From Wireframe to Dashboard – Creating Transparency in Supply Chain Networks

Abstract

In this research, we take a wireframe network (tiered visualization of the nodes and edges in a supply chain network) and describe how it can be transformed into a dashboard. A dashboard is a form of data visualization which provides at-a-glance views of key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to a particular objective or business process. We then identify several dimensions of information which should be included in the dashboard, such as structural, geographic as well as financial layers. The resulting dashboard tool is broad-based since, depending on the goal of the analyst, further layers may be applied to the structure. The information can then help improve the understanding of the supply network beyond confirming what is already known. This paper describes the information framework for the dashboard. The knowledge that is obtained through the analysis of the dashboard will yield areas for improvement and greater efficiency in the supply chain, reduce the chances of disruption and enable the supply chain to stay competitive.