SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (SCM) The supply chain encompasses all activities associated with the flow and transformation of goods from the raw materials stage (extraction), through to the end user, as well as the associated information flows Supply Chain Management (SCM), is the integration of these activities through improved supply chain relationships, to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

SCM includes: INTERNAL FUNCTIONS –Order processing, production scheduling, materials requirements planning (MRP), etc. MANAGEMENT OF EXTERNAL UPSTREAM SUPPLY CHAIN –Planning, organizing, scheduling purchases; maintaining supplier relationships, etc MANAGEMENT OF EXTERNAL DOWNSTREAM SUPPLY CHAIN –Physical distribution, distribution network, etc

INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SCM Centralized coordination of information Total logistics management – integrating.. Order change --- impacts all functions Global transportation visibility Global inventory visibility Global sourcing visibility Intercompany information access

INFORMATION SYSTEMS…. Data interchange – between affiliates and non affiliates Data capture -- data acquisition & tracking Transformation of business from within – employees see “big picture” Improvement in supplier-customer relationships

INVENTORY AND SCM INVENTORY Becoming a time-based competitor –(some buzzwords) Throughput time reduction Delivery speed Fast cycle capability Quick response or resupply time Lead time reduction Time compression Results in less inventory Often better quality SUPPLY CHAIN RELATIONSHIPS –Traditional adversarial relationship –Current closer relationship

CHALLENGES FACING SCM INFORMATION –Often not available > Bullwhip effect –Members often don’t share INVENTORY MANAGEMENT –International borders –Weather –Poor communication –Human error –>>Complex and demanding ESTABLISHING TRUST –Conflict management