Coordination, Collaboration and Integration for Supply Chain Management

Abstract

Supply chain management (SCM) is defined as the integration of key business processes from end user through original suppliers providing products, services and information that add value for customers and other stakeholders. The customer is an integral part of the supply chain and the primary purpose of any supply chain is to satisfy customer needs in the process of generating the profit for itself. Supply chain activities begin with a customer order and end with a satisfied customer. There must be an easy access for coordination, collaboration and integration among the suppliers for effective Supply Chain Management. These elements are equally important for fluctuation of orders, inventory maintenance, replenishment lead times, transportation costs etc. Certain incentives are also permitted by the supply chain partners in order to avoid the distortions (unavoidable delays, over ordering etc.). Quality information can prevent manual mistakes in view of the elemental aspects.