Supply Chain Management (SCM) plays a vital role in keeping goods, information, and finances flowing smoothly between suppliers, manufacturers, and customers.
It’s the backbone of how businesses operate. It connects everything from product design and raw material sourcing to transportation and final delivery.
Understanding what supply chain management is helps explain how companies stay competitive, reduce costs, and ensure customers get what they need.
With global trade expanding and supply chain technology reshaping operations, skilled SCM professionals are more in demand than ever.
A career in the supply chain offers opportunities across industries. From logistics and procurement to operations and analytics.
In this article, we’ll cover what supply chain management is, its five main functions, and the benefits of studying this programme.
What is supply chain management?
Supply Chain Management (also known as SCM) focuses on the movement and storage of materials, data, inventory, goods and finances as they move from the point of origin to the point of purchase.
Many different processes are involved in this process. It essentially involves coordinating local and global supply chains across various businesses.
Numerous supply networks and channels are involved in the production and delivery of products and services. Before goods reach the customer, they go through a chain of processes that can include operations management, logistics, procurement, IT, and warehousing.
SCM has the primary goal of:
- Creating value
- Boosting infrastructure
- Leveraging global logistics and delivery
As such, supply chain professionals are required to have specialised training that enables them to effectively oversee various supply chain functions. From transportation to warehousing, inventory management and production, this role plays a vital part in any successful business.
For this reason, Supply Chain Management courses are highly in demand among those seeking to build their careers in this challenging yet exciting field.
Some popular supply chain careers include:
- Supply Chain Manager
- Procurement or Purchasing Manager
- Logistics Coordinator
- Inventory or Warehouse Manager
- Operations or Production Planner
- Demand or Supply Analyst
Global value chains (GVCs) account for around 70% of international trade. This makes the supply chain a highly lucrative industry with many job opportunities.
What are the 5 main functions of supply chain management?
To understand the importance of supply chain management, consider its five main functions. Each plays a vital role in how supply chains work. It ensures that products move efficiently from production to delivery while keeping costs under control and customers happy.
1. Planning and forecasting
This is where it all begins. Supply chain professionals use data and market trends to predict future demand, manage inventory levels, and prepare for potential disruptions.
Strong planning reduces waste and ensures that businesses can consistently meet customer demands and needs.
2. Sourcing and procurement
Once plans are in place, companies must find reliable suppliers to provide the materials and services they need. Effective procurement involves:
- Negotiating contracts
- Managing supplier relationships
- Ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing practices
3. Production and manufacturing
This function focuses on turning raw materials into finished products. It involves:
- Coordinating logistics and operations management
- Scheduling production runs
- Maintaining equipment
- Ensuring quality standards are met at every stage
4. Distribution and logistics
After production, goods must reach customers quickly and safely. Logistics teams manage warehousing, transportation, and delivery routes to keep the flow of goods efficient and cost-effective.
This step highlights how supply chains work to connect manufacturers, distributors, and retailers seamlessly.
5. Returns and customer service
The final function involves managing product returns, repairs, and after-sales support. Handling this process will improve customer satisfaction and provide valuable feedback for improving future operations.
What does a supply chain manager do?
A supply chain manager ensures that products move smoothly from the first step (such as obtaining raw materials) to the last step (delivering the final product to customers). They help keep the whole process fast, cost-effective, and problem-free.
Think of a supply chain manager as the “planner” and “problem-solver” of a business. Their job includes:
1. Planning the flow of goods
They decide the best way to get products from suppliers to warehouses, and then to stores or customers. This includes planning routes, selecting suppliers, and ensuring everything arrives on time.
2. Managing suppliers
Supply chain managers talk to suppliers, compare prices, negotiate deals, and build good relationships so the business can get materials at the right price and quality.
3. Watching stock levels
They keep an eye on how much stock the business has. Too much stock wastes money, and too little stock means customers have to wait. A good supply chain manager keeps the balance just right.
4. Solving problems
If a delivery is late, a truck breaks down, or a supplier can’t provide materials, the supply chain manager steps in to resolve the issue quickly. Their goal is to prevent delays.
5. Improving processes
They are always looking for ways to make the supply chain faster, cheaper, and more efficient — for example, by using technology or changing suppliers.
6. Working with other teams
Supply chain managers work closely with teams like finance, sales, transportation, and customer service to keep every part of the business running smoothly.
Why consider a supply chain management course?
Supply Chain Management qualifications teach you several skills that are needed to effectively run supply chains, including:
- Quality improvement
- Innovation and how it affects the supply chain
- Challenges affecting the supply chain
- Risk management
- And various other modules that help to nurture qualified, skilled supply chain professionals
As such, this qualification is ideal for:
- Those who are already working in a supply chain field or a similar role and wish to update their skills or knowledge.
- Those wanting to advance within management roles.
- Those wanting to pursue a career within this field.
A typical Supply Chain Management qualification from a distance learning institute such as REGENT Business School provides learners with the following abilities:
- A better understanding of SCM, as well as the benefit of integrated planning within the business sector and the components of a supply chain process.
- Better knowledge of the basic steps involved in purchasing, as well as the purchasing environment as it applies to the public sector.
- An understanding of the numerous methodologies, tools and tactics used in negotiations, while also providing a solid foundation for better negotiation skills.
- The fundamentals of clear role differentiation, the responsibilities of various people within the supply chain, and the appropriate measures to enable effective processes.
- Awareness of basic price and cost analysis from a purchasing and production point of view, along with a foundation for strategic thinking.
- Enables students to devise a plan that ensures delivery and stakeholder satisfaction by managing and planning projects in accordance with best practices defined by project management processes.
You can have a look at REGENT’s BCom in Supply Chain Management and the Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management to compare these two qualifications.
FAQ about supply chain management
How long does it take to complete the BCom in Supply Chain Management?
Most BCom in Supply Chain Management degrees take three years of full-time study to complete. However, some institutions offer flexible or distance learning options, allowing part-time students to study at their own pace.
During this time, students build both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through assignments, projects, and case studies.
Is supply chain management a good career choice?
Yes, supply chain management is one of the most in-demand and rewarding career paths in business today. Almost every industry relies on effective supply chains, including:
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Technology
- And more
Skilled supply chain professionals are valued for their ability to cut costs, improve efficiency, and manage complex global networks.
What is the difference between logistics vs supply chain management?
Logistics focuses on moving and storing goods — like transport, warehousing, and deliveries.
Supply chain management is bigger. It includes logistics, planning, purchasing from suppliers, managing stock, and ensuring the whole process runs smoothly from start to finish.
What academic qualifications are needed to work in SCM?
To work in supply chain management, most people start with a Higher Certificate or Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management. Some jobs also accept related business qualifications, as long as you have knowledge of logistics, operations, or procurement.
Can I study SCM online or part-time at REGENT?
Yes, you can study Supply Chain Management online or part-time at REGENT Business School. REGENT offers both distance learning and rich-distance learning options, which allow students to study remotely — even while working.
Study supply chain management in South Africa with REGENT
A qualification in supply chain management is an excellent choice for those who want to play a key role in how businesses operate, move goods, and serve customers.
With South Africa’s growing need for skilled logistics and operations professionals who can help companies achieve competitive advantage, now is the perfect time to build your expertise in this high-demand field.
Interested in exploring REGENT Business School Supply Chain courses?
Learn more about the SCM degree or higher certificate here. Contact us today to find out more about how you can advance your career as an SCM professional.
