Simple way to explain supply chain.

Have you ever tried to explain supply chain to someone and they just don’t get it.  Put together this example to help people understand the various aspects of supply chain.

Here is the task to ask them to do: Plan a meal for 10 people.  Everyone must get the food they want and you can’t run out.  You have a $100 budget.  Now plan and execute.

First you have to plan everything out.  Find out what everyone wants to eat.  Determine (plan) what store or stores you can get all your ingredients (supplies).  Then you have to go to the store and buy (procurement) everything you need.  Once you have all the ingredients at home you can start cooking (manufacturing).  As you are cooking people are most likely coming into the kitchen giving advice and telling you how it should be done.  Once everything is cooked will set it out on the table (deliver the product).  As everyone is eating hopefully everyone will enjoy their meal.  But if not, will take the feedback and try to fix it.  See how this all goes with supply chain?