Course Content
SCT 101: Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Explore the fundamentals of modern supply chain management, including procurement, production, inventory management, logistics, and distribution. Learn how technology transforms traditional supply chain processes and drives competitive advantage.
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SCT 101: Introduction to Supply Chain Management
SCT 102: Supply Chain Data Analytics
SCT 201: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
SCT 202: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
SCT 203: Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
SCT 204: IoT and Sensor Technologies in Supply Chain
SCT 301: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Supply Chains
SCT 302: Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency
SCT 303: Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in Supply Chain
SCT 304: Autonomous Vehicles and Drones in Logistics
SCT 305: Digital Twin Technology for Supply Chains
SCT 401: Cloud-Based Supply Chain Platforms
SCT 402: Cybersecurity for Supply Chain Systems
SCT 403: Sustainability and Green Supply Chain Technologies
SCT 404: Control Tower and Supply Chain Visibility Platforms
SCT 405: API Integration and Supply Chain Ecosystems
SCT 501: Supply Chain Technology Simulation Lab
SCT 502: Supply Chain Digital Transformation Capstone Project
Supply Chain Data Analytics Course
Complete Professional Course Course Code: SCT 102 Duration: 8 Weeks (6-8 hours per week) Level: Beginner to Intermediate Format: Online with hands-on exercises Course Overview Transform raw supply chain data into actionable insights. This comprehensive course teaches you to collect, analyze, visualize, and leverage data to optimize supply chain operations, reduce costs, and improve service levels. You'll master industry-standard tools and techniques used by leading organizations worldwide. What You'll Learn Extract and integrate data from multiple supply chain systems Apply statistical analysis to solve supply chain problems Build accurate demand forecasts using proven techniques Create compelling dashboards and visualizations Identify cost-saving opportunities through data analysis Make data-driven decisions that improve supply chain performance Who Should Take This Course Supply chain professionals seeking to enhance analytical skills Data analysts transitioning into supply chain roles Operations managers wanting to leverage data better Business analysts working with logistics and procurement Students pursuing careers in supply chain management Consultants advising on supply chain optimization
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Week 1: Foundations of Supply Chain Analytics
Week 2: Data Collection and Integration
Week 3: Descriptive Analytics and Reporting
Week 4: Data Visualization and Dashboards
Week 5: Demand Forecasting Analytics
Week 6: Inventory and Network Analytics
Week 7: Advanced Analytics Applications
Week 8: Analytics Strategy and Implementation
Foundations of Supply Chain Analytics
Supply chain analytics transforms management from a reactive process into a data-driven, predictive system that optimizes operations and reduces costs. This module introduces core concepts, the four types of analytics, the analytics maturity model, fostering a data culture, and typical applications.
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The Role of Analytics in Modern Supply Chains
Understanding Supply Chain Data
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Week 2: Data Collection and Integration
In 2026, supply chain data collection and integration have moved beyond simple batch processing to becoming an intelligent, real-time "nervous system" for global operations. Organizations now prioritize "Connected Intelligence," where AI, IoT, and cloud-native platforms unify disparate data streams into a single, actionable source of truth.
