Why is it important to manage the Supply Chain?

It is important to properly manage the supply chain because poor management of

supply chains would result in not being able to meet the demand of the customers and
not making a profit. The supply chain is present in everyday things, and being able to
manage the supply chain efficiently and effectively directly influences the company and
profits. Doing so includes interacting with different people in the department, analyzing
data, solving problems, and making sure products meet the standard and needs of the
customers through well-defined processes.
What activities and roles are involved in the supply chain?
Manufacturing and Operations is where raw materials are processed and
produced to make the finish product. In manufacturing, there are the planners,
assemblers, and schedulers all of whom monitor the flow and quality of the products being
produced. Transportation is the movement of products within the chain of supply using
the different modes of transportation (i.e. truck, planes, ships etc). The people involved
are the planners, schedulers, drivers, and pilots. Warehouse and Distribution Centers
are the sites and locations where products and anything else involved in the supply chain
are stored. All finished items that enter and are stored in the centers are called inventory.
Purchasing is the process of buying everything needed, with the best price and quality
to meet the demand or needs of the customer.
Other roles or people who support the smooth and efficient flow of the supply chain
includes engineers, financers, quality checkers, IT, customer service, and marketing.
Although not directly involved in the production and movement of the products, people in
these departments make sure that the business is efficient and profiting from the product
through gaining more attention and sales through marketing or handling customer
feedback in the customer services department.
Customer Service is the bridge that carries over the voice of the customer to the
company or manufacturing facility. They make sure that the customers wants and needs
are met and that the products are brought to them on time. They communicate with people
from other roles to make sure this happens. Marketing provides information and research
on consumer trends, promotional opportunities, pricing, and placement of products and
services in the market. They make sure that the products align with the customers needs
at the right time and place. The people in engineering help in the technical aspect of the
supply chain, they help make sure that the suppliers hired by the company are provided
and are following the technical specifications of the products to ensure quality and
quantity. They also help review their products to make sure they are capable of meeting
the specifications. Engineers also design the processes and equipment that makes,
stores, and showcases the products. Finance manages the inventory and budget to make
sure the company is kept afloat. They make sure that the numbers of the company would
also give them enough profit to ensure that the business continues and develops. IT are
information technology professionals that make sure to automate processes, link
businesses together through the use of software, and develop reporting or feedback
systems to manage data. The Quality Department makes sure that the processes and
products used by the company, from raw material to final product, are well-defined, meets
a set standard, and are important for improving products according to the feedback being
given by the customers.