Supply chain management (SCM) is the oversight of materials, information, and finances as they move in a process from supplier to manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer. Supply chain management involves coordinating and integrating these flows both within and among companies.
Professionals in this field have to work with others to get everything they need, and they have to make sure it’s all done on time and within budget. The Institute for Supply Management has identified 14 areas where supply management is crucial. Some of these areas include:
- Inventory control
- Manufacturing supervision
- Packaging
- Quality
- Receiving
- Warehousing
Don’t be intimidated by this list of what supply chain management encompasses. You’re not expected to know it all—that’s where a degree comes in. There are jobs for those with an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, though some jobs in this field require extra on-the-job training as well.
When I’ve had the opportunity to speak to high school students, I am always quick to point out to them that Supply Chain Management is a field of study that will challenge them and provide them employment for life.
In the world of manufacturing, Supply Chain Managers and their teams are the lifeblood of getting a product made and making it profitable in the market. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a “pie” job, so it isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you want to never have the same day twice, this is the job for you.
JBE, Inc. Specializes in managing supply chains for its customers to deliver quality assemblies on time and in full to reduce the amount of time they have to spend worrying about lead times, minimum order quantities and quality issues. Give us a call today if we can help you manage a supply chain.
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