What does Supply Chain Management (SCM) focus on?

Supply Chain Management (SCM) primarily emphasizes the design and management of logistics and procurement activities. This involves overseeing the flow of goods, information, and finances as they move from supplier to manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer and ultimately to the consumer.

Effective SCM ensures that the various components of the supply chain are well-coordinated, which includes planning and executing the movement and storage of goods as well as managing the processes that acquire the raw materials and resources necessary for production. By focusing on logistics and procurement, SCM aims to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction through timely delivery of products.

While developing supplier relationships is an important aspect of SCM, it is just one component of the broader framework that includes logistics and procurement management. Similarly, training employees in operational protocols can contribute to the overall effectiveness of operations but does not encapsulate the comprehensive focus of SCM. Focusing solely on the transportation of finished goods also neglects the full scope of activities that supply chain management covers, which includes both upstream and downstream processes involved in bringing products to market.