Introduction to Supply Chain Management

Supply Planning in Supply Chain

Delve into the planning phase of the supply chain, where demand forecasting, inventory management, and production schedules come together. Learn how businesses maintain equilibrium between market needs and operational capabilities to avoid bottlenecks and ensure seamless product flow.

Topics Covered:

• Procurement
  Understand how strategic sourcing decisions affect supply continuity, cost structures, and product quality. Learn procurement best practices including supplier evaluation, contract management, and risk mitigation to ensure uninterrupted and cost-effective input supply.
• Manufacturing
  Explore the intricacies of production planning, including capacity utilization, lead time management, and resource alignment. Learn how manufacturing decisions impact inventory levels, cost efficiency, and customer service across the supply chain.
• Distribution
  Study how products are efficiently moved from manufacturing centers to end-users. Topics include choosing distribution methods, managing warehouses, optimizing transportation routes, and using logistics technology to minimize delays and reduce operational costs.
• Strategic Fit
  Examine the importance of aligning your supply chain strategy with overarching business goals. Learn how companies tailor supply chain models to market positioning, customer expectations, and competitive dynamics to maintain long-term strategic advantage.
• Aggregate Planning
  Learn how medium-term planning helps balance workforce, inventory, and production levels. Explore demand forecasting, production rate adjustments, and inventory policies that allow businesses to meet demand while controlling costs and resource usage.
• Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)
  Understand how S&OP acts as a collaborative framework to align sales forecasts, marketing campaigns, and supply capabilities. Learn how regular S&OP cycles improve responsiveness, visibility, and coordination across functional departments.