The question "what is supply chain strategy?" 'is commonplace, especially as the world now depends more than ever on supply chain management. Supply chain management describes the flow of products and information from the point of manufacture through transportation to the consumer. Supply chain strategy then refers to the processes that a company applies to manage the supply chain. To ensure the sustainability of a business over time, a balance between inventory, transport and manufacturing costs is essential. This explains why learning the basics of supply chain management is of utmost importance for any successful supply chain management.

1 Put the customer at the center of supply chain management While many players are involved in supply chain management, customers must be at the center of the strategy. Of course, suppliers, logistics providers, distributors and internal customers are part of the employee data chain. However, the channel operates for the sole purpose of meeting customer needs. Therefore, while you are managing the channel, do all you can to meet the customer's demand. This means providing exactly what they need, at the right time, when they need it, and for the prices, customers want the product.

This is possible when the supply chain management (SCM) directs all its links towards this specific objective.2 Be practical even when working with a strategy By running the SCM, you will definitely choose a strategy. In doing so, it is important to choose only what seems viable and feasible. Often business people feel pressured to imitate other organizations without getting to the heart of the matter and seeing if they can support the copied choice. Often the answer is no and the business collapses. So, as you choose a strategy for your SCM, ask the “what if” question.