Supply Chain - Meaning and Importance

What is Supply Chain?

Supply Chain is the network of activities, organizations, technologies and resources involved in the process of manufacturing and delivery of  products or services to customers. A supply chain involves manufactures, suppliers, retailers and end use customers. The concept of supply chain deals with different aspects of the production process at every stage. 

Some of the essential aspects of the supply chain pertain to activities undertaken at each production stage. This includes how the information is communicated, how raw material is transformed into final products, what functions human resources play, and other components required to complete the production process.

Having a well-defined supply chain helps the decision makers understand the market thoroughly and determine how they want to position themselves in the future. The supply chain is also an integral part of a company's strategic planning process; the bigger the organization, the more complex the supply chain. To meet the demands, supply chain planner, a position often organized along product lines, manages the flow of inventory and information from suppliers through end customers. This position ties together the requirements of purchasing/materials management, production, inventory control, and product distribution.