The Supply Chain Management Process

Understanding the Supply Chain Management process can be difficult. Although the Business Process Management (BPM) framework of this management approach and others is easy to understand, it is very complex in the sense that it is time-intensive and difficult to understand and implement on a large scale. It requires considerable expertise and experience for implementation to work properly.

In supply chain management, management focuses on two goals - operational and customer satisfaction. This approach takes a view of the different stages in the supply chain: the start up and the delivery stages, and the distribution and collection stages. For example, the start up stage includes setting up inventory and fixtures and fittings, preparing the tools for shipment, and distributing information about the goods.

The delivery stage is where the products reach the customer. It requires effective communication with the customer, making sure that goods are delivered on time, and getting product information and answer to the question that was asked by the customer. The distribution stage involves setting up a retail location for the customer, with efficient supply and warehousing, and delivering products to the retailer.

The collection stage is the one where the items are processed by the supplier and are transferred to the manufacturer for their processing. Most suppliers rely on the manufacturer to handle their materials. The manufacturer typically handles handling, packaging, distribution, and delivery. The manufacturer will also deal with the returns of faulty goods.

In the global economic environment, managing the supply chain has become a demanding and complex process. It requires keeping customers in mind during the supply chain stages. The suppliers, therefore, require significant help from their buyers to provide and deliver products.

Project logistics and detailed planning are essential for ensuring proper and smooth execution of each step in the supply chain. The supply chain can be facilitated with a highly coordinatedand comprehensive approach to planning, budgeting, and allocating the different resources in the proper areas.

The implementation of process improvement, continuous improvement, and key performance indicators (KPI's) are necessary for delivering greater output, increased efficiency, and superior performance in the supply chain. Proper management is crucial for providing optimal performance. For example, when a supplier has committed quality issues to the manufacturing process, it is the responsibility of the supplier to ensure proper monitoring of these issues to prevent any future supply chain problems.

The KPI's are guidelines and measures that can be used to compare supplier performance with the industry standards. These can be used to monitor the supplier's progress, to encourage production, and to motivate suppliers to improve and to execute. In some cases, the evaluation may be carried out for better or for worse depending on the current performance.

Any supply chain management must cover the three stages as well as the supply chain aspects, including training, learning and development, training and development, employee knowledge systems, employee behaviors, employee policies, and facilities and equipment. The training has to be appropriate and important for a company to successfully run a successful supply chain management program.

Training and development is an important aspect in supply chain management. It involves training and development from the perspectives of the employees as well as the companies' management.

The training and development must be implemented based on the implementation of the KPI's and the key performance indicators. The management of personnel is crucial. A company must conduct proper training for its workers and ensure that they perform at the right level.

The management of the companies' network system, facilities, and devices is also critical for an effective supply chain management. In the current market environment, the network systems have become essential. Even the devices that support the operationof the network system have to be managed carefully.