End-to-End Supply Chain
Definition; A supply chain is a network of businesses and people that are involved in the production and delivery of a product or service to an end-user. Often referred to as ‘cradle to grave’, an end-to-end supply chain encompasses everything from the design of an item to the sourcing of raw materials and everything else that needs to happen for that product, be it physical or otherwise, to be available to buy or use.
In more technical terms, an End to End (E2E) supply chain is the network of all the individuals, resources, activities, organisations, and technology involved in the creation and sale of a product. A supply chain encompasses everything from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer to its eventual delivery to the end-user or customer. Additionally, it encapsulates after-sales service and reverse logistics depending on the nature of the business.
Broken down, the key functions of a supply chain include but are not limited to;
- Product Design/R&D
- Marketing
- Procurement
- Logistics (warehousing, material handling, inventory, inbound transportation, distribution B2B and B2C, information & control systems)
- Planning
- Manufacturing
- Quality control
- Customer services
Support services
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Tech/IT services
Other key roles/services include
- Leadership
- General Business functions
In the Introduction to Understanding the End-to-End Supply Chain course, we will explore the role of each function within a supply chain and identify why one link cannot be successful without the rest of the chain playing its part. We will also explore potential weaknesses and how businesses can overcome them.