Quick Summary: The Supply Chain Map tab visualizes the end to end flow of stock from suppliers and raw materials through the current item and location, down to dependent locations, open sales orders, and average demand. It helps planners understand supply relationships and inventory dependencies across the network.
Why the Supply Chain Map Tab Matters
The Supply Chain Map tab provides a visual overview of how stock flows through your supply network. It helps planners understand upstream supply sources, downstream demand dependencies, and inventory relationships when investigating exceptions, shortages, or unusual planning behavior.
This view is primarily used to support analysis and troubleshooting rather than daily replenishment activity.
How to Read the Supply Chain Map Tab
Navigate to the Item Inquiry screen > Supply Chain Map tab.
The Supply Chain Map displays the flow of stock starting from suppliers and raw materials, through the selected item and location, and continuing down to dependent locations, open sales orders, and forecast demand.
Connected nodes represent suppliers, items, locations, and customers. Lines between nodes indicate the direction and relationship of inventory flow.
This layout allows you to visually trace how stock is sourced, processed, and distributed across the network.
Understanding Upstream Supply Connections
Supplier and material nodes appear above the current item and location.
These nodes show where stock originates and which suppliers are currently linked to the item.
Use this view to:
Identify primary and alternate supplier relationships
Confirm which suppliers are feeding the selected location
Understand upstream dependencies when investigating supply risk or delays
Understanding Downstream Location and Customer Connections
Dependent location and customer nodes appear below the current item and location.
These nodes represent where stock is consumed or distributed.
This includes:
Locations that receive stock transfers
Customers with open sales orders (defined customer)
Aggregated forecast demand not tied to specific orders (undefined customer)
This structure allows you to see how demand flows downstream and how the current item supports fulfillment activity.
Using The "i" Button
Click the "i" icon on any supported node to view contextual information without leaving the map.
The information displayed depends on the node type.
Item and Location Nodes
When selecting the current item, dependent location, or BOM item nodes, the "i" panel displays:
Safety stock
Stock on hand
Stock status
This allows you to quickly assess inventory health and coverage at different points in the network.
Supplier Nodes
When selecting a Supplier node, the "i" panel displays open purchase orders linked to the item.
This supports investigation of upstream supply behavior when reviewing delays or shortages.
Customer Nodes
When selecting a defined Customer node, the "i" panel displays open sales orders linked to the item.
When selecting an undefined Customers node, the "i" panel displays the sales history and sales forecast linked to the item.
This supports investigation of downstream demand drivers and forecast behavior.
Interacting With Nodes
Interaction behavior depends on the node type.
The following interactions are supported:
Supplier nodes: Opens the Supplier Editing screen
BOM raw material item nodes: Opens the Item Inquiry screen for the BOM item at the same location
BOM finished good item nodes: Opens the Item Inquiry screen for the BOM item at the same location
Dependent location item nodes: Opens the Item Inquiry screen for the same item at the dependent location
The following nodes do not support drill-in navigation:
Current item at the selected location
Defined Customer nodes
Undefined Customer nodes
These nodes are displayed for visibility and relationship context.
Confirmed Demand Versus Forecast Demand
The Supply Chain Map displays both actual and projected demand.
Named customer nodes represent open sales orders that already exist in the system.
Nodes labeled simply as Customers represent aggregated forecast demand that is not tied to specific customer orders.
This distinction is important because the map shows total downstream consumption drivers, not only confirmed orders.
⚠️ Watchouts
Use for investigation, not daily planning: The Supply Chain Map is intended as a diagnostic and visibility tool. It is not required for routine replenishment or ordering tasks.
Visual density can increase with complex networks: Items with many suppliers, BOM links, or dependent locations may display dense connection paths. Focus on the specific nodes you are investigating rather than trying to interpret the entire network at once.
💡 Tips
Follow the demand flow: Trace open sales orders and average demand indicators to understand which downstream customers are driving replenishment activity.
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