"A supply chain, sometimes expressed as a 'supply-chain', is a complex logistics system that consists of facilities that convert raw materials into finished products and distribute them to end consumers or end customers."
Understanding of the supply chain, including manufacturing, distribution, and retail/wholesale.
Inventory management: The process of managing the stock of goods to ensure efficient and effective supply to meet customer demand.
Procurement: The process of acquiring goods and services from suppliers for use in the production process.
Logistics: The planning, coordination, and execution of the movement of goods from one location to another.
Transportation: The means of moving goods from one place to another, such as by truck, ship, or plane.
Warehousing: The storing of goods in a central location to manage inventory and facilitate distribution.
Production planning: The process of determining the production requirements needed to meet demand.
Sales and operations planning: The process of aligning demand with supply to ensure efficient production and delivery.
Demand forecasting: The process of estimating future customer demand for a product or service.
Quality control: The process of ensuring that products or services meet customer expectations and comply with regulatory standards.
Supplier management: The process of managing relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent and reliable delivery of goods and services.
Risk management: The process of identifying and mitigating potential risks in the supply chain, such as disruptions in transportation or supplier bankruptcies.
Cost management: The process of managing costs associated with the production and delivery of goods and services.
Sustainability: The consideration of environmental and social factors in the supply chain, such as reducing waste and carbon emissions.
Blockchain technology: A digital ledger that can be used to track and verify transactions in the supply chain.
Artificial intelligence and automation: The use of technology to streamline and optimize supply chain processes.
Retail supply chain: The chain of activities involved in getting products from manufacturers to distributors, wholesalers and retailers and finally to the end consumers.
Manufacturing supply chain: Complex network of suppliers, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, distributors, and retailers working together to produce and deliver products to customers.
Aerospace supply chain: A complex network of suppliers of raw materials, parts, and equipment; manufacturers; logistics and transportation companies; and maintenance and repair organizations, involved in the design, manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, and related parts.
Pharmaceutical supply chain: A complex network involving manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and healthcare providers who work together to ensure the safe and timely delivery of life-saving medicines and medical devices.
Food supply chain: A complex web of activities required to move perishable goods from farm to fork. It includes farmers, packagers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, all working together to get food on tables in a safe and sustainable manner.
Service supply chain: A supply chain that exists primarily in service industries, such as healthcare, education, and transportation, where tangible goods are not produced but services are provided to customers.
E-commerce supply chain: The series of activities involved in selling products online, from sourcing materials and production to marketing, sales, and delivery.
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chain: The flow of goods from manufacturers to retailers and finally to customers, often characterized by high volumes and rapid turnover, delivering products quickly and efficiently.
Electronics supply chain: A global network of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that work together to design, produce, distribute, and service electronics and related products.
Energy supply chain: A complex system that involves the exploration, extraction, production, and delivery of energy resources to customers across the globe.
"Supply chain management deals with the flow of goods within the supply chain in the most efficient manner."
"In sophisticated supply chain systems, used products may re-enter the supply chain at any point where residual value is recyclable."
"Supply chains link value chains."
"Suppliers in a supply chain are often ranked by 'tier', with first-tier suppliers supplying directly to the client, second-tier suppliers supplying to the first tier, and so on."
"A supply chain... consists of facilities that convert raw materials into finished products and distribute them to end consumers or end customers."
"The flow of goods within the supply chain [is managed] in the most efficient manner."
"Used products may re-enter the supply chain at any point where residual value is recyclable."
"Supply chains link value chains."
"Suppliers in a supply chain are often ranked by 'tier'."
"First-tier suppliers supply directly to the client."
"Second-tier suppliers supply to the first tier."
"A complex logistics system that consists of facilities that convert raw materials into finished products and distribute them to end consumers or end customers."
"Residual value [of products] is recyclable."
"The flow of goods within the supply chain in the most efficient manner"
"Suppliers in a supply chain... convert raw materials into finished products and distribute them to end consumers or end customers."
"Supply chains link value chains."
"Suppliers in a supply chain are ranked by 'tier'."
"A supply chain, sometimes expressed as a 'supply-chain'..."
"To distribute finished products to end consumers or end customers in the most efficient manner."