A supply chain can be best defined as the complete processes that start with the creation and development of a product or service and ends with the delivery of the final product or service to the end users. These processes begin with the purchase of raw materials required for production and ends with the delivery of the product to the business or consumer. Supply management is set up to ensure proper forecasting and manage the fluctuating world of supply and demand. Along with these duties supply management is responsible for obtaining materials and parting, manufacturing, testing, storage, delivery and distribution. On its own the supply chain consists of a complex infrastructure that encompasses the following four components; planning, production, delivery logistics and return processing. These components are all made up of consist of many other sub-components, which are essential for a successful supply chain process. Through this paper a discussion will be made of how the internet has enhanced the supply chain process along with providing an explanation on how the supply chain process between Business-to business (B2B) and Business-to-consumer differ.
There are subtle variances in the steps of the supply chains in the B2B as opposed to that of the B2C supply chain. A few examples of these variances include how a B2B in many cases offers the use of extranets which allow access to members of the supply chain. By visiting these secured sites members are able to see availability, place orders and track shipments. Another example is how B2B companies purchase raw materials directly from suppliers for product manufacturing. Unlike a B2B, the B2C supply chain also includes the purchase of the finished product by the ...