Supply chain management (SCM) is the process-oriented planning and control of the flow of goods, information and money along the entire value and supply chain. It encompasses the integration of logistical activities from the extraction of raw materials to the end consumer. SCM enables rapid adaptation to disruptions through the exchange of planning-relevant data.
Goals of Supply Chain Management
- Sustainability: An increasing goal is to integrate sustainable practices into the supply chain to minimize environmental impact and promote socially responsible business practices.
- Risk management: Another goal is to identify and manage risks in the supply chain to minimize unforeseen disruptions and ensure the continuity of supply processes.
- Increasing efficiency: SCM optimizes supply chain processes for cost-efficient performance.
- Cost minimization: The aim is to achieve profitability by reducing costs along the supply chain.
- Inventory optimization: Precise planning reduces stock levels and frees up capital.
- Increased flexibility: SCM increases adaptability to market changes.
- Customer satisfaction: efficient supply chain ensures punctual and high-quality products.
Factors for successful Supply Chain Management
The prerequisites for successful SCM are the integration of information processing between partners and a high level of trust. By using technology, companies can efficiently synchronize information flows, analyse resource usage and optimize transport and warehouse processes.
Software for Supply Chain Management
Software solutions are crucial for managing supply chains more sustainably and can help to implement regulatory requirements such as the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG). Planning, control and coordination along the supply chain enables real-time responses to changes and promotes collaboration between global partners. In this way, specialized software helps to make SCM not only more efficient, but also more sustainable.