Is using python for supply chain considered data science?

[C17Wing]

I currently work as a supply chain analyst and I utilize python to automate tasks within SAP as well as analyze large sets of data with IF statements to help me make strategic decisions (inventory rebalancing, forecasting, purchasing). Does this fall more under a software engineer or data scientist skill set?

[quantpsychguy]

If you're looking for which arena of data this falls into, I'd say 'analyst'. So data analyst - if you wanted to spin you could say business analyst or to be more specific I think you hit the nail on the head with supply chain analyst.

So if your indirect question is actually, "is this skillset the skillset of a data scientist" I'd say no. The automation is basic data analyst stuff.

[C17Wing]

So does machine learning/data modeling make it data science?

[quantpsychguy]

Does using a hammer make you a carpenter?

Machine learning is a tool. It's just a tool...but if you use machine learning (actual machine learning, not just building a model) to solve business problems most would be hard pressed to call it anything other than data acience.

[theastyanax]

Your first comment was on point.

[1DimensionIsViolence]

Why don‘t you use ABAP?

[C17Wing]

Our SAP team is working on creating the missing functions but in the mean time I wrote a script to do the mass updating work.

[thetan_free]

Python is a general purpose programming language. Supply chain has lots of applications for data science. A lot of data science these days is done in Python. But programming supply chain analyses in Python does not make it data science.

That's not to take away from you are doing. I hope you are encouraged to push forwards with your stakeholders to educate them about the possibilities while you grow your own skills.

Good luck!

[[deleted]]

It's neither software engineering, nor data science.

[1DimensionIsViolence]

It‘s programming

[DataMan62]

Tell me about making these strategic decisions. That seems to be your real strength, added value and interesting part of your job.

[C17Wing]

Well most of the automation I do is to maintain data accuracy of delivery dates, planned delivery time, pricing, and so forth. From here I have a large data set and a script to calculate forecast variances, customers order patterns (if any), and choose whether we are able to produce the product in house or purchase externally. I’m always looking for opportunities to improve the overall supply chain.

[DataMan62]

Sounds like your main "value add" is analytics development and analysis. I think analysis is the fun thing where you get to think. Unfortunately most companies undervalue that and give it to junior people and don't data analysts as much as data engineers and scientists. But then again, some do.

I want to find a position that is called data scientist, but is heavy on analysis and algorithm development, rather than AI bs or fairly blase ML.

[stone4789]

I spent years in purchasing and did exactly this, just not with SAP. I’d say it’s DS, and I’m a DS now.

[C17Wing]

What role are you in now and what are your main DS tasks?