Which of the following is a common tool used in network optimization?

Network optimization involves determining the most efficient way to distribute goods or services across a network, taking into account various factors like cost, time, and distance. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are specifically designed to analyze spatial and geographic data, which makes them particularly suitable for optimizing logistics and supply chain networks. They help in visualizing routes, analyzing geographic trends, and making informed decisions about transportation and distribution strategies.

Using GIS, companies can assess factors like population density, transportation infrastructure, and geographic barriers, which directly influence the design and efficiency of their supply chain networks. This capability to visualize complex data spatially and perform analyses on geographic relationships is what makes GIS a powerful tool in network optimization.

In contrast, flowcharting software, while useful for process mapping, does not specifically aid in network optimization. Spreadsheet applications for forecasting are valuable for data analysis and projections but do not directly address network design. Inventory management systems focus on tracking and managing stock levels rather than the geographical and logistical elements of a supply chain network. Thus, the choice of GIS as a tool for network optimization is justified by its ability to leverage geographic data to facilitate efficient decision-making in logistics and supply chains.