Supply chain management is one of the careers that has grown over the years. A supply chain manager is an individual who oversees the ordering and delivery processes of raw materials, products and equipment, as well as other goods that a company needs to do business. A supply chain manager is a person responsible for linking different components of the supply chain, starting from negotiation with the supplier to placing orders, scheduling deliveries and ensuring the employer has all materials needed to meet the demand of the customer. For one to start a career in supply chain management, one should have a bachelor’s degree in business or management. Those with a master’s degree in business administration, especially in supply chain management, finance or engineering, have the upper hand.

The concept of supply chain transparency is nothing new. It has been here for a decade and a half. However, it has gained fame over the past few years in the wake of the rising customer demand for information regarding the movement of its products across the supply chain. Furthermore, there is an increased interest from governments, NGOs and other stakeholders who seek information from the supply chain service providers. With these demands, the reputational costs of failing to do so are high.

Supply chain issues are spread across industries and countries. For small businesses, it can be a challenge keeping popular items stocked and dealing with impatient customers if you have a retail outlet or an e-commerce store. However, you can still make things better if you can develop a concrete strategy to avert some of the problems and keep the operations of your business running smoothly. Here are some supply chain management strategies to get you started.