Supply chain management (SCM) is the regulation of the flow of goods, finances and data related to a service or product. It also includes the processes involved in transforming raw goods into a specific product. This type of centralized management allows companies to reduce excess costs and perform more efficiently. When a customer can buy and use a product faster, the company can be more profitable. By controlling the design, sourcing, creation, storing, shipping, distribution and selling of a product, supply chain management can improve productivity, quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
The online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Supply Chain Management program from Avila University can help students adopt supply chain management best practices to ensure that products reach customers efficiently while maximizing the return on investment for clients and investors. This specialized degree helps students become forward-thinking professionals who can synchronize commodity transportation quickly and profitably through manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, distributors and retailers.
Why Supply Chain Management Is Important
Modern supply chain management enables consumers to buy products and services at a lower cost. An efficient supply chain makes products available quicker and streamlines the process from planning to purchasing. A well-structured supply chain management is essential to many businesses and is integral to customer satisfaction and a company’s overall success.
Traditional supply chain management systems incorporate planning, sourcing, manufacturing, delivery and logistics, and returning. Companies will plan and manage their resources to keep up with customer demand. If the supply chain works efficiently, the company can meet its goals and satisfy customers’ needs. When choosing suppliers to provide the raw goods needed to create their product, businesses should monitor and manage the relationships with the suppliers to run sourcing smoothly. Manufacturing the product involves physically making the product, testing for quality and packaging and delivering the product. Coordinating orders, scheduling deliveries and receiving payments are necessary logistics at the tail end of the supply chain. Finally, a convenient and easy-to-use network can process returns and issue refunds if returning a product is required.
To build or maintain a competitive edge and support profitable growth, companies will utilize supply chain management best practices. Today’s best supply chain procedures can gather technology, processes, products and people together to supply goods faster. However, supply chain management is different for every company, and each business should use what works best for its goals, strengths and limitations.
In general, companies managing their supply chain will use the technology available to speed up the supply chain and identify potential issues with efficiency or disruptions. Collaborating with internal departments and suppliers will help everyone focus on shared goals and avoid supply chain interruptions. Analyzing meaningful data specific to a company’s manufacturing operations can keep track of the production cycle, pricing, shipping and overall cost.
manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, distributors and retailers.
About Avila University’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Supply Chain Management Program
Avila University’s online B.A. in Supply Chain Management program curriculum aligns with the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), with classes that examine project management, quality control, the alignment of operations, procurement of goods and warehousing. Graduates of this online program can pursue diverse and exciting careers as supply chain analysts, transportation managers or logistics coordinators.
Learn more about Avila University’s online B.A. in Supply Chain Management program.
