Introduction
This case study details the development of an interactive supply chain performance dashboard using USAID’s pharmaceutical distribution data from 2006 to 2015. The dataset, publicly available on Kaggle, provided a rich foundation for analyzing global medical supply chain operations during a critical decade of international health aid.test test
Dashboard
Motivation
The primary goal of this project was two.
At first, to demonstrate proficiency in building supply chain dashboards and to uncover insights from USAID’s pharmaceutical distribution patterns. I was particularly interested in understanding how medical products, especially HIV and malaria medications, were distributed globally and which vendors played crucial roles in this humanitarian supply chain.
Analysis Approach
Geographical Distribution Analysis
The geographic analysis revealed fascinating patterns in USAID’s distribution network. The data showed concentrated support in South, East, and West African regions, where HIV and malaria medicines were most critically needed. By visualizing shipment values on an interactive map, stakeholders can immediately identify:
- Countries receiving the largest volumes of medical support
- Regional distribution patterns and potential gaps in coverage
- Underserved areas that might benefit from increased support, such as Caribbean nations
Vendor Performance Evaluation
I developed a comprehensive vendor ranking system that evaluates suppliers across multiple dimensions:
Volume metrics: Total shipments handled
Financial metrics: Total value of products delivered
Delivery performance: On-time delivery rates and average delays
Product portfolio diversity: Range of medical products supplied
The top 15 vendor performance ranking reveals which pharmaceutical suppliers were most influential in USAID’s operations between 2006 and 2015, providing valuable insights for strategic partnership decisions.
Product Portfolio Analysis
The analysis examined the diversity and distribution of medical products, focusing on critical categories like antiretrovirals, antimalarials, and essential medicines. This helps identify supply chain strengths and potential vulnerabilities in product availability.
Key Features
To enhance user experience and accessibility, I implemented a reference navigation tab that explains:
Medical product abbreviations and classifications
Logistics terminology and supply chain metrics
Key performance indicators and their calculations
This feature ensures that both technical and non-technical stakeholders can effectively interpret the dashboard.
Technical Implementation
The dashboard successfully integrates into this blog using iframe embedding, providing a seamless user experience without requiring separate browser windows. This technical approach demonstrates the value of modern web technologies in making data analysis accessible and shareable.
Lessons Learned
The Power of Visualization
Transforming numerical datasets into interactive visualizations dramatically improved understanding of: - Key players in the global medical supply chain - Regional distribution patterns and potential improvement areas - Vendor performance comparisons at a glance
The dashboard format enables easy sharing with stakeholders, facilitating data-driven discussions about supply chain optimization and strategic planning.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
Data Interpretation Pitfalls: Initially, I misconnected vendor information with country data, leading to confusion about pharmaceutical company locations. This error highlighted the importance of thorough data validation—I initially wondered why so many pharmaceutical companies appeared to be based in African countries, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam before realizing my mapping error.
EDA Complexity: The exploratory data analysis phase proved challenging with numerous variables and potential visualizations. I occasionally lost focus amid the possibilities, emphasizing the need for clear analytical objectives.
Performance Metrics Calibration: Creating meaningful performance scores required careful consideration. Initial calculations produced counterintuitive results like 6000% efficiency scores. Through iterative refinement, I developed a normalized scoring system that weighs three key factors:
Volume performance
Price competitiveness
Delivery reliability (measured by shipment delays)
This balanced approach produces scores that stakeholders can intuitively understand and act upon.
Future Enhancements
From a business perspective, several analytical expansions could provide additional value:
Trend Analysis
Examining the last three years of the dataset in detail could reveal: - Emerging distribution patterns - Seasonal fluctuations in demand - Vendor performance trajectories
Delivery Optimization
Deep-diving into delivery performance could identify opportunities to:
Reduce unnecessary logistics costs
Minimize critical delays that risk medicine expiration
Strengthen negotiations with courier services and freight forwarders
By quantifying delays for high-volume products and presenting data-driven evidence, procurement teams could engage logistics partners in meaningful discussions about service improvements. When buyers can demonstrate impact through clear visualizations—showing exactly which products face delays and their financial implications—logistics companies are more likely to take corrective action seriously.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how modern data visualization techniques can transform complex supply chain data into actionable insights. The USAID dashboard not only showcases technical capabilities but also provides genuine value for understanding and optimizing humanitarian medical supply chains. The combination of geographic analysis, vendor performance metrics, and product portfolio insights creates a comprehensive tool for strategic decision-making in global health logistics.
The experience reinforced that effective data visualization requires both technical skill and domain understanding—knowing not just how to display data, but what displays will drive meaningful action. As supply chains become increasingly complex and global, tools like this dashboard become essential for maintaining efficiency and ensuring that critical medical supplies reach those who need them most.
The dashboard is build with Quarto.