Hey, I$\text{'}$m not sure we've met. I$\text{'}$m Harold. I've been here for almost a year and am excited to get to know you. I thought I$\text{'}$d get your opinion on something. I don't focus much of my time on optimization $$ I$\text{'}$m just trying to get my work done as fast as I can without causing issues. But I$\text{'}$m starting to think that's a problem. Can you help me figure out the first step of optimizing a supply network?

Good to meet you, Harold. I totally understand. Sometimes you get so caught up in getting your day$-$to$-$day tasks done, it's hard to focus on the bigger picture. The first step of supply chain optimization is to map the network. You should determine transportation, distribution, inventory management, customer service, and IT systems.

Good to meet you, Harold. I totally understand. Sometimes you get so caught up in getting your day$-$to$-$day tasks done, it's hard to focus on the bigger picture. The first step of supply chain optimization is to define the scope of the projects. This normally involves finance, sales, marketing, IT$,$ and production employees. At this step, you should discuss goals, timeline, parameters for the sensitivity analysis, and parameters off$-$limits to change $($e$.$g$.,$ locations, quantities, etc.$).$

Good to meet you, Harold. I totally understand. Sometimes you get so caught up in getting your day$-$to$-$day tasks done, it's hard to focus on the bigger picture. The first step of supply chain optimization is to collect data. At this point, project analysts should collect comprehensive data about supply chain operations, including shipment data, sales data, cost metrics, inventory data, workforce characteristics, and facility and fleet characteristics.