The supply chain is the entire structure of manufacturing, delivery, and distribution of products. It can take various configurations to meet the needs of the business. Not surprisingly, it is always in a process of transformation. 

The whole process is focused on customer satisfaction, shortening lead times, free shipping, among other strategies. Certainly, companies strive to improve their processes and adapt their characteristics to constant change. 

The stages are: 

Analysis of raw materials. 

Product manufacturing 

Production 

Distribution and transport 

Delivery 

To clarify, the objectives of the supply chain are very clear.  It is all about satisfying client orders, providing raw materials, quality, and production time at the lowest cost. Supply chain managers must meet several requirements to be successful. For instance: Fostering the best communication channels, coordination adapted to the situation, minimizing the risk of losses, optimizing distribution times, proper stock management, meeting delivery deadlines, being efficient in terms of supply and demand. 

As you can see, the predominant characteristic of the supply chain is dynamism. The entire flow of information that occurs during the procurement and manufacturing process must maintain a constant and coordinated fluidity and pragmatism. 

Who makes the supply chain work? 

Above all, every kind of professional needs to work hard to make everything run smoothly. 

Suppliers: They are in charge of distributing, granting, or renting the use of goods and services. 

Transport: They are in charge of transporting raw materials and finished products. 

Manufacturers: They are in charge of converting raw materials into a product. 

Customers: They are the most important category, after all, serving them is all there is. 

Communication: It is the glue of all these parts, it keeps everything integrated and working together. 

Innovation: Problems and challenges are constantly changing, so solutions must be integrated into the process. 

To sum up, you can summarise the supply chain in three main parts. Raw materials, manufacturing, and distribution. Although these elements vary according to the size of the company, the important thing is to have a strong supply chain that can support development.