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Introduction
Supply chain entails the systems that are involved in the movement of a product from the producer to the customer. The systems include people, information, activities and various organizations that aid in the movement of the product (Chan & Qi, 2003). A supply chain should be efficient in order to avoid wastage of resources.
Managers are tasked with putting in place measures to coordinate supply chain activities in order to create value for the business and the customers. The main aspects of a supply chain include the management of procurement and logistics (Blanchard, 2010). Based on the aspects, this paper discusses traits of the best supply chain.
Traits for Best Supply Chain
A supply chain should incorporate environmental sustainability measures. In a contemporary society, environmental issues have become a part of business operations. As a result, consumers are attracted to companies that are responsive to issues relevant to the environment.
Environmentally conscious supply chain enhances the confidence of customers and it is crucial for gaining a competitive edge. The best supply chains act as enablers for businesses and help in achieving a competitive advantage (Chan & Qi, 2003). Hence, the best supply chains should have a component of environmental sustainability.
Another trait is that the chain should be fast. Prompt movement of the products from the suppliers to the consumers maximizes time and resources, hence, creating value for any given business. According to Blanchard (2010), a fast supply chain ensures that unnecessary breaks caused by shortage of inventory are avoided. Such promptness promotes continuity and fosters confidence. In addition, the best supply chains should be data based.
Availability of data that relates to the particular products being supplied ensures that surplus or shortages of inventory are minimized. Chan and Qi (2003) noted that the lack of data to monitor processes of supply chain resulted in wastages. The aspect of data also includes the tracking of the location of the products and their availability in various points of need. Data enhances performance monitoring and forms the basis for enacting strategies to optimize the coordination of the supply chain.
Supply chains should be flexible. According to Chan and Qi (2003), supply chains should adapt to change circumstances. This relates to the ability to respond to issues that may arise in the process of conducting business. For example, changes in the business environment require a supply chain to be quickly reconstituted to align with the changes. Blanchard (2010) has stated that the flexibility should be backed by data that relates to the business operations.
Supply chains should be in line with the technological advancements. In a globalized society, behaviors of consumers have changed drastically. Due to technological developments, such as Internet, consumers can place orders at any point.
In addition, businesses are using technology to coordinate and manage supply chains. According to Blanchard (2010), the application of technology in the inventory monitoring ensures effective demand forecasts that enhance the operations of business. Hence, stock is monitored in real time. Thus, the best supply chains should incorporate technology.
Conclusion
The current business environment necessitates the adoption of strategies, which enhance efficiency and promote competitiveness. As a result, a supply chain should be designed to depict efficiency and promote the success of product movement.
The traits of the best supply chain include environmental sustainability, promptness, data basement, flexibility and being in line with the technological advancements. For a supply chain manager, the biggest question is formed as the following: which strategies are the most appropriate for integrating the traits of the best supply chain and enhancing performance?
References
Blanchard, D. (2010). Supply Chain Management Best Practices. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Chan, F., & Qi, H. (2003). Feasibility of performance measurement system for supply chain: a process-based approach and measures. Integrated Manufacturing Systems, 14 (3), 179-90.
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