supply chain

Meaning

A supply chain is the entire network of individuals, organizations, resources, activities, and technology involved in the creation and sale of a product. It spans from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer, all the way to its eventual delivery to the end user. Managing this network efficiently is crucial for keeping business costs low.

Examples

• The global microchip shortage has caused major disruptions in the automotive supply chain.

  The global microchip shortage has caused major disruptions in the automotive supply chain.

• We need to audit our supply chain to ensure all our suppliers use ethical labor.

  We need to audit our supply chain to ensure all our suppliers use ethical labor.

• By localizing our supply chain, we managed to cut shipping times in half.

  By localizing our supply chain, we managed to cut shipping times in half.

• A break in the supply chain can prevent products from reaching store shelves for weeks.

  A break in the supply chain can prevent products from reaching store shelves for weeks.

• She works as a logistics manager, overseeing the company's entire global supply chain.

  She works as a logistics manager, overseeing the company's entire global supply chain.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We bought the materials directly from the supply line.

  ✓ We bought the materials directly from the supply chain.

  A 'supply line' is typically used in military contexts or physical piping. In commercial business, the correct term for the entire product network is 'supply chain'.

• ✗ The supply chain of this product is very long, involving many shops.

  ✓ The distribution network of this product is very long, involving many shops.

  While retail is part of the supply chain, the term 'supply chain' refers to the whole process from raw materials to final delivery, not just the retail shops selling it.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Due to a delay at the port, our entire ___ has ground to a halt.

  💡 The sequence of processes involved in the production and distribution of a commodity.

  Show answer

  supply chain

• Companies are trying to build a more resilient ___ to handle future global crises.

  💡 The network from raw materials to end-consumers.

  Show answer

  supply chain