Supply chain, also known as “supply chain” is an essential concept in the business and logistics world. It is the set of processes and operations that a product or service goes through from its origin to reaching the end consumer.

In this article, we will explore in detail what supply chain is, how it works, and the importance of this concept for foreign trade and international logistic operations.

What is Supply Chain?

To understand the concept of supply chain, we can use a simple example, like the production process of soy sauce, a product consumed in Japanese cuisine. From the soybean planting to the moment when soy sauce reaches the consumer’s table, various processes and agents are involved.

The supply chain encompasses this whole set of interconnected processes, from the acquisition of raw materials to the distribution of the finished product. This requires cooperation and integration from different sectors of a company, suppliers, partners, and distributors.

The Main Elements of the Supply Chain

The main elements of the supply chain are:

• Raw Material Procurement: In this stage, the acquisition of materials to be used for the production of the final product takes place. In the case of soy sauce, soybeans are the raw material that will be processed to create the final product.
• Manufacturing: If the product is industrialized, this stage involves the transformation of raw materials into the finished product. In the case of soy sauce, it’s when soybeans are processed and turned into the sauce we know.
• Logistics: Logistics is responsible for all the movement of inputs and products along the supply chain. This includes transportation, storage, packaging, tracking, and risk management. It’s a crucial element to ensure that the product reaches the right destination, within the stipulated timeframe, and in perfect condition.
• Distribution: This stage is responsible for getting the product to the end consumer. It can involve different distribution channels, such as retailers, wholesalers, or e-commerce.

How Does the Supply Chain Work?

The supply chain is primarily concerned with delivering to the end consumer and optimizing processes. Efficient inventory management is one of the key factors to prevent shortages of inputs or finished products.

Strategic planning is essential for the operational flow to occur cohesively and efficiently. This includes analyzing sales flow, stock turnover, seasonality, and forecasting input needs.

It’s important to note that the supply chain is not limited to a single company. It encompasses all agents involved in the process, from raw material suppliers to distributors and retailers.

The Importance of Efficient Coordination in the Supply Chain

Efficient coordination of these processes is essential to ensure that the product or service is delivered to the end consumer quickly and with personalization. For this, all stages must be perfectly aligned and integrated.

If, for example, there are delays in the delivery of inputs, this can affect the entire production and compromise the delivery time of the final product. Similarly, if logistics is not well planned, it can lead to loss or damage of products during transport.

A well-structured and managed supply chain can optimize production and distribution, prevent waste, and reduce operational costs. Furthermore, it allows for better predictability and control over operations, enabling a quick response to changes in the market or consumer demand.

Difference Between Supply Chain and Logistics

Although they are often used interchangeably, supply chain and logistics are distinct concepts. The supply chain encompasses the entire operational flow, from product conception to delivery to the end customer. Logistics, on the other hand, specifically deals with the physical movement of inputs and products, as well as related documentation.

Logistics is responsible for tasks such as packaging, storage, transportation, tracking, risk management, loading, and unloading. It plays a decisive role in the efficiency of the supply chain, ensuring that products reach the correct destination, within the stipulated timeframe, and in perfect condition.