US Patent 7900153 Supply chain visualization and management system with dynamic zooming

Supply chain visualization and management are achieved using supply entity icons and inventory parameters overlaid on a zoomable map image. A user zooms in and zooms out to display multiple geographical areas and variably receives greater or less detail regarding supply parameters. A user may initiate a transfer of products between supply entities by manipulating icons on an output device to result in the generation and sending of business documents to relevant entities. A hypothetical mode allows a user to estimate the effects of potential product transfers on entities within the supply chain.