How to filter a supply chain out of a complex network

There are many different attributes associated with a given company, such as size and location. To make this information useful, you can filter for these attributes and the map will show you all the companies within these parameters and how they are associated with you. For instance, if you are filtering for companies in Germany, all the companies located there will be highlighted, but also the companies in other countries which are between you and them.

But the most important filter is the one for products. A product can be attached to a relation.

By including product structures, such as bill of material, the downstream supply chain is readily visible when a product is displayed. For example, if your supplier supplies you with a completed engine, when you display that, all the manufactures of the individual components will also be displayed.

This will help you determine potential problems within other parts of your supply chain. When having an incident like for example an earthquake in Japan, you can quickly and easily find all supply chains, suppliers and products that are effected.

Picture 2 shows a filter result of the picture in my last post (filtered for product and company location). The supplier network of the specific product with relations to suppliers and sub-suppliers in Germany is displayed. The red knot in the middle shows the focal company. Supplier locations in Germany are marked with a blue star. You can also see locations that are part of the supply chain, but not in Germany. Additionally relations that have the transport concept “Just in time” are marker yellow.

As a result, a supply chain map shows your complete supplier network - at every stage. By using filters you are able to extract the data you need. All stakeholders will have the same information and “speak the same language”. Risks and potentials can be made visible.
A supply chain map is the basis for all further actions within your supplier network.

Stay tuned

For more information: www.supply-chain-mapping.com