Advanced Business Logistics Traits of Supply Chains-Forum KrystanMarie R. 2/2

Respond to the below classmate forum post taken from a Advanced Business Logistics course and perspective of a fellow classmate. The objective is to acknowledge the correct portions and give positive constructive criticism regarding the answers of the fellow classmates response to these forum question requirements within the scenario(s) described below:

Forum- You may pick out one topic or several topics to discuss. The initial post must include in text citations and a reference list. Each week the initial post will include a reflection and conclude with a question for the other students to ponder.

To be considered substantive, your reply should add significantly to the discussion by building on others’ comments, pointing out similarities or differences in your backgrounds or course expectations, etc. One or two sentence responses such as “Hi, welcome to the course!” or “I feel the same way” are not acceptable.

Classmate Response:

The purpose of any supply chain is to be able to fulfill a customer’s request and move product from one place to another in order to meet and satisfy the supply and demand patterns. The supply chain not only includes the manufacturer and suppliers, but also transporters, warehouses, retailers, and customers themselves. Within each organization, such as manufacturer, the supply chain includes all functions involved in receiving and filling a customer request. These functions include, but are not limited to, new product development, marketing, operations, distribution, finance, and customer service (What is a Supply Chain?)

There are several traits that a supply chain must have in order to be successful and efficient. Throughout history, there have been supply chains that have flourished and become extremely successful, like that of Walmart, and there have been ones that have failed due not having or meeting the necessary traits or qualities that are required to sustain the supply chain. It all begins with sound and effective leadership and strategy. Supply chain excellence does not happen by accident. Firms with outstanding supply chains have made it a part of their strategy and operations. They know that it is good business to be a leading firm in supply chain management (SCM) (Traits of Supply Chain Excellence – Or Having the Supply Chain You Designed and Deserve, 2015).

With the implementation of successful leadership, the rest of the traits that are needed can be implemented and executed efficiently. Ten traits that are common among some of the most effective supply chains include: 1. Sound supply chain strategy supported by solid leadership; 2. Intense focus on financial metrics; 3. Commitment to innovation and process improvement; 4. Close collaboration with selected partners; 5. Superior strategic sourcing; 6. Excellence in logistics execution; 7. Proficiency in planning and responsiveness; 8. High customer integration and satisfaction; 9. Ability to anticipate and manage risk; 10. Globally optimized operations (Cunha).-KrystanMarie R.

References

Cunha, L. (n.d.). Discover 10 Traits of the Best Supply Chains in New Book. Retrieved from To Increase: https://www.to-increase.com/blog/posts/discover-10-traits-of-the-best-supply-chains-in-new-book/#.VPctRfnF_ng

Traits of Supply Chain Excellence – Or Having the Supply Chain You Designed and Deserve. (2015). Retrieved from LTD Management: http://www.ltdmgmt.com/traits_of_excellence.php

What is a Supply Chain? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sbaer.uca.edu/publications/supply_chain_management/pdf/01.pdf