Supply chain mapping

It is a tool used for risk and vulnerability identification. It is a systematic approach used to identify business, supply and contractual risks arising from failure within the supply chain at some point in the flow of value towards the customer, or at some linkage point in the chain. This provides a time based representation of the process involved as goods, materials, information and other resources move via the supply chain. The map/network shows time taken at the interconnection and movement points within the chain to enable the organization to determine:

1. Interconnecting pipeline of supplier via which value adding elements must travel to reach the end user.
2. Transport link by which value adding elements are passed from one point to another in the chain.
3. Amount of work in progress (WIP) and inventory supplied at each stage of the pipe line.
4. Time taken to source replenishment from various points in the pipeline in event of disruption.

Reasons for supply chain mapping
Information gained from such analysis can assist in identifying areas of contractual and supply risk and for planning for the following actions:

1. Consulting and collaborating with supply chain partners.
2. Strengthening relationship and contractual protections at vulnerable linkage points.
3. Plan on monitoring and managing first tier suppliers of the supply chain in order to reduce vulnerabilities at lower tier.
4. To determine alternative sources of supply.
5. Help us plan for holding additional safety stock/buffer stock.
6. Helps us in formulating contingency plan for alternate arrangement in areas vulnerable to disruption.