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Modern Data Collection Methods
Data Extraction Techniques
Data Cleaning and Preparation
Data Integration and ETL
Week 3: Descriptive Analytics and Reporting
In 2026, Descriptive Analytics serves as the "Digital Twin" of the supply chain, providing a high-fidelity, real-time mirror of what is happening across the global network. It has evolved from static monthly reports to dynamic, AI-narrated dashboards that prioritize visibility and historical benchmarking. 1. The Core Purpose: "What is Happening?" Descriptive analytics focuses on summarizing raw data into understandable insights. In the 2026 landscape, this involves: Real-Time Visibility: Moving beyond "lagging indicators" to show live inventory positions, transit locations (via GPS/IoT), and current warehouse capacity. Historical Benchmarking: Comparing current performance against previous quarters or industry standards to identify deviations. Aggregation: Rolling up granular data (e.g., individual SKU sales) into high-level views (e.g., regional product category performance). 2. Modern Reporting Architectures Reporting in 2026 is defined by interactivity and accessibility: Self-Service Dashboards: Tools like Tableau and Power BI allow non-technical managers to filter data by region, supplier, or product line without needing a data scientist. Mobile-First Reporting: Supply chain executives increasingly consume "push notifications" on mobile devices, alerting them to critical KPIs like a sudden drop in the Perfect Order Rate. AI-Generated Summaries: Modern platforms use Large Language Models (LLMs) to provide text-based summaries of reports (e.g., "Inventory levels in the Midwest hub are 15% higher than the 5-year average due to early supplier deliveries"). 3. Key Descriptive Visualizations Effective 2026 supply chain reporting uses specific visualizations to tell a story: Geospatial Maps: Showing live shipment routes, port congestion heatmaps, and supplier locations. Waterfall Charts: Visualizing inventory flow—starting with beginning stock, adding receipts, subtracting sales, and showing the final ending position. Trend Lines: Monitoring lead times over time to identify if a supplier’s performance is steadily degrading. Control Charts: Using statistical limits to see if warehouse processing times are staying within the expected "normal" range. 4. Essential Descriptive KPIs (The "Health Check") Total Spend by Category: A breakdown of where procurement dollars are going. Inventory Accuracy: The percentage of physical stock that matches the digital records in the WMS. Supplier Scorecards: A historical summary of a supplier’s on-time delivery and defect rates. Carbon Footprint Tracking: In 2026, descriptive reports mandatory include Scope 1 and 2 emissions data to meet global sustainability regulations. 5. Transitioning to Diagnostic Analytics While descriptive analytics tells you what happened (e.g., "Transportation costs rose 20%"), it sets the stage for Diagnostic Analytics, which uses that same data to investigate why (e.g., "Costs rose because of a 30% increase in fuel surcharges and a reliance on spot-market rates during a port strike"). 2026 Top Tools for Descriptive Analytics Business Intelligence: Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and Looker. Supply Chain Control Towers: One Network or Blue Yonder, which provide specialized descriptive views across multi-tier networks. Data Storytelling: Narrative Science (integrated into BI) for automated plain-English reporting.
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Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
Supply Chain Reporting
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Week 4: Data Visualization and Dashboards
In 2026, Data Visualization and Dashboards have evolved from simple reporting tools into "Action Centers" that unify global operations. Modern supply chain dashboards prioritize real-time visibility, AI-driven narratives, and role-based interactivity to allow teams to move from reactive troubleshooting to proactive orchestration. 1. Modern Dashboard Design Principles (2026) Effective dashboards in 2026 follow advanced UX/UI standards to manage the "Big Data" influx without overwhelming the user: Progressive Disclosure: Dashboards start with a high-level summary (The "Headline") and allow users to "drill down" into specifics (e.g., a single SKU or a specific port) only when needed. Visual Hierarchy: Critical KPIs like Perfect Order Rate or Shipment Delays are prioritized using size and color contrast (e.g., traffic-light indicators: Red, Amber, Green). Minimalist Design: To reduce cognitive load, modern interfaces utilize "whitespace" and eliminate "chart junk," focusing only on data that requires action. Contextual Storytelling: Dashboards use narrative techniques to guide the user through a data journey, often using animations to show how trends (like lead times) have shifted over time. 2. Strategic vs. Operational Dashboards Supply chain reporting is now segmented by the user's decision-making horizon: Strategic (CXO) Dashboards: Focus on long-term value, financial health, and resilience. They track metrics such as Total Landed Cost, Sustainability (ESG) Goals, and Supplier Risk Scores. Operational (Tactical) Dashboards: Used by warehouse and logistics managers for real-time execution. They display Inventory Accuracy, Daily Pick Rates, Truck ETAs, and Warehouse Capacity Utilization. 