Skip to main content

Supply Chain Domain

The Supply Chain domain represents the end-to-end network and processes governing the flow of materials, goods, services, and related information from suppliers through to customers. It provides a structured approach for modeling supplier networks, logistics operations, inventory management, and supply chain processes.

Schema Version: 2.1
Schema Location: /schemas/supply-chain.schema.json
Specification: JSON Schema Draft-07

Overview

What is the Supply Chain Domain?

The Supply Chain domain captures the external network and flow dimensions that enable organizational activities, enabling supply chain-centric analysis that drives strategic planning, operational efficiency, and resilience. The domain covers:

  • Supplier Networks — Structured arrangements of supplier relationships
  • Supply Chain Processes — Defined sequences transforming inputs to outputs
  • Logistics Networks — Physical facilities and transportation connections
  • Inventory Management — Approaches to maintaining optimal inventory levels

This domain extends the Orthogramic Metamodel by providing deeper insights into supply chain structures, network dynamics, and process flows.

Purpose and Value

The Supply Chain domain enables architects and planners to:

  • Model network structure — Analyze end-to-end supply chain including suppliers and partners
  • Map processes — Connect supply chain processes to business operations
  • Support decisions — Enable data-driven network design and supplier selection
  • Drive resilience — Improve visibility into supply chain risks and vulnerabilities
  • Optimize performance — Measure cost, service, quality, and sustainability
For Data Engineers

The Supply Chain domain maps directly to supply chain data concepts:

  • Supplier Network → Supplier dimension /master data
  • Supply Chain Process → Process flow /event stream
  • Logistics Network → Location /facility dimension
  • Inventory → Inventory fact table
  • Lead Time → Time-series metrics

Core Components

The Supply Chain domain uses interconnected operational elements:

  1. Supplier Networks: External organizations providing materials and services
  2. Supply Chain Processes: Sequences from sourcing to fulfillment
  3. Logistics Networks: Physical infrastructure for movement
  4. Inventory Management: Stock levels and policies

Domain Attributes

Core Attributes

AttributeTypeDescriptionRequired
supplyChainIDStringUnique identifier for supply chain element
titleStringName or title of supply chain element
descriptionStringDetailed explanation
supplyChainCategoryEnumClassification within supply network
orgUnitTitleStringOrganization unit responsible
orgUnitRolesArray[String]Roles managing supply chain
supplyChainScopeEnumOrganizational breadth
geographicCoverageObjectGeographic regions covered
locationStrategyObjectFacility location approach
leadTimeObjectEnd-to-end and component lead times
volumeCapacityObjectNormal and peak capacity
costStructureObjectCost breakdown and trends
flexibilityRatingObjectVolume, mix, and product flexibility
resilienceRatingObjectRedundancy and recovery capability
riskProfileObjectKey risk factors and mitigation
sustainabilityRatingObjectEnvironmental and social performance
qualityMetricsArray[Object]Quality performance indicators
technologyEnablersArray[Object]Enabling technologies
digitalMaturityObjectDigital transformation status
maturityLevelObjectOverall supply chain maturity
improvementOpportunitiesArray[Object]Enhancement opportunities
strategicImportanceObjectStrategic contribution
competitiveAdvantageObjectCompetitive positioning
dependenciesArray[Object]Dependencies on other domains
relatedSupplyChainElementsArray[Object]Related elements
governanceModelObjectGovernance structure

Enumeration Values

Supply Chain Category (supplyChainCategory)

ValueDescriptionExample
ManufacturingProduction-focused supply chainAssembly operations
DistributionDistribution-focusedRetail distribution
ServiceService delivery chainField service
ProcurementSourcing-focusedStrategic sourcing
ReverseReturns and recyclingProduct returns

Supply Chain Scope (supplyChainScope)

ValueDescription
EnterpriseEntire organization
DivisionBusiness division
Product LineSpecific product line
RegionalGeographic region
SegmentCustomer segment

Maturity Level (maturityLevel)

ValueDescription
InitialAd-hoc, reactive processes
DevelopingBasic processes defined
DefinedStandardized processes
ManagedMeasured and controlled
OptimizingContinuous improvement

Location Strategy Type (locationStrategyType)

ValueDescriptionExample
Proximity-to-SupplyNear suppliersManufacturing hubs
Proximity-to-MarketNear customersDistribution centers
Low-CostCost-optimized locationsOffshore facilities
HybridBalanced approachMulti-criteria

