Supply Chain

The term supply chain originally referred to the supply of raw materials, parts and other goods needed in the manufacturing process. Supply chain management (SCM) is now a broad range of activities for planning, controlling and executing not just the flow of materials for producing a product, but the product's distribution to wholesalers, retailers and end customers. In contrast, the purpose of the service supply chain is after-sales service and support for a product, such as scheduled maintenance and repairs made under warranty.