3. Emerging Visualization Technologies in 2026 Traditional 2D charts are being supplemented by immersive and intelligent technologies: Geospatial "Smart" Maps: Standard maps are replaced by layered geospatial intelligence that overlays traffic, weather, and GPS data to show real-time disruptions and optimal rerouting. Digital Twins: Dashboards now serve as interfaces for a "Digital Twin"—a virtual model of the entire supply chain that allows managers to run "what-if" simulations (e.g., "What happens if this port closes?") before making real-world changes. Holographic & AR Interfaces: Advanced control centers use Augmented Reality (AR) to overlay performance metrics onto physical factory floors or use holographic dashboards for remote multi-user collaboration. AI-Narrated Reporting: Platforms now use Generative AI to "write" a summary of the chart, explaining why a spike occurred and suggesting immediate steps to mitigate it. 4. Key Supply Chain Visualizations Common visual formats used for specific supply chain problems include: Heatmaps: Effective for identifying warehouse congestion or regional demand surges. Sankey/Waterfall Diagrams: Used to visualize inventory flow—from incoming supplier receipts to final customer shipments. Trend/Control Lines: Tracking lead times or defect rates against statistical "control limits" to spot anomalies. 5. Top Visualization & BI Tools for 2026 Leading software is chosen based on its ability to integrate "batch" data (ERP) with "streaming" data (IoT): Microsoft Power BI: The top choice for enterprises deeply integrated into the Microsoft/Azure ecosystem; features "Copilot" for natural language insights. Tableau: Renowned for design flexibility and powerful visual storytelling, favored by heavy analytical teams. Blue Yonder Luminate: A specialized supply chain platform that uses AI agents to deliver over 25 billion daily predictions via mobile-friendly dashboards. FineReport: A flexible, low-code reporting layer that wraps around existing ERPs to provide real-time manufacturing and logistics visibility. Kinaxis RapidResponse: Excels in real-time scenario planning and "always-on" concurrent planning dashboards.
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Principles of Effective Visualization
Building Interactive Dashboards
Supply Chain Visualization Use Cases
Week 5: Demand Forecasting Analytics
Core Analytics Framework for 2026 Modern demand forecasting follows a tiered analytical approach: Descriptive: Analyzing 18–24 months of stable historical data to identify baselines, seasonality, and trends. Predictive: Using machine learning (ML) models (e.g., XGBoost, LSTM) and external signals—such as weather, social media sentiment, and competitor pricing—to anticipate shifts before they occur. Prescriptive: Moving beyond "what will happen" to AI-driven recommendations on what actions to take, such as re-routing inventory or adjusting pricing in real-time. Advanced Forecasting Methods The 2026 standard is a Hybrid Approach, combining data-driven precision with human expertise. AI & Machine Learning: ML models now reduce traditional forecast errors by approximately 43%. Techniques like Neural Networks (LSTM) are favored for irregular time-series data, while Tree-based models (Random Forest) handle non-linear interactions between multiple variables. Probabilistic Forecasting: Unlike traditional "single-point" forecasts, these methods provide a range of possible outcomes, helping companies achieve 15–25% higher accuracy in volatile markets. Demand Sensing: Captures real-time signals from Point-of-Sale (POS) and IoT sensors to react to short-term shifts within hours rather than weeks. Judgmental (Qualitative): Still essential for new product launches or major disruptions where data is scarce, using structured expert panels like the Delphi Method. Essential Metrics & KPIs To ensure model performance in 2026, organizations track specific accuracy and financial metrics: MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error): The primary metric for overall accuracy; 15% is a common benchmark in retail and manufacturing. Forecast Bias: An early-warning KPI that detects if a model is consistently over-forecasting (leading to excess inventory) or under-forecasting (leading to stockouts). WMAPE (Weighted MAPE): Used for large SKU mixes to give more weight to high-volume/high-value items. Stockout Rate & Inventory Turns: Operational indicators that link forecast accuracy directly to P&L performance. 2026 Strategic Trends Agentic AI Orchestration: AI agents now autonomously perform tasks such as issuing RFPs or re-balancing inventory across distribution centers based on forecast changes. Digital Twins: End-to-end virtual models simulate "what-if" scenarios for events like tariff shifts or port strikes before they impact the physical supply chain. Sustainability Integration: Forecasting now includes carbon emission and energy load data, making sustainability a core performance driver. Elastic Logistics: Using forecasts to scale on-demand warehousing up or down in response to extreme volatility.
