A supply chain, logistics network, or supply
network is a coordinated system of organizations, people, activities,
information and resources involved in moving a product or service in physical
or virtual manner from supplier to customer. Its management deals
with the process of planning, implementing, and controlling its operations with
the purpose of satisfying customer requirements as efficiently as possible.
Supply chain management
spans all movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and
finished goods from point-of-origin to point-of-consumption. It integrates
supply and demand management within and across companies If a supply chain
management system is properly implemented, strategic and competitive areas can
be used to their full advantage. Fulfillment is enabled through efficient
communication, ensuring that orders are placed with the appropriate amount of
time available to be filled. The supply chain management system also allows a
company to constantly see what is on stock and making sure that the right
quantities are ordered to replace stock.
Logistics is enhanced, keeping the cost of transporting
materials as low as possible consistent with safe and reliable delivery.
Production can run smoothly as a result of fulfillment and logistics being
implemented correctly without delays due to ordering and transportation. The
companys flexibility to respond to unforeseen changes in demand and supply is
improved.
Because of this, a company has the ability to produce goods
at lower prices and distribute them to consumers quicker than companies without
supply chain management thus increasing the overall profit. And most
especially, cooperation among supply chain partners and consumers is
established ensuring mutual success.
Supply chain management must address the problems regarding
distribution network configuration number
and location of suppliers, production facilities, distribution centers,
warehouses and customers; distribution strategycentralized versus
decentralized, direct shipment, cross docking, pull or push strategies, third
party logistics; informationintegration of systems and processes through the
supply chain to share valuable information, including demand signals, forecasts, inventory
and transportation; and inventory managementquantity and location of inventory
including raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods.
Supply chain management is a cross-functional
approach to managing the movement of raw materials into an organization and the
movement of finished goods out of the organization toward the end-consumer. Its
success relies on the corporations focus on core competencies and being
flexible. In some circumstances, operations should be outsourced to other corporations
that can perform the activities better or more cost effectively.
In effect, the number of companies involved in satisfying
consumer demand would increase, while reducing management control of daily
logistics operations. Less control and more supply chain partners would lead to
the creation of supply chain management concepts. The purpose of supply chain
management is to improve trust and collaboration among supply chain partners,
thus improving inventory visibility and improving inventory velocity.
Copyright 2007 Ismael D. Tabije
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