Live Chat Now
Available
Give us a call

Send us a text

855.890.3001

855.890.3001

What is Supply Chain Management and Why is it Important?

By Steve Smith

The information presented here is true and accurate as of the date of publication. DeVry’s programmatic offerings and their accreditations are subject to change. Please refer to the current academic catalog for details.
March 13, 2023

9 min read

 

You may have heard the term “supply chain” or “supply chain management” used in various contexts and wondered: What are supply chains, and what is supply chain management?

 

Supply chain management is the process by which manufacturers or other companies handle production flow and bring products or services to customers through various distribution channels.

 

In this article, we’ll examine the components of supply chain management, describe some of the different supply chain models and discuss what you can do to prepare to pursue a career in this growing and complex field. We’ll also answer the question: Why is supply chain management important?

Components of Supply Chain Management

To meet today’s consumer demands, supply chains must be dynamic and agile, data driven and demand aware. A modern, thinking supply chain can be a competitive advantage for organizations that capture and utilize modern data analytics. Supply chains must also be resilient against disruptions caused by severe weather, labor fluctuations or regulatory concerns.

While manufacturers will approach supply chain management (SCM) differently based on their individual goals, the specific products they are manufacturing and delivering, cost analyses, customer demand and other factors, there are some basic components to the SCM process, which include:

Planning

The process begins with careful planning and forecasting to determine what resources are required for the fulfillment of orders, and to predict the cost and availability of those resources. This is often accomplished through the use of analytical tools like material requirement planning software.

Sourcing

Careful sourcing of materials is crucial to maintaining production timelines and profit margins. This step requires identifying and working with vendors who can supply the required materials within budget and in the most efficient manner. 

Making

In this phase of the process, companies assemble, test and package finished products. Production operations may be adjusted during this phase, based on customer needs or to improve efficiencies, requiring some alterations in the supply chain.

Delivering

When delivering final products to customers (distributors, retailers or end-users) the focus is on meeting customer expectations. This means improving efficiency, to be sure orders are fulfilled promptly and accurately, and product quality, ensuring customer satisfaction and minimizing returns.

Returning

After products are delivered, customer support plays a role in the SCM process. Here’s where companies will look to improve efficiencies and strive to maintain a positive customer experience when defective, excess or unwanted products are returned. The process of managing returned products is sometimes referred to as reverse logistics.

Types of Supply Chain Models

There are 6 different supply chain models, each focusing on either efficiency or responsiveness and each with its own unique characteristics that support an organization’s goals.

Organizations determine which model to use based on the framework of their particular industry, their management’s focus and the value proposition the business intends to put forth.

Efficiency supply chain models

These include the continuous flow chain, the fast chain and the efficient chain. All 3 of them prioritize efficiency and are geared towards getting consumers what they want quickly while keeping costs down. 

Continuous Flow

One of the most traditional supply chain models, continuous flow is used in situations where there is very little variance in production. Manufacturers that produce the same goods over and over again without fluctuation, such as in commodity manufacturing, can benefit from this model.

Fast Chain

This supply chain model is optimal for manufacturers that respond to trends by producing products with very short life cycles. It works well for businesses that have to change products frequently and deliver them quickly, before a trend dies out. 

Efficient Chain

The efficient chain model works well for businesses in very competitive markets that must maximize end-to-end efficiency to reduce costs and preserve profitability in manufacturing and delivering their products.

Responsive supply chain models

SCM like these are ideal for situations where there is uncertainty in product manufacturing and provide flexibility for industries that produce custom-order products. Examples of responsive supply chain models are:

Agile Chain

This method of SCM works for businesses that make specialty order items, focusing on the company’s ability to ramp up production when needed, while maintaining consistency during times when demand wains.

Custom Configured Chain

This hybrid – a combination of the agile and continuous flow models – allows for custom configurations during assembly and production. 

Flexible Chain

With the ability to be switched on and off easily, this model gives businesses the flexibility to meet demand during peak periods and then manage long periods of diminished volume.

The Importance of Supply Chain Management

Why is supply chain management important? Effective SCM is crucial to any manufacturing company to reduce cost, maximize production efficiencies and minimize waste, and gain a competitive advantage. Just-in-time delivery, a lean manufacturing concept originated that in Japan, was elemental to the development of modern SCM, but may not serve all of our modern world’s logistical needs.

Today’s manufacturers can use a range of sophisticated analytics methods that didn’t exist in the mid-20th century to achieve lean supply chains.  By using modern analytical software, companies can identify potential supply chain problems before they impact customer relationships, optimize pricing based on demand and allocate resources based on sales forecasts. In the not-too-distant future, supply chain managers could also employ technologies like driverless trucking to maximize efficiency.

There are several important benefits of a robust SCM strategy, like:

  • Better collaboration with suppliers: Cost and flexibility are both important considerations in supplier relationships. Tight profit margins demand close collaboration with suppliers to control costs, and long-standing supplier relationships can be helpful, potentially providing flexibility in payment terms to accommodate cash flow difficulties.

