5 Common Supply Chain Management Interview Questions and Answers

Supply Chain Management

With the growth of e-commerce and technology, there are more supply chain jobs than ever. And if you are preparing for supply chain roles, knowing what to expect from an interview can help you prepare better and ensure you have answers to the most common questions. So, here are the five common supply chain management questions asked in interviews.

1. What is supply chain management?

Supply chain management is the detailed supervision of all aspects of the supply chain, including raw materials, data and finances, from beginning to end. It aims to stabilise the flow of processes from product manufacture to final delivery, all while generating and satisfying demand.

2. What steps are involved in a supply chain operation?

A supply chain operation involves the following steps:

  • Organising the inventory and ensuring that supply and demand are in balance
  • Sourcing or extraction of raw materials for production
  • Refining raw materials or manufacturing them into basic components
  • Assembling basic components to turn them into finished goods and checking testing defects
  • Packaging the finished product and distributing it
  • Delivering and selling finished goods to customers or distributors
  • Providing customer service to resolve problems (if returned)

3. Why do we need Supply chain management?

Supply chain management helps in actively managing supply chain activities to maximise customer value and profitability through efficient and effective operations and achieve long-term competitive advantage. It helps companies develop and operate supply chains most effectively and efficiently as possible.

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4. What is the role of logistics in supply chain management?

The term “logistics” refers to the overall process of tracking the transportation of goods and services from one location to its final destination. However, the definition of logistics has evolved in recent years. It can easily change shape to meet the needs of a company. It involves more than simply delivering finished goods to customers.

The logistics department is now in charge of warehousing, managing outbound and inbound transportation, planning to meet demand, and material handling. Additionally, they are responsible for inventory management, transportation management, and order fulfilment.

5. What is the importance of logistics?

Supply chain management requires planning, sourcing raw materials, and manufacturing them into finished products. However, if the desired goods are not delivered to the consumers, the entire point of production is rendered null and void. Thus, logistics must be in place for supply chain professionals to ensure the success of the overall supply chain management process.

Although logistics may appear to be a minor task completed at the end of the manufacturing process, it actually carries the majority of the workload. Logistics occurs throughout the process and, in some cases, even before production begins.

Logistics helps businesses’ supply chains in the following ways:

  • Logistics teams optimise supply chain efficiency by using real-time data. They track the movement of merchandise and identify roadblocks to avoid disruptions.
  • Logistics ensures that goods arrive at the right place at the right time and streamlines each step of the process.
  • Logistics is critical to the upkeep of distribution networks and the timely and safe transportation of goods to meet customer demand.
  • Good logistics implement dependable strategies that help improve customer service.
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Online training programmes to advance career in supply chain

Supply chain management is a booming industry. In today’s business world, supply chain analysts are in high demand.

Enrol in advanced supply chain analytics courses for working professionals and freshers if you want to learn and develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed in supply chain management. These online supply chain training programmes offered by India’s prestigious institutions will provide you with the skills you need to deal with everyday challenges and help you succeed in SCM.

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