The effects of supply chain integration on supply chain capabilities

Nowadays, managers emphasize that functionalchange rapidly and continue to escalate (Cavinato,
capabilities - new-product development,1992, p.285-301). These changes will require a level of
manufacturing, technology, marketing - are enablersresponsiveness never before encountered in the
for success, but are no longer sources ofbusiness world. The future success will be directly
competitive advantages, because they can all beproportional to the ability to recognize changes
replicated in time. However, they believe that trulyoccurring in the markets and respond positively to
integrated supply chain management does provide athem. Supply chain integration is crucial in enhancing
means to achieve a definitive competitive advantage.supply chain capability and thus the costs. Many
The very nature of supply chain management ismanagers apply a simple model to supply chain
special. Because of the incredible complexity and scaleoperation costs. The lower the cost, the better the
involved in managing the flow of goods andsupply chain works. However, even the hard-nosed
information between multiple entities in the supplywill admit that it can lead to unsatisfactory results.
chain, there exists a broad and ever-changing set ofWhen focusing only on costs, leads to profitability,
priorities that must be managed at any givenmarket positioning and competitive advantage.
moment (Scott, R. Westbrook, 1991, p.23-33). BuyCustom essay Effective supply chain management
essay As supply chain strategies evolve, managersworks backwards from customer needs, helping
will encounter new and challenging situations everycompanies add financial and business value. If supply
day. Some of these challenging situations are internalchain management emanates from customer needs
and involve getting people to adopt the new way ofand integrates all business functions, there must be a
thinking. Other challenges relate to governmentway to measure its success and make key business
regulation and how to comply with a multitude ofdecisions (Scott, R. Westbrook, 1991, p.23-33). Supply
rules and regulations as goods traverse internationalchain integration is related positively to cost
borders. Finally, there also exist challenges set forthefficiency in supply chain and to the agility in the
by customers, whose needs and requirementssupply chain.