Supplier Network Elements

AttributeTypeDescription
networkIDStringUnique identifier
networkTitleStringName of supplier network
descriptionStringDetailed description
supplierCategoriesArray[Object]Types of suppliers
supplierTiersArray[Object]Tier 1, Tier 2, etc.
geographicDistributionObjectGeographic spread
singleSourceComponentsArray[Object]Single-source items
criticalSuppliersArray[Object]Key strategic suppliers
supplierSelectionCriteriaArray[Object]Selection factors
supplierPerformanceMetricsArray[Object]Performance tracking
riskProfileObjectNetwork risk assessment
sustainabilityRequirementsObjectESG requirements
technologyIntegrationObjectDigital integration level
collaborationModelObjectPartnership approaches
spendAnalysisObjectSpend breakdown

Logistics Network Elements

AttributeTypeDescription
networkIDStringUnique identifier
networkTitleStringName of logistics network
networkTypeEnumType: Inbound, Outbound, Reverse, Internal
facilitiesArray[Object]Facilities in network
transportationModesArray[Object]Transportation types
routeStructureObjectRoute configuration
capacityUtilizationObjectCapacity usage
serviceLevelObjectService performance
costPerformanceObjectCost metrics
carbonFootprintObjectEnvironmental impact

Inventory Management Elements

AttributeTypeDescription
inventoryIDStringUnique identifier
inventoryTitleStringName of inventory policy
inventoryTypeEnumType: Raw Material, WIP, Finished Goods, MRO
inventoryPolicyObjectStocking policy
safetyStockObjectBuffer stock levels
turnoverRateObjectInventory turns
carryingCostObjectHolding costs
serviceLevelObjectFill rate targets
obsolescenceRiskObjectAging risk

Domain Relationships

The Supply Chain domain integrates with other metamodel domains:

Target DomainRelationship TypeDescription
StrategyAlignmentSupply chain supports strategic objectives
CapabilitiesEnablementSupply chain capabilities required
ProductsDeliverySupply chain delivers products
ServicesSupportSupply chain enables service delivery
TechnologyIntegrationTechnology enables supply chain
FinanceCostSupply chain costs tracked
RiskExposureSupply chain risks identified
SustainabilityImpactEnvironmental footprint managed
PerformanceMeasurementSupply chain KPIs tracked
StakeholderPartnershipSuppliers as stakeholders

Examples

Example 1: Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain

{
"supplyChainID": "SC-MFG-001",
"title": "Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain",
"description": "End-to-end supply chain for consumer electronics manufacturing, including component sourcing, assembly operations, distribution networks, and aftermarket service fulfillment.",
"supplyChainCategory": "Manufacturing",
"orgUnitTitle": "Global Supply Chain Management",
"orgUnitRoles": ["Chief Supply Chain Officer", "Director of Global Sourcing", "Logistics Operations Manager"],
"supplyChainScope": "Enterprise",
"geographicCoverage": {
"regions": ["North America", "Europe", "Asia-Pacific", "Southeast Asia"],
"countries": ["United States", "China", "Vietnam", "Germany", "Malaysia", "Mexico"],
"coverageType": "global",
"expansionPlans": "Evaluating new manufacturing hub in Eastern Europe by 2026"
},
"locationStrategy": {
"strategyType": "Proximity-to-Supply",
"strategyDescription": "Primary manufacturing facilities positioned near key semiconductor and component suppliers with regional distribution centers close to major markets",
"evaluationCriteria": ["Supplier ecosystem density", "Labor expertise", "Logistics infrastructure", "Tax incentives"]
},
"leadTime": {
"endToEndLeadTime": "45-60 days",
"componentLeadTimes": [
{
"componentName": "Semiconductor procurement",
"duration": "30-45 days",
"variability": "High - affected by global shortages"
},
{
"componentName": "Final assembly",
"duration": "7 days",
"variability": "Low"
},
{
"componentName": "Distribution to regional centers",
"duration": "5-10 days",
"variability": "Medium - affected by port congestion"
}
],
"leadTimeReliability": "72% on-time delivery to commitment dates",
"improvementTargets": "Reduce end-to-end lead time to 35 days by Q4 2026"
},
"volumeCapacity": {
"normalCapacity": "1.2 million units per month",
"peakCapacity": "1.5 million units per month",
"utilizationRate": "83% average utilization",
"capacityConstraints": ["Semiconductor availability", "Skilled labor in Vietnam facility", "Q4 shipping capacity"]
},
"costStructure": {
"totalCost": "$425M annual supply chain operational cost",
"costComponents": [
{"componentName": "Materials and components", "amount": "$312M", "percentage": 73.4},
{"componentName": "Manufacturing labor", "amount": "$48M", "percentage": 11.3},
{"componentName": "Logistics and transportation", "amount": "$36M", "percentage": 8.5},
{"componentName": "Warehousing and inventory", "amount": "$19M", "percentage": 4.5}
],
"costTrends": "Component costs decreasing 3% annually, logistics costs increasing 7% annually",
"costReductionTargets": "8% total cost reduction target over next 24 months"
},
"resilienceRating": {
"overallRating": "moderate",
"redundancyLevel": "low",
"diversificationLevel": "moderate",
"visibilityLevel": "high",
"recoveryCapability": "moderate",
"resilienceInvestments": ["Secondary supplier qualification program", "Regional inventory buffers", "Multi-modal transportation capability"]
},
"riskProfile": {
"overallRiskLevel": "high",
"keyRiskFactors": [
{
"factorName": "Semiconductor supply constraints",
"riskLevel": "high",
"mitigationApproach": "Long-term contracts, strategic inventory, supplier diversification"
},
{
"factorName": "Geopolitical disruption in Asia",
"riskLevel": "high",
"mitigationApproach": "Manufacturing footprint diversification, scenario planning"
}
]
},
"sustainabilityRating": {
"overallRating": "moderate",
"carbonFootprint": "187,000 metric tons CO2e annually",
"wasteReduction": "72% manufacturing waste diverted from landfill",
"sustainabilityInitiatives": ["Renewable energy transition", "Packaging redesign program", "Scope 3 emissions tracking"]
},
"technologyEnablers": [
{
"technologyName": "Supply Chain Control Tower",
"technologyPurpose": "End-to-end visibility and exception management",
"implementationStatus": "operational",
"businessImpact": "45% reduction in supply disruption resolution time"
},
{
"technologyName": "ML Demand Forecasting",
"technologyPurpose": "Improved demand prediction accuracy",
"implementationStatus": "operational",
"businessImpact": "18% reduction in forecast error"
}
],
"qualityMetrics": [
{
"metricName": "First Pass Yield",
"currentValue": "94.6%",
"targetValue": "97%",
"trend": "improving"
},
{
"metricName": "Defect Rate",
"currentValue": "350 DPMO",
"targetValue": "200 DPMO",
"trend": "improving"
}
]
}

Example 2: Retail Distribution Network

{
"supplyChainID": "SC-DIST-001",
"title": "Regional Retail Distribution Network",
"description": "Distribution network serving retail stores across the Eastern region",
"supplyChainCategory": "Distribution",
"orgUnitTitle": "Distribution Operations",
"supplyChainScope": "Regional",
"geographicCoverage": {
"regions": ["Northeast US", "Southeast US"],
"coverageType": "regional"
},
"leadTime": {
"endToEndLeadTime": "2-5 days",
"leadTimeReliability": "95% on-time delivery"
},
"volumeCapacity": {
"normalCapacity": "500,000 cases per week",
"peakCapacity": "750,000 cases per week"
}
}

Implementation Guidelines

Supply Chain Design Best Practices

  1. Design for resilience — Build redundancy and flexibility into networks
  2. Optimize total cost — Balance all cost components holistically
  3. Enable visibility — Implement end-to-end tracking and monitoring
  4. Manage risk — Identify and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities
  5. Drive sustainability — Integrate ESG considerations into operations

Supply Chain Performance Framework

SCOR Model Alignment

SCOR ProcessOrthogramic Mapping
PlanDemand planning, S&OP processes
SourceSupplier networks, procurement
MakeManufacturing processes
DeliverLogistics networks, fulfillment
ReturnReverse logistics
EnableTechnology, governance

OpenMetadata Integration

For Data Platform Teams

When integrating with OpenMetadata, map Supply Chain entities as follows:

Orthogramic ElementOpenMetadata EntityNotes
Supplier NetworkDatabaseSupplier data source
Supply Chain ProcessPipelineProcess flows
Logistics DataTableLocation/shipment data
InventoryTableInventory fact tables
KPIsDashboardSupply chain dashboards
# Example: Map Supply Chain to OpenMetadata Pipeline
def create_supply_chain_pipeline(supply_chain):
"""
Map Orthogramic Supply Chain to OpenMetadata Pipeline
"""
return {
"name": supply_chain["supplyChainID"].lower(),
"displayName": supply_chain["title"],
"description": supply_chain["description"],
"pipelineType": "supplyChain",
"owner": {"name": supply_chain.get("orgUnitTitle", ""), "type": "team"},
"tags": [
{"tagFQN": f"SupplyChainCategory.{supply_chain['supplyChainCategory']}"},
{"tagFQN": f"Scope.{supply_chain.get('supplyChainScope', 'Enterprise')}"}
],
"tasks": [
{
"name": "source",
"displayName": "Sourcing",
"taskType": "procurement"
},
{
"name": "make",
"displayName": "Manufacturing",
"taskType": "production"
},
{
"name": "deliver",
"displayName": "Distribution",
"taskType": "logistics"
}
]
}

Schema Reference

  • Repository: Orthogramic/Orthogramic_Metamodel
  • Schema Location: /schemas/supply-chain.schema.json
  • Version: 2.1
  • Specification: JSON Schema Draft-07
  • License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Previous: Risk Management Domain | Next: Sustainability Domain