  • Improved quality control: Manufacturers and suppliers that work closely together and share the same set of standards can better identify problems that would affect product quality.

  • Optimized shipping: The cost of logistics such as motor freight and international containerized shipping can be significantly impacted by a range of factors. A strong SCM strategy may recommend the use of fewer different distribution channels and the use of logistics specialists to reduce costs, improve cash flow and profitability, and maintain the flow of goods.

  • Reduced inventory and overhead costs: An efficient supply chain can reduce the need to keep large inventories on hand. Inventory management costs like warehouse space, insurance, maintenance and security, could be substantially reduced with an efficient supply chain.

  • Stronger cash flow: Diligent supply chain practices, like carefully monitoring costs and quality and maintaining strong vendor relationships can enhance a business’s liquidity.

Careers in Supply Chain Management

At this point you may be wondering, what does a supply chain manager do? Career roles in SCM can revolve around analytics, operations, procurement and logistics, but regardless of their title, professionals in this field are responsible for one thing – making the supply chain more efficient.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calls professionals in this occupational category logisticians. The BLS that job growth for logisticians will increase by 28% from 2021 to 2031, with 24,800 job openings projected for each year.1 While this rate of growth is significantly faster than the average for all occupations, it’s important to note that this growth is projected on a national level and will vary by location. It is also not specific to DeVry graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career, not just entry level.

The BLS attributes this demand to the growth of e-commerce, the growing complexities of supply chain management and an emphasis on timeliness of delivery.

Some examples of supply chain management careers include:

  • Purchasing manager: Purchasing managers supervise and implement an organization’s procurement strategies. They identify and form relationships with suppliers to procure the materials the company needs to make its products. They also oversee inventory levels and may train and manage purchasing agents and buyers.

  • Transportation manager: Transportation managers and directors supervise delivery fleets, plan delivery routes and configure drivers’ schedules. They are also responsible for ensuring the safe operation of all vehicles in the company’s fleet, and ensuring they are compliant with any applicable safety regulations. 

  • Supply chain manager: The supply chain manager’s overall responsibility is to streamline the chain, increase efficiency and reduce costs. Duties may include developing strategic plans, researching and sourcing materials, managing distribution and establishing policies and procedures for the disposal of materials or returned goods. 

  • Logistics analyst: Excelling in a fast-paced environment, logistics analysts collect data on supply chain processes and look for ways to improve logistical operations and obtain cost savings throughout the supply chain. They may manage supplies, materials or products or oversee processes like purchasing, warehousing and inventory or transportation.

  • Operations research analyst: Operations research analysts play an important supply chain management-related role by identifying problems to be solved or processes to be improved. They collect data and break down the problem using software and various analytical techniques and make recommendations to management. 

How to Pursue a Career in Supply Chain Management

If you want to prepare to pursue a supply chain management career, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the education and experience employers might look for.

Due to the complexities of modern supply chains, companies typically prefer to hire logisticians who have at least a bachelor’s degree in a logistics or supply chain management, according to the BLS.

At DeVry, our Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Global Supply Chain Management can help you cultivate supply chain and operations skills and explore the diverse cultural, political and economic circumstances of foreign markets. Our MBA Specialization in Global Supply Chain Management can help you level up your SCM skills and pursue career opportunities where a graduate degree may be required or preferred by an employer.

Want to add a credential to your resume while you earn your MBA? Our online Graduate Certificate in Global Supply Chain Management is a standalone credential that can help you elevate your skills in logistics, supply chains and operations research while you work toward a master’s degree with us.2

In addition to earning a degree, consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that can help you work to become a more competitive candidate. Certifications are much more than resume builders. They help validate the skills you’ve learned and send a clear message to potential employers that you are determined to learn what it takes to meet the challenges of the job.

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) offers a range of certifications that you may want to consider as you move through your career, each focused on a different aspect of supply chain management.

Supply chain management software (SCMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) programs are used in the planning, control and execution of production. Knowledge of platforms such as Shippabo, Magaya Supply Chain, SAP Business ByDesign, Oracle NetSuite ERP or FreightPOP may come in handy as you prepare to pursue SCM career opportunities.

Finally, if you have a strong understanding of project management tools and methodologies, they can help you demonstrate your ability to keep things well organized and respond to challenges effectively while maintaining a positive attitude.

Begin Your Journey in Supply Chain Management with DeVry

Prepare to pursue a role in modern supply chain management with help from DeVry. Our knowledgeable professors bring real-world experience into the classroom using our tech-empowered learning approach. Flexible hybrid or 100% online learning options help you learn on your schedule, helping you balance work, life and school.

Let’s talk about how we can help you take the next step in your education. Classes start every 8 weeks.

1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm
2Number of credits and courses vary by program. See catalog for complete details.

8-Week Class Sessions

Classes Start January 6, 2025

Filter Blog Post Category

Related Posts