supply chain

American  

[suh-plahy cheyn] / səˈplaɪ ˌtʃeɪn /

noun

1. the series of growers, manufacturers, distributors, shippers, etc., involved in producing goods of a particular kind and bringing them to market.

   A typical supply chain from fiber to garment has up to seven players spread across the globe—more, if processes like dyeing or printing are subcontracted.

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supply chain British  

noun

1. marketing a channel of distribution beginning with the supplier of materials or components, extending through a manufacturing process to the distributor and retailer, and ultimately to the consumer

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Etymology

Origin of supply chain

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

“This agreement with Boeing is a direct reflection that speed, volume, and