A supply chain consists of all parties involved, directly or indirectly, in fulfilling a
customer request. The supply chain not only includes the manufacturer and suppliers, but
also transporters, warehouses, retailers, and customers themselves. Within each
organization, such as manufacturer, the supply chain includes all functions involved in
receiving and filling a customer request. These functions include, but are not limited to,
new product development, marketing, operations, distribution, finance, and customer
service.