WHAT IS A SUPPLY CHAIN?
“Supply chain,” by definition, encompasses three important functions:
1) the delivery of materials to a manufacturer
2) the process of manufacturing
3) distribution of finished goods using networking of distributors and retailers to end users: the customers.
Companies, through supply chain techniques , are connected to each other as they are involved in various processing stages.
Facilitating the product flow, information is divided up and down through the supply chain, consisting of clients and suppliers. To meet future and current clients, all parties do plan appropriately by this sharing of information. Various goals are achieved by applying the successful management of supply chain:
* inventory can be reduced
* costs can be minimized
* product time targets can be developed
* flexibility can be improved
The more companies inside a supply chain that are capable of putting together and coordinating their activities, the more likely they can optimize the goods’ flow and to efficiently react to demand changes coming from a supplier to a consumer.
Supply Chain Logistics Management
The supply chain sector study was performed by the Canadian Logistics Skills Committee—the CSCSC’ predecessor association. The following explanations of managing the supply chain were borrowed from the Council of Supply.
Chain Management Professionals:
The management of supply chain encompasses all activities in planning and management like sourcing and purchasing, conversion, and inclusion of all logistics. It also involved the coordination and teamwork with channel segments, which can possibly be intermediaries, service providers for third-party, and customers. In short, SCM combines the supply and demand supervision within all facets of a company.
Supply chain management functions with the main responsibilities. They link the major business functions and techniques across and within companies for maximum outputting business models. It comprises all activities in logistic management including manufacturing operations. It drives harmony of activities and processes across marketing, product design, sales, financial, and informational technology.
Resources
SCL (Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada)
Wikipedia Entry
Canadian Courses
Seneca Supply Chain Logistics Management Course
Humber Supply Chain Logistics
York University Supply Chain Program
University of Manitoba