Best Methods in Supply Management

Supply management implies a systematic approach of planning, monitoring and implementing day to day tasks pertaining to supply. In fact, managing all the tasks and sub-tasks related to supply from raw materials planning to finished goods as well as the distribution fall under the domain of supply management.

The primary focus of supply management is to ensure customer satisfaction which in turn perks up the business of a concern. In the present world, the tough competition in every industry calls for high level of efficiency in supply management. Proper planning and coordination in each phase is imperative to ensure that the execution of supply management is being done on the best performance indicators.

Supply management is generally looked after by the higher management cadre of a firm which involves highly professional and experienced personnel. The middle or junior level staff in involved in the execution of the tasks and following the procedures laid down by the senior members. Good coordination between all levels of employees is indispensable to make sure the process of supply management is free of all pitfalls. The supply managers need to comprehend the issues faced by the staff and the staff is expected to cling to the decisions pertinent to supply management procedure.

The decisions pertaining to supply management are generally made on three levels. These include the strategic level, tactical level, and the decision made on operational. The decision on strategic level are based on long term perspective, on the other hand, the decision on the tactical level are about medium term resolutions. The operational level decisions involve the minor day-to-day issues.

Supply managers need to monitor several concerns to ensure all the tasks are executed smoothly. As supply managers, you need to see to the quantity of work of everyone involved in the supply management process. You also have to monitor the sites of people such as the suppliers, customers, and warehouses. Monitoring production facilities and distribution centers also has to be taken as a part of supply management. You also need to see to other issues involved in supply management such as distribution strategies including centralized and direct shipments in addition to push and pull strategies are be monitored by the supply manager.

Broadly, the supply management encompasses looking after several concerns such as customer relations management, customer service management, sourcing, fulfillment of orders and looking after manufacturing flow. Supply managers also need to see to the supplier relations, develop products and market them in addition to managing returns.
Proper and effective management of all these concerns will make sure the perfect execution of supply management thus ensuring maximum returns for your business.