Figure 3 should serve as a guide and
reminder to practitioners to include all the typical business functions in supply chain management
planning, organization, and processes. Without such inter-functional coordination, supply chain
management cannot achieve its full potential. The same can be said for including all the supply chain
flows in any supply chain management planning, organization, or process. Figure 3 also reminds managers
that we do not live in a domestic world—most supply chains are global in some respect and should
be managed as such. Finally, Figure 3 reminds practitioners to stay focused on the ultimate goals of
supply chain management—lower costs, increased customer value and satisfaction, and ultimately
competitive advantage.