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Forecasting Fundamentals
Quantitative Forecasting Methods
Advanced Forecasting Techniques
Forecast Performance Management
Week 6: Inventory and Network Analytics
In 2026, Inventory and Network Analytics has evolved into a real-time "Digital Twin" discipline. It focuses on balancing the trade-off between high service levels and minimized working capital, while simultaneously optimizing the physical footprint of the supply chain to reduce carbon emissions and transportation costs. 1. Advanced Inventory Analytics Modern inventory management uses probabilistic modeling to move beyond simple "min-max" levels. Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization (MEIO): Rather than optimizing each warehouse in isolation, MEIO looks at the entire chain—from raw materials to retail shelves—to determine the optimal placement of safety stock. ABC-XYZ Analysis: In 2026, this is automated. Items are categorized by value (ABC) and demand predictability (XYZ). "AX" items (high value, stable) receive lean management, while "CZ" items (low value, volatile) are managed via high safety buffers or "on-demand" sourcing. Dynamic Safety Stock: Using 2026 predictive analytics, safety stock levels are adjusted daily based on real-time lead-time variability and forecast error [1]. 2. Network Design and Optimization Network analytics determines the "where and how" of the supply chain infrastructure. Center of Gravity Analysis: Determining the optimal location for a new Distribution Center (DC) based on the weighted average of customer locations and shipment volumes. Greenfield vs. Brownfield Modeling: Companies use AnyLogistix or Coupa (LLamasoft) to simulate whether to build new facilities or upgrade existing ones. Total Landed Cost Modeling: Analyzing the full cost of a product, including manufacturing, duties, freight, and "carbon taxes," which are a significant factor in 2026 network decisions. 3. Warehouse and Facility Analytics Focuses on the efficiency within the four walls of the DC. Slotting Optimization: Using heatmaps to ensure "fast-moving" items are placed nearest to the shipping docks, reducing travel time for warehouse robots and labor. Capacity Utilization: Real-time tracking of bin and rack occupancy. In 2026, many warehouses use Computer Vision to automatically report shelf space availability. 4. Transportation and Route Analytics Optimizing the "links" between the nodes in the network. Last-Mile Optimization: Using AI to sequence deliveries for thousands of stops, accounting for 2026 urban "low-emission zones" and battery life for electric delivery fleets. Carrier Performance Analytics: Visualizing supplier and carrier "on-time" trends to shift volumes to the most reliable partners during peak seasons. 5. Strategic Resilience & "What-If" Analysis The defining trend of 2026 is Scenario Stress Testing. Digital Twin Simulations: Analysts run "What if the Port of Long Beach closes for 10 days?" simulations to see how quickly inventory will deplete and where the "bottleneck" will shift. Risk-Adjusted Positioning: Intentionally over-stocking critical components at a higher cost to protect against geopolitical volatility or climate-related disruptions. Key Use Cases & Tools (2026) Use Case Analytical Method Top Tooling Inventory Health Excess & Obsolescence (E&O) Analysis Microsoft Power BI Network Design Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) Coupa Supply Chain Modeler Route Planning Heuristic Routing Algorithms Blue Yonder Dispatch Resilience Planning Monte Carlo Simulations AnyLogistix
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Inventory Optimization
Warehouse Analytics
Network Optimization
Week 7: Advanced Analytics Applications
In 2026, advanced analytics in supply chain has transitioned from experimental projects to core operational requirements. The integration of Agentic AI and Real-Time Digital Twins allows systems to not only predict disruptions but to autonomously execute mitigation strategies across global networks. 1. Agentic AI and Autonomous Orchestration The defining advancement of 2026 is the shift from "Chatbots" to "Agents." These AI systems have "agency" to perform tasks within predefined guardrails. Autonomous Procurement: AI agents monitor inventory levels and global pricing in real-time. If a shortage is predicted, the agent can independently issue RFPs, evaluate supplier responses based on cost and ESG scores, and trigger a purchase order. [Source: Gartner Supply Chain Trends 2026] Self-Healing Logistics: If a GPS sensor detects a port delay, an agent can automatically re-book inland transportation or shift "final mile" deliveries to an alternative hub without human intervention. 2. Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization (MEIO) In 2026, companies no longer optimize warehouses in isolation. MEIO uses advanced algorithms to balance inventory across the entire value chain. The Global View: Analytics determine whether to hold safety stock as raw material at a central hub or as finished goods at local micro-fulfillment centers. Financial Impact: Leading organizations use MEIO to reduce total network inventory by 15–25% while simultaneously increasing service levels. [Source: Blue Yonder Luminate Platforms] 3. Sustainability and "Green" Analytics With 2026 regulations requiring granular ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, sustainability is now a primary analytical variable. Carbon-Aware Routing: Transportation Management Systems (TMS) now include "Carbon Footprint" as a constraint alongside cost and speed. Routes are optimized for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and low-emission zones. [Source: SAP Sustainability Control Tower] Circular Economy Tracking: Advanced analytics monitor product lifecycles, using IoT data to predict when components can be reclaimed for "re-manufacturing," reducing waste and raw material dependency. 4. Digital Twin Simulation and Stress Testing The "Digital Twin" is a virtual, real-time mirror of the physical supply chain used for high-fidelity simulation. "What-If" Stress Testing: Analysts run Monte Carlo simulations to test resilience against 2026-specific risks, such as geopolitical trade shifts or extreme weather events. Bottleneck Detection: By simulating millions of transactions, the Digital Twin identifies where the next bottleneck will occur (e.g., a specific labor shortage in a regional DC) before it impacts the physical flow. [Source: anyLogistix Simulation Software] 5. Demand Sensing and Predictive Maintenance Moving beyond traditional forecasting, demand sensing uses real-time signals to react to shifts within hours. Signal Integration: Systems ingest live data from POS terminals, social media sentiment, and even local weather sensors to adjust short-term production schedules. IoT-Driven Maintenance: Sensors on warehouse robotics and fleet vehicles use "Pattern Recognition" to predict mechanical failure. Maintenance is scheduled during "off-peak" hours, preventing costly unplanned downtime. Top Advanced Analytics Platforms for 2026 Orchestration: Kinaxis RapidResponse for concurrent planning and real-time agility. Design & Simulation: Coupa (formerly LLamasoft) for strategic network modeling. Operational AI: Google Cloud Supply Chain Twin for integrating disparate data into an actionable model. Visibility: Project44 for high-fidelity real-time tracking and predictive ETAs.
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Predictive Analytics for Supply Chain
Prescriptive Analytics
Real-Time Analytics
Week 8: Analytics Strategy and Implementation
In 2026, supply chain analytics strategy focuses on "Connected Intelligence," shifting from reactive problem-solving to proactive orchestration. Organizations are increasingly centralizing supply chain functions into Global Business Services (GBS) to leverage scale and AI-driven governance. Strategic Implementation Roadmap Developing a mature analytics function requires a phased approach: Establish Clear Governance: Define measurable goals aligned with corporate strategy, such as reducing operational costs or improving on-time delivery. Form steering committees to oversee initiatives. Invest in Data Integration: Move away from manual spreadsheets to robust data integration platforms and cloud-based warehouses to eliminate data silos and ensure a "single source of truth". Adopt Composable Technology: Utilize modular, "plug-and-play" technology rather than monolithic ERP overhauls to scale capabilities as needs evolve. Implement Phased Rollouts: Start with high-impact, targeted use cases (e.g., forecast exception detection or replenishment triggers) to prove value before wider scaling. Building a Data-Driven Culture Technology alone is insufficient; cultural transformation is critical for long-term success: Leadership Sponsorship: Executives must model data-driven behaviors, using dashboards in meetings and basing decisions on factual patterns rather than intuition. Workforce Data Literacy: Provide ongoing training and "boot camps" for employees at all levels to interpret and act on data insights. Incentivize Evidence-Based Decisions: Reward teams that use data to justify proposals or successfully experiment with new data-backed strategies. Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration: Break down departmental barriers to allow data to flow seamlessly between procurement, sales, and logistics. Measuring ROI and Success In 2026, most organizations expect positive ROI within 18–24 months. Direct Financial Gains: Companies leveraging advanced analytics report operational cost reductions of 15–25% and throughput improvements of 20–40%. Operational Performance: Success is measured through improved forecast accuracy (often 20% improvement), higher inventory turnover, and reduced labor costs. Adoption Metrics: Track the percentage of employees actively using analytics tools in daily decision-making as a key indicator of cultural stickiness. Common Implementation Challenges Fragmented Systems: Inconsistent data formats and isolated legacy software hinder end-to-end visibility. Talent Shortages: A persistent gap in digital and AI skills can slow down the execution of advanced analytics projects. Resistance to Change: Cultural inertia remains a top obstacle to adopting new automated technologies.
