Sourcemap.org is a really cool idea. The website allows users to submit "sourcemaps," which are essentially supply chain diagrams of common products. The site's platform is completely web-based, and allows all kinds of customization. The whole idea behind Sourcemap is to drive transparency into the supply chain so that you, the consumer, knows what it took to make your iPod, Mac and Cheese, etc. Environmental impact is particularly important, as it allows you to calculate carbon emissions in each step of manufacturing, including delivery to your final destination.
Obviously Sourcemap isn't going to have any really sensitive or confidential information on real suppliers or pricing. And it depends entirely on user contributions for content. With time, though, I hope this project takes off. It's a great example of web technology enabling transparency in global manufacturing.
Here's a good example of a Sourcemap. It looks even better on the website, where you can play around with different options and see a description of the components. Check out the site to see one for an Ipod and Mac n Cheese!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment