What overall impact does supply-chain management aim to achieve for companies and customers?

Supply-chain management focuses on coordinating and optimizing all aspects of a company's supply chain to enhance both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. By minimizing costs, companies can operate more profitably, while improving the quality of service directly relates to customer satisfaction and loyalty. This dual focus ensures that customers receive high-quality products at competitive prices, fostering trust and encouraging repeat business.

Through effective supply-chain management, businesses can streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve the flow of goods and information. This holistic approach not only benefits the company’s bottom line but also meets or exceeds customer expectations, leading to a stronger market position. In contrast, increasing the number of suppliers or focusing solely on production efficiency may not necessarily yield these broader benefits, as they do not inherently address cost minimization and service quality.