Geospatial Event Visualization for Supply Chain Risk Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supply chain management systems lack effective tools to predict and mitigate the impact of events such as natural disasters and social unrest on global supply chains, leading to disruptions in product delivery and services.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that visualizes event impact risk over time by plotting event paths on a geospatial map, generating connected geospatial polygons to represent event intensity, and identifying locations of interest at risk, allowing for proactive risk mitigation actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If predictive storm path models are used to inform the public, then public safety awareness is improved, but supply chain management capability is not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments information delivery by creating distinct visualization layers: public safety information is provided through general storm path models, while supply chain-specific risk information is delivered through specialized geospatial visualizations that show impact zones on specific locations of interest. This segmentation allows both public safety and supply chain management needs to be met simultaneously through different information channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that translates generic storm path data into supply chain-specific risk assessments. The geospatial visualization system acts as a mediator that takes public weather data and transforms it into actionable supply chain risk information by overlaying storm impact zones with specific supply chain locations, enabling both public awareness and operational decision-making.
2Productivity
If supply chain sites are placed in unstable regions to achieve leaner supply chains, then supply chain efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to disruptions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary risk assessment by generating geospatial visualizations of potential storm impact zones before disruptions occur. By identifying locations of interest and pre-calculating impact areas using connected geospatial polygons, the system enables advance warning and proactive decision-making, allowing supply chain managers to take preventive actions such as pre-positioning inventory or activating backup facilities before actual disruptions occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where real-time storm tracking data is continuously overlaid with pre-defined supply chain location data. The system provides ongoing feedback about approaching threats to specific supply chain sites, enabling dynamic decision-making and resource allocation adjustments based on the evolving storm situation and predicted impact zones.
Data Source
AI summary
Visualizing event impact risk over time. At least one location of interest is identified on a geospatial map, and an event path is plotted on the geospatial map for an event over time. The event path includes actual and/or forecasted paths of the event. Along the event path, connected geospatial polygons are generated. The geospatial polygons represent actual and/or forecasted intensity of the event over time. A determination is made as to whether the connected geospatial polygons intersect one or more of the locations of interest indicating an impact risk for the event. Action are taken to reduce the impact risk for the location of interest.