ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the terminology relevant to supply chain management (SCM) and argues that SCM has a lot to offer as far as marketing, purchasing, logistics and information and communication technology. Consumers and industrial customers are demanding more and different products and services. The rise of demand – or demand driven – and supply chain management can be attributed to the fact that combinations of companies are able to meet customer requirements more efficiently and better than individual companies. Supply chain management broadens the scope: the integration of decisions within and between companies within a chain is the main mission. Stevens discusses SCM from a strong logistical point of view. ‘The supply chain is the connected series of activities which is concerned with planning, co-ordinating and controlling material, parts and finished goods from suppliers to the customer. Customer service is a process that transcends organisational boundaries, even those of the company itself.
