Role & Responsibility of Supply Chain Management in IT Industries

Abstract

This paper presents a study of Supply Chain Management, SCM applicatwns, elements and benefits roles and responsibility of SCM in IT firms in India. Specifically focus on supply chain structures; facilities network design; transportation and logistics; collaboratwns arid partnerships; and the role of Information and Communications Technologies (JCT). Supply Chain Practices in India Before the 1990s, Indian organizations operated in a protected environment. Supply chain activities cover everything from product development, sourcing, production, and logistics, as well as the information systems needed to coordinate these activities. Comparative analysis of SCM practices of these firms indicates various similarities, differences, emergent trends as well as areas of concern. Manufacturing as well as others services firms, face many challenges in getting the best out of their suppliers, in-house operations and logistics and distribution channels. Their supply chain structures, facilities network design, collaborations and partnership strategies, forecasting methodologies as well as implementation and utilization of information and communications technologies (JCT) are assuming greater significance in meeting these challenges. Inventory control and inventory visibility are two very critical elements in any operations for these are the cost drivers and directly impact the bottom lines on the balance sheet. Inventory means value and is an asset to the company. A lot of inventory would also be in the pipeline in transportation, besides the inventory with distributors and retail stocking points. Since any loss of inventory anywhere in the supply chain would result in loss of value, effective control of inventory and visibility of inventory gains importance as a key factor of Supply Chain Management function. In a global scenarw, the finished goods inventory is held at many locations and distribution centers, managed by third parties.