Steps to a Successful Supply Chain

Smooth running of a supply chain is essential for a business that wants to run at peak efficiency. It’s all about maintaining that balance between supply and demand, and ensuring that all of the links in the chain are as they should be. While you may not be involved in all steps in the chain, it is both important and beneficial to know the main factors in maintaining an effective system.

• Communication – It’s an important factor in any business, but certainly when supply and demand can be in constant fluctuation. All levels of the chain must be aware of what all of the other levels require.
• Action – When fluctuations do occur, the very best supply chains will be able to react and adapt very quickly, and ensure that everything operates as it should. Excess or shortfall is never beneficial to a supply chain.
• Motivation – Again, this is something that all businesses should be aware of, because motivated staff are better staff. In a system where time is critical, this becomes even more important.
• Movement – The model supply chain is in constant movement – things shouldn’t be static anywhere along the chain. Static stock for instance, takes up storage space unnecessarily, so it should be avoided.

Even if you’re only at the very end of the supply chain, in that you are a retailer to customers, it’s important you know your role in the system. For instance, you should always keep excellent lines of communication, so that your suppliers know the demand that they can expect. If, however, your business contributes to several steps in the chain, then you could be a supply specialist. If this is the case, then supply chain recruitment at www.armstrongnewman.com could be very useful in finding the best staff for the job.