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Building an Analytics Roadmap
Data Strategy and Governance
Communicating Insights
Emerging Trends
Supply Chain Technologies Course
In 2026, data extraction has shifted from manual entry to automated, AI-enhanced workflows. Modern supply chains prioritize real-time connectivity and high-fidelity data to feed into predictive analytics and agentic AI systems. 
 
 
 
1. Connecting to Databases (SQL Basics)
Relational databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL) remain the primary storage for transactional supply chain data. 
  • Essential SQL Commands: Analysts use SELECT to pull specific subsets (e.g., all orders > $10k), JOIN to combine warehouse and shipment tables, and WHERE for logical filtering.
  • Tools: Most professionals use interfaces like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), pgAdmin, or database connectors in Power BI and Tableau to visualize results directly.
  • Incremental Extraction: Techniques like Change Data Capture (CDC) ensure only modified records are extracted, reducing system load compared to full daily exports. 
 
 
 
2. Working with APIs and Web Services
APIs (REST, GraphQL) have become the “modern standard” for real-time data exchange with cloud-based SaaS platforms. 
  • Real-Time Syncing: APIs enable live tracking of shipment statuses or inventory checks, moving away from batch processing.
  • Integration Glue: Low-code tools like Zapier or Power Automate use APIs to trigger workflows (e.g., a low-inventory alert in an ERP automatically initiates a purchase order in a supplier portal). 
 
 
 
3. Extracting from Excel, CSV, and Unstructured Files
Despite advanced systems, flat files and documents still dominate many supply chain nodes. 
  • Excel/CSV Automation: Tools like Velocity or Python scripts create “AI-ready data lakes” from shared spreadsheets, tracking cell-level changes for better governance.
  • AI-Powered OCR: 2026 technologies use Large Language Models (LLMs) to extract structured data from complex, unstructured documents like scanned PDFs, packing slips, and handwritten invoices with high accuracy. 
 
 
 
4. EDI and Data Exchange Formats
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) remains critical for high-volume, standardized business documents. 
  • Standards: Global formats like EDIFACT and ANSI X12 ensure seamless communication across international borders.
  • Hybrid Approach: Leading supply chains now use a hybrid model: EDI for stable, high-volume transactions (e.g., monthly invoices) and APIs for dynamic, real-time tasks (e.g., live location tracking). 
 
 
 
5. Automating Data Extraction Processes 
Automation is no longer optional; it is essential for operational speed and error reduction. 
  • ETL/ELT Pipelines: Cloud-based tools (e.g., Fivetran, Airbyte) provide pre-built connectors that automate extraction, schema management, and error handling.
  • RPA (Robotic Process Automation): RPA is used to bridge gaps between legacy systems that lack APIs, mimicking human data entry to move info between old and new software.
  • Impact: Automation can reduce document processing costs by up to 80% and improve purchase order cycle times by as much as 90%. 
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