Streamlining a Company s OSCM

OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Operations and supply chain management is the design, operation, and improvement of the elements that create and deliver the organization’s products and services (Koh, Orzes, & Jia, 2019). OSCM encompasses a broad range involving sourcing, materials management, distribution, logistics, demand forecasting, retail, and order fulfillment. OSCM manages the entire system that produces a product or delivers a service. There has been a resurgence of interest in OSCM today due to increased global competition and ever-advancing manufacturing and information technologies (Koh et al., 2019). Many firms have come to realize how vital the competitive advantage offered by OSCM functions if appropriately managed.

With increased competition, the old ways of handling supply chains cannot be competitive. Goods and services need to be delivered faster since customers are unwilling to wait. Any delays result in disgruntled customers, affecting the company’s future sales. Competitors thrive on the failures of a rival by ensuring their products are readily available and they never have stock-outs. With OSCM, a company can source its materials at the right time and manufacture its products based on the forecasting done for increased or reduced demand (Koh et al., 2019). With an efficient system, the company reduces wastages, and it can compete on a global scale.