Supply Chain: Definition, Purpose, System and Examples
Infouniversitas.com - Hello guys! This time, I will be explaining an essential concept in the business and industrial world, namely the Supply Chain. The primary reason I am discussing this is so that you can deeply understand the supply chain for business actors and researchers in managing and improving operational efficiency and maximizing profits in a competitive environment.
As I said earlier; the goal of this article is to provide a clear and in-depth understanding of the supply chain, starting from the definition, function, purpose, to the process and components involved in it.
Hopefully, through a good understanding of the supply chain; readers can apply it in their business management and make better and more accurate decisions. This introduction is relevant to the overall content of the article as it provides a framework for understanding the topic that will be further discussed.
It provides a foundation for readers to understand how the supply chain works and how effective supply chain management can provide significant benefits for a business. Okay, without further ado, let's discuss!
Definition of Supply Chain
 |
| Supply Chain |
The Supply Chain represents a set of activities and processes that begin with production and end with the consumer, through the intermediation of product sales. This process range includes the procurement of raw materials, production processes, storage and product delivery, until the final product is received by the consumer.
The supply chain encompasses various actors such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, transportation operators, and retailers, accompanied by information, resources; and processes that link all these entities. The supply chain aims to manage and control the flow of materials, information, and finances to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
The task of the supply chain is to create coordination and collaboration between the various entities in this chain, both at the internal level (such as between departments within a company) or external (such as between the company and the supplier). An efficient and effective supply chain can help a company reduce costs, improve quality, and increase customer satisfaction.
The Purpose and Role of Supply Chain in Business Context
The role of the supply chain can be seen as a strategic instrument related to business policy. Through a deep understanding of the supply chain, companies can identify new target markets, solve distribution problems, and explore the competitive climate around them.
For example, if transportation costs are high and harm the company, a policy can be made to find a new logistics agent. Thus, the supply chain can be used as a tool that enables entrepreneurs to determine the best solution to maintain their business sustainability.
The purpose of the supply chain is to support business operations. If one component of the supply chain is not run, for example, if there is no transportation for the results of production, then the company can be said to have ceased to operate.
Supply Chain in Company Organizational Structure
As mentioned earlier, the company's supply chain system involves various entities at every stage. The following are the positions and tasks of each involved component.
1. Raw Material Sorting
The process of sorting raw materials greatly determines the quality of a product. Supply chain management needs to be done by looking for quality raw materials, durable, and in line with production targets.
2. Supplier
The supply chain section also regulates how raw materials are processed and distributed in the form of raw materials for larger products. For example, a fabric supplier processes cotton and sells its products wholesale to garment companies.
3. Factory
After purchasing from suppliers, the raw materials entering the factory will go through a quality inspection process and then processed by production workers to produce finished products. At this stage, the focus of the supply chain is worker competence, the health condition of production machines, completeness of equipment, and the effectiveness of the method used.
4. Distributor
After production, the product must be distributed by the distributor. In this process, the aim of the supply chain is to ensure the smooth running of the product's stocktaking in the warehouse, good communication with the distributor, and sufficient agents for the distribution process to all target markets.
5. Retailer
Retailers play a role in the supply chain system as product sellers who interact directly with consumers; They are tasked with labeling prices and then placing these goods in stores or marketplaces so that consumers can see and then buy them.
6. Customers
The final stage of the supply chain process is the arrival of these goods in the hands of customers. Business owners are tasked with ensuring the product remains in good condition so that the consumer makes additional purchases. Thus, demand for the product will increase and the supply chain process continues.
Example of Supply Chain in Practice
As an example, we can look at the supply chain from a bottle of wine:
- Vineyard => This is the starting point in the supply chain, where grapes are grown and harvested. The initial raw material, in this case, grape fruit, is produced here.
- Winery/Clarifier => After harvest, the grapes are sent to the winery. Here, the grapes are processed into wine through the process of fermentation and clarification.
- Packaging and Storage => Once the wine has been processed, it is packed in bottles and sent to a warehouse or distribution center. Here, the wine is stored until ready to be distributed to retailers.
- Distribution => The wine is sent from the warehouse to various retailers or wine stores across the country or the world. This is usually done by a distribution company specializing in shipping and transportation of goods.
- Wine Store => At the wine store, bottles of wine are displayed and sold to the end consumer. In some cases, there could also be additional steps such as online sales, where the wine store sends wine directly to the consumer's home.
This is a simple illustration of the supply chain. In practice, the supply chain can be much more complex, involving many companies, suppliers, and distributors, and may also include additional stages such as quality testing, demand planning, and inventory control.
Thus, as a buyer, you are part of this complex business process. Without orders from you and other consumers; the supply chain will not be complete and will only stop at the Packaging and Storage stage.
Conclusion
By considering the various aspects mentioned, it becomes clear that the supply chain is a very important force in the business context. By understanding and optimizing each component in this chain, from collecting raw materials to delivering the final product to the consumer's hands.
A company can achieve success and sustainability in their operations. The example of the supply chain in producing a bottle of wine provides a visual picture of how various entities and processes interact with and depend on each other in a business chain.
In reality; the supply chain can be much more complex, involving many companies, suppliers and distributors, as well as additional stages such as quality testing, demand planning, and inventory control.
And consumers, who are the end of this supply chain, play an essential role in completing and running this process. Without orders from consumers, the supply chain will not function properly; and the process will stop at the packaging and storage stage.
Thus, a good understanding and management of the supply chain are essential for business success in a competitive and changing environment. That's our discussion today, about the Supply Chain. Hopefully, it's beneficial, and thank you for reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Supply Chain?
A Supply Chain refers to a sequence of processes and activities that are engaged in the production, distribution, and sale of a product or service. It stretches from the procurement of raw materials to delivery to the end consumer.
2. What are the components of a supply chain?
The primary components of a supply chain usually consist of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers. Nevertheless; depending on the intricacy of the product or service, it may also encompass transportation providers, storage facilities, and information systems for managing the process.
3. What is the purpose of the supply chain?
The purpose of the supply chain is to guarantee the seamless flow of goods, information, and finances from the point of origin to the point of consumption. A well-administered supply chain can enhance operational efficiency, decrease costs, and boost customer satisfaction.
4. How can a company benefit from supply chain management?
Effective supply chain management enables a company to swiftly respond to changes in demand, reduce wastage and inefficiency, and better coordinate with suppliers and distributors. This can lead to cost savings, improved product quality, and superior customer service.
5. What is an example of a supply chain?
An example of a supply chain could be the production and sale of a bottle of wine. This process initiates with growing and harvesting grapes at a vineyard; progresses with transforming these grapes into wine at a winery, and includes steps such as packaging, storage, distribution to retailers, and eventually sale to the ultimate consumer.
