Supply Chain
Organizations of all types are in business to provide products and services to consumers. The process in which this takes places is not as simple as some may believe. From obtaining materials to stocking products on shelves many details need to be covered. A supply chain assists organizations in coordinating the activities needed to ensure a successful sale or service. To better understand what a supply chain is and how it impacts businesses and consumers one must be able to define, establish, and maintain the process of a supply chain. This paper will uncover the meaning of a supply chain and evaluate a well-known business’s supply chain and its impact on the different levels within the business as well as the impact of technology.
Supply Chain Definition
Offering products and services to customers is a process that must be mastered by an organization in order to be successful. A supply chain is used within almost every organization and involves many companies who work together to achieve a goal. As defined by Kietzman (2009), “A supply chain is a network of retailers, distributors, transporters, storage facilities, and suppliers that participate in the production, delivery, and sale of a product to the consumer. The supply chain is typically made up of multiple companies who coordinate activities to set themselves apart from the competition.” A supply chain consists of three main functions being supply, manufacturing, and distribution and should always be accompanied by a supply chain strategy.
Supply chain management is also an important aspect of a supply chain, which entails overseeing materials, information, and finances throughout the process. As described by Kietzman (2009), supply chain management can be divided into three main flows:
• The Product flow includes moving goods from supplier to consumer, as well as dealing with customer service needs.
• The Information flow includes order information and delivery status....