Supply chain - Term Paper Example

Management- Supply Chain Supply chains are systems of people, organizations, information, resources, and activities involved in the movement of products or services to customers from suppliers. This paper analyzes the roles and activities of supply chains in transforming raw materials, components, and natural resources into finished products delivered to end customers. Sophisticated supply chains include management of used products towards re-entry into the supply chain at points where residual values are recyclable.

Supply chains form the fundamental link to value chains. Warehousing allows for transport optimization in the supply chain and equips companies with the ability of working with optimal inventory based on economic order quantity and improved service quality. For instance, transport systems’ terminal points involve stockpiling activities aimed at producing full loads for further transportation. Warehousing a subset of supply chain and is used in storing unloaded goods within the major vessels (Shah 67).

Industries that produce goods requiring longer periods of maturation between retail and production, warehousing is used in storing the goods based on the larger quantities.Products within modern todays markets have contributed to better product designs with diverse impacts of globalization coupled with ease in accessing alternative. The concept also generates demand through significant efficiency and effectiveness principles. There is increased demand and strategic pricing as supply and competition among firms increases on limited markets (Khan and Zsidisin 98).

The impacts of globalization on supply chains are felt even in marketing as products have lesser distinguishing factors, and product design plays different roles in providing attractive features to markets. Demand generation can be used in defining interesting product designs in terms of demand creation. It involves the ability of product designs in generating demand through satisfaction of customer expectations. On the other hand, product design impacts demand generation and manufacturing quality, processes, lead time, and cost (Shah 23).

Product design influences performance of associated supply chain as well as direct requirements. Supply chain management addresses issues such as production schedule, manufacturing, quantity, transportation, production policies, regulations, production technologies, quality, material selection, and laws. The supply chain success is dependent on product designs and supply chain capabilities.Efficiency in supply chain management involves management and planning of activities relating to conversion, sourcing and procurement, and logistics management components.

Soppy chains focus on collaboration and coordination with channel partners such as suppliers, customers, intermediaries, and third-party vendors. Supply chain management offers a platform for integration of demand and supply management across and within partner firms (Khan and Zsidisin 102). Management integrates functions through primary responsibility and link major business processes and functions among companies for cohesiveness. Supply chain managers focus on logistics management activities and manufacturing operations to drives processes and activities coordination.

Cross-functional teams that are involved in the process include marketing, product design, sales, information technology and finance.In summary, strategic plans are developed in consultation with suppliers for purposes of supporting manufacturing flow processes and new product development. Sourcing is managed globally for various firms with operations extending beyond national borders. Desired outcomes in supply chain control relationships include ensuring that parties benefit, and there is a reduction of time required for designing and developing products.

Purchasing functions establish rapid communication systems, such as Internet linkage electronic and data interchange aimed at conveying requirements for rapid growth. Activities relating to the management of materials and products from outside suppliers include order placement, storage, supply sourcing, resource planning, negotiation, inbound transportation, handling, and quality assurance.Works CitedShah, Janat. Supply Chain Management: Text and Cases. New York: Pearson Education India, 2009.

Print Khan, Omera. and Zsidisin, George. Handbook for Supply Chain Risk Management: Case Studies, Effective Practices, and Emerging Trends. New York: J. Ross Publishing, 2011. Print