The key components of the typical supply chain management process are:  Demand planning  The process of forecasting future demand for products or services as accurately as possible and using that forecast to fine-tune company output to best meet the needs of customers. Sourcing The process of choosing the suppliers that will provide the raw materials and services needed to manufacture the product. Supply chain managers work closely with suppliers to order these materials and components, manage inventory and monitor delivery.
Supply chain planning The forward-looking process of coordinating assets to optimize the delivery of goods, services and information from supplier to customer, balancing supply and demand. All aspects of supply chain management require plans, including demand, production, inventory, and supply management. Supply chain planning enables the company to capitalize on revenue opportunities in a timely manner and at the lowest possible cost. Manufacturing  The process by which raw materials are turned into finished products that can be distributed to customers. Manufacturing includes all the labor, technology, machinery and any other components required to achieve this.  Transportation management  The process of coordinating and monitoring the physical movement of goods from one location to another throughout the supply chain. Transportation management includes the movement of raw materials to manufacturing facilities as well as the delivery of the finished product to customers.  Returning The set of processes that allows customers to return products that are defective or unwanted and provide the capabilities companies need to receive returned products and assign refunds accordingly.