costs, the projected effects of increases or decreases in demand, or what steps are necessary to prepare for planned promotions. These are simple, everyday occurrences that are virtually impossible to effectively plan and execute when the necessary data comes from various systems.

Global Supply Chains
The globalization of supply chains has made sourcing more complex. Not only do buyers need to consider price, quality and on-time delivery performance, they also need to consider logistics time and costs when deciding on the right supplier for an order. Supply chain visualization consolidates data from supplier performance records, logistics information, contracts and request for quote data and open purchase orders in real time, and presents the information in a way that simplifies the decision about the right supplier for the next purchase order.

Supply and Demand
In addition to sourcing, another complicated issue in supply chain management is deciding what to do about changes in supply or demand. Supply chain managers need to be able to see open purchase orders beside open sales orders to decide on a plan of action. If deliveries will be delayed, seeing other open orders that could be pulled or redeployed helps to make decisions simple. With real-time supply chain visualization, users don’t have to waste time consolidating data from multiple systems into a spreadsheet to see what’s possible prior to making adjustments. Data visualization software does it all for them and presents the results in an easy-to-understand graphic.

These are just a few of the ways that supply chain visualization supports more effective supply chains operations. Data mapping is relevant for every industry that relies on the efficient movement of finished and unfinished goods across their service area and across the globe.

Data mapping is relevant for every industry that relies on the efficient movement of finished and unfinished goods across their service area and across the globe.

Real-time supply chain visualization allows companies using multiple disparate systems to control their supply chain to enjoy the cost efficiency, fact-based decisions and customer loyalty that a world-class supply chain enables.