Supply chain principles

Characteristics, operations and resources involved in moving a product or service from supplier to the customer.

principles of a supply chain
supply chain fundamentals
supply chain principle
supply chain conventions
supply chain standards
supply chain foundations

knowledge

cross-sector

Supply chain principles is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Chemical production manager: Chemical production managers are responsible for the technical coordination and control of the chemical production processes. They steer one or more manufacturing units and oversee the implementation of technical and human means, within the framework of objectives of volume, quality and planning. Chemical production managers design and ensure that the production plans and schedules are met. They are responsible for implementation of the processes designed to ensure quality of the manufactured product, good working conditions and environmental practices, and safety of the workplace.
Purchasing manager: Purchasing managers are in charge of buying goods, equipment and services for their company, and try to ensure the most competitive prices. They are also responsible for negotiating contracts, reviewing the quality of products and analyzing suppliers , and the use and resale of goods and services.
Resource manager: Resource managers manage resources for all potential and assigned projects. They liaise with the different departments to see that all various resources are met, in a timely manner, and communicate any resourcing issues that may impact scheduled deadlines.
Supply chain manager: Supply chain managers plan, manage and coordinate all activities related to the sourcing and procurement of supplies needed to run manufacturing operations from the acquisition of raw materials to the distribution of finished products. The supplies can be raw materials or finished products, and it can be for internal or external use. Moreover, they plan and commission all the activities needed to be performed in manufacturing plants and adjust operations to changing levels of demand for a company’s products.
Forecast manager: Forecast managers have a deep understanding of the operations of the company, the inventory levels, production batches, requirements and costs of production per product, and trends in the demand levels. They use all that information in combination with forecasting software in order to define production orders aiming for the most efficient production combinations.
Supply chain assistant: Supply chain assistants work closely together with managers in the operations processes, namely purchasing, manufacturing, and distribution processes. They help with administrative and pragmatic follow up of actions such as invoicing, drafting and preparation of contracts and purchasing orders, reconciliation of inventory against documents, and communication with distribution channels.

Supply chain principles is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Optical technician: Optical technicians assemble, repair and design various parts of eyewear such as lenses, frames, patterns and eyewear. They cut, inspect, mount and polish all parts using various machinery and hand tools. Optical technicians shape, grind and coat lenses for prescription eyewear. They fit completed lenses into eyeglass frames. Optical technicians ensure that lenses conform to the dispensing optician’s, specialised doctor in ophtalmology’s or optometrist’s prescriptions. They may also work with other associated optical instrumentation and its maintenance.
Wholesale merchant: Wholesale merchants investigate potential wholesale buyers and suppliers and match their needs. They conclude trades involving large quantities of goods.
Manufacturing manager: Manufacturing managers plan, oversee and direct the manufacturing process in an organisation. They ensure products and services are efficiently produced within the timeframe and budget given.
Sales processor: Sales processors handle sales, select channels of delivery, execute orders and inform clients about dispatching and procedures. They communicate with clients in order to address missing information and/or additional details.
Sales engineer: Sales engineers provide technical customisation of products based on customers requests and needs (mainly heavy duty), such as building equipment. They take care of business to business contact and assume responsibility for complex repairs and maintenance process.

References

1. Supply chain principles – ESCO