SCM of Bamboo Handicrafts
A system analysis project to synthesis design problem statements
A systems approach allows maximum impact with optimised resources. While system research is possible from a management point of view, in this project the system approach is viewed from a design point of view that aims at empathizing different stakeholders to understand the gaps and synthesize design problem statements to work on. While the project was carried out as an academic assignment(a team of five: Arrenius K, Deepshikha Pegu, Prerna Vimania, Greeshma Mohan), it involves stakeholders from the actual supply chain of the bamboo handicrafts in Guwahati. The project follows a systematic breakdown of the entire supply chain and exploits different gaps that can be closed to improve the bamboo handicraft sales and perception.
Issues & elements
Breaking the system in units that can be analysed
The first thing to do was to breakdown the system in smaller units to have a holistic understanding of the system. These are termed issues. Issues are further broken down to elements within the issue. An element is usually the different stakeholders that are responsible for the functioning of the issue and consequently the entire system. They are the working blocks of the system
GAP model
Analysing gaps between issues
The GAP model involves connecting all the issues (naturally or forcibly) and find out dependencies & independencies that have a cause and effect relationships between them. This helps in understanding the entire system as a whole. It further helps in understanding how a new design intervention will affect the other issues of the system. Thus, it will help optimize a new design intervention to create maximum impact.
Stock and flow
Understanding the system dynamics
Stock and flow diagrams help in understanding the changes that occur in a system. It not only allows us to understand the interdependencies in the system dynamics but also helps to project what needs to be done to gain the desired outcome.
All the stack and flow information are documented after interviewing the corresponding stakeholders.
Material flow
The material flow diagram (alongside, above) aims to capture the flow of raw material, processed raw material, finished product, and packed product. It also captures their dependencies.
Money flow
The money flow diagram(alongside below) aims to capture the flow of cash and value from stakeholders to stakeholder.
Data Flow Diagram
Understanding the flow of information
The most important asset of any model- data. A data flow diagram captures the flow of information and documentation from stakeholder to stakeholder. This is how information is logged and documented by stakeholders. Getting this information in a single diagram helps give a new perspective on the system.
Since a data flow diagram can get very complicated. Hence data flow diagrams are developed in increasing level of detail. This helps in gaining a broken down perspective while retaining the holistic view at the same time. The final data flow diagram (fourth level of detail) is displayed alongside.
Insights
Insight generation and problem statement development
We could jot down some valuable insights after synthesis of the above data. After iterative discussions, mindmaps and multiple classifications of the problems, 13 problem statements were screened with the potential of design intervention, out of which 3 were noted as high. A step further was taken and ideation and concepts were developed for the problem statement:
Design a way to make consumers empathize the craftsmen and the skill of handicraft.
About the concept: Inspired by the Ikea model, the concept includes a product with a part of it left for the user to complete by weaving. The packaging comes with the instructions on a few weaving techniques to complete the product. Hence the concept aims to bring in customization for the user, by the user; and during the process acknowledge the skill of craftsmanship.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/97402439/System-Analysis-for-Supply-Chain-Management