Here is a great start to learn about supply chain. This cheat sheet gives a high level view and the links below will help people quickly get up to speed on supply chain.

The End To End SCM Process greatly expands on the information below.

General Business Definition: A supply chain is the network of all the individuals, organizations, resources, activities, and technology involved in the creation and sale of a product, from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer, through to its eventual delivery to the end user.

Operational Management Definition: In operational terms, a supply chain refers to the integrated system that coordinates the flow of goods, services, information, and finances as they move from supplier to manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer.

Academic Definition: A supply chain is the entire sequence of processes and entities involved in the production and distribution of a commodity, including the stages of raw material extraction, production, processing, transportation, warehousing, and final sale. It encompasses both the upstream (supplier-related) and downstream (customer-related) aspects of production and distribution.

Key Stages of the Supply Chain Process

1. Demand Planning

• Purpose: Forecast customer demand to determine the quantity and timing of products needed.
• Key Activities:
  • Analyze sales data, historical trends, and market conditions.
  • Use forecasting tools and collaboration with sales and marketing teams.
• Goal: Prevent stockouts and overstocking by aligning production with actual demand.

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2. Procurement

• Purpose: Secure the necessary raw materials, goods, or services from suppliers.
• Key Activities:
  • Identify suppliers, negotiate prices, and establish contracts.
  • Manage supplier relationships and ensure product quality.
• Goal: Obtain high-quality materials at competitive prices, while ensuring timely delivery.

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3. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Purpose: Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent product quality and reliable delivery.
• Key Activities:
  • Monitor supplier performance, resolve issues, and collaborate on improvement strategies.
  • Regularly evaluate and renegotiate contracts based on performance.
• Goal: Build mutually beneficial relationships that ensure long-term supply stability.

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4. Manufacturing or Production

• Purpose: Convert raw materials into finished products.
• Key Activities:
  • Plan and schedule production runs to meet demand forecasts.
  • Maintain equipment, ensure quality control, and optimize production processes.
• Goal: Produce goods efficiently, minimizing waste and ensuring quality.

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5. Inventory Management

• Purpose: Track and manage stock levels to meet customer demand without overstocking or understocking.
• Key Activities:
  • Use systems like ERP or WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) to monitor inventory.
  • Implement reorder points and manage safety stock.
• Goal: Keep inventory at optimal levels to reduce storage costs and avoid stockouts.

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6. Warehousing and Storage

• Purpose: Store goods in a controlled environment until they are needed for distribution.
• Key Activities:
  • Organize and categorize goods for efficient picking, packing, and shipping.
  • Manage warehouse space, including temperature-controlled environments for sensitive products.
• Goal: Optimize warehouse operations to ensure fast retrieval and accurate inventory levels.

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7. Order Fulfillment

• Purpose: Pick, pack, and ship orders to customers.
• Key Activities:
  • Receive orders, pick products from inventory, and pack them for shipment.
  • Manage the shipping process to ensure timely delivery.
• Goal: Deliver the right products, in the right quantity, to the customer, as quickly as possible.

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8. Transportation and Logistics

• Purpose: Move goods from one location to another (e.g., from warehouse to retail or customer).
• Key Activities:
  • Choose the best transportation mode (road, rail, air, or sea) based on cost, speed, and destination.
  • Optimize routes, manage fleets, and coordinate with carriers.
• Goal: Reduce transportation costs while maintaining timely and reliable delivery.

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9. Customer Delivery and Last-Mile

• Purpose: Deliver goods to the end customer, often via last-mile delivery services.
• Key Activities:
  • Track deliveries, manage any delays, and ensure delivery accuracy.
  • Use drones, local couriers, or vehicles for final delivery steps.
• Goal: Ensure fast, accurate, and cost-effective delivery to enhance customer satisfaction.

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10. Returns and Reverse Logistics

• Purpose: Handle the return of goods from customers due to defects, dissatisfaction, or other reasons.
• Key Activities:
  • Manage returns processing, inspections, repairs, or restocking.
  • Recycle or dispose of damaged goods and manage warranty claims.
• Goal: Streamline returns to minimize costs and recover valuable products.

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Key Takeaways:

• Efficiency: Streamlining processes in each step reduces costs and time.
• Communication: Collaboration across departments (procurement, production, logistics, etc.) is essential.
• Technology: Implementing tools like TMS (Transportation Management Systems), WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), and ERP can automate and optimize various stages.
• Customer-Centric: Always aim to meet customer demand promptly and with high-quality service to stay competitive.

Supply Chain Quotes

• “Without logistics the world stops.” ~Dave Waters
• “Products can be easily copied. But a supply chain can provide a true competitive advantage.” ~Yossi Sheffi
• “The biggest challenge in the global supply chain is to get everyone on the same page.” ~Ken Thompson
• “The strength of the supply chain is based on each individual link. Each link determines the overall strength of the supply chain. SCM is about teamwork, collaboration and making the overall system as effective as possible.” ~Dave Waters
• “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” ~Stephen Hawking
• “The supply chain is a critical part of any successful business. You can have great products, strategies, and people, but without effective supply chain management, success will be short lived.” ~Kevin Dooley

Supply Chain Resources

• Collection of CHEAT SHEETS
• Learn to Innovate Supply Chain in an Hour.
• SCM Resources by Topic
• Supply Chain Training & Overview 
• The Basics Behind the Supply Chain Backlog. For the SCM Beginner.
• Top Supply Chain Companies & Training