A supply chain is a network that connects a company with its suppliers in order to manufacture and distribute a specific product to the end-user. Different activities, people, entities, information, and resources are all part of this network. The supply chain also refers to the steps implicated in getting a product or service from its initial state to its final destination.

Companies create supply chains in order to reduce costs and remain competitive in the marketplace.

Because an optimized supply chain results in lower costs and a faster production cycle, supply chain management is critical.

In commerce, the supply chain refers to the entire sector of organizations, people, information, activities, and everything else required to supply or provide a product or service to a customer. In any type of business, the supply chain is vital.