Supply Chain Maps Are Crucial For Both Large-And-Small-Scale Businesses: Vikas Gupta Supply Chain Expert
Supply chain mapping is a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes, as it allows them to optimize their operations, identify risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions for the future.
Author:Habiba AshtonReviewer:Gordon DickersonFeb 14, 202395 Shares2K Views
Supply chain mapping is a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes, as it allows them to optimize their operations, identify risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions for the future. By creating a visual representation of the flow of goods, services, and information from raw materials to the end customer, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their supply chain and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Vikas Gupta, Senior Vendor Manager at Amazon and supply chain and logistics expert, recently spoke about the importance of supply chain mapping for both large and small-scale businesses, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gupta, who has a background in supply chain management is an alumnus of the University of Southern California and has extensive experience in optimizing supply chain operations. During the pandemic, Gupta led a team of 25 in launching turnkey operations for SunEdison, a leading solar energy company in India, and served as the Assistant General Manager of the Rooftop Solar Division.
According to Gupta, there are three main benefits of supply chain mapping: cost savings, risk management, and strategic planning.
Cost Savings
By understanding the various steps and stakeholders involved in their supply chain, businesses can identify opportunities to eliminate unnecessary steps or find more efficient sources for materials. For example, a clothing manufacturer may realize that they can save money by sourcing materials from a supplier that is closer to their factory, rather than one on the other side of the world. This can help businesses reduce their overall costs and improve their bottom line.
Risk Management
Another key benefit of supply chain mapping is risk management. By understanding the potential risks and vulnerabilities in their supply chain, businesses can put contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of disruptions or delays. For example, a food manufacturer may realize that they are reliant on a single supplier for a key ingredient, and put a plan in place to diversify their sources or find a backup supplier in case of a disruption. This can help businesses ensure that their operations run smoothly and minimize the impact of unforeseen events.
Strategic Planning
In addition to these practical benefits, supply chain mapping is also important for strategic planning and decision-making. It can help businesses identify new sources of value, such as by introducing new products or services or entering new markets. It can also help businesses understand the impact of their operations on the environment and society, and identify opportunities for sustainability and social responsibility. For example, a cosmetics company may use supply chain mapping to understand the environmental impact of their operations and identify opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint. They may realize that they can save resources and reduce their environmental impact by sourcing materials locally, rather than from overseas.
To conclude, supply chain mapping is an essential tool for businesses looking to optimize their operations, manage risks, and make informed decisions for the future. By creating a visual representation of their supply chain, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their operations and identify areas for improvement. It is particularly important in the current climate, as businesses face new challenges and uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By understanding and optimizing their supply chain, businesses can ensure that they are well-equipped to navigate the changing landscape and emerge stronger.
Habiba Ashton
Author
Gordon Dickerson
Reviewer
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