Mapping

What is Mapping?

Mapping is a crucial concept in the world of logistics, especially when it comes to exchanging data electronically. In simple terms, mapping refers to the process of diagramming data and determining how it will be used and which business management systems require it. This preliminary step is essential for developing an applications link, which allows different systems to communicate and share information seamlessly.

To understand mapping better, let's consider an example. Imagine you are working for a company that manufactures and sells products. Your company uses a variety of systems to manage different aspects of the business, such as inventory management, sales, and customer relationship management. These systems often need to exchange data with each other to ensure smooth operations.

Now, let's say you want to integrate your inventory management system with your sales system. This integration would allow real-time updates of inventory levels when a sale is made, ensuring accurate stock information. However, for these systems to communicate effectively, they need to understand each other's data formats and structures. This is where mapping comes into play.

The process of mapping involves analyzing the data requirements of both systems and creating a diagram that outlines how the data will be exchanged. It includes identifying the specific data elements needed, their formats, and any transformations required to match the receiving system's requirements. For example, the inventory management system may use a different code for a product than the sales system. Mapping would involve defining how these codes should be translated to ensure accurate data exchange.

Mapping is typically performed by a functional manager responsible for a business management system. This individual has a deep understanding of the system's requirements and can effectively bridge the gap between different systems. They work closely with technical experts to ensure that the mapping process aligns with the capabilities of the systems involved.

Once the mapping is complete, it serves as a blueprint for developing an applications link. This link acts as a bridge between the systems, allowing them to exchange data seamlessly. It ensures that the right data is sent to the right system in the correct format, enabling efficient and accurate information flow.

In conclusion, mapping is a vital step in logistics when it comes to exchanging data electronically. It involves diagramming data, understanding its usage, and determining the requirements of different business management systems. By mapping the data effectively, companies can develop applications links that enable smooth communication between systems, leading to improved efficiency and accuracy in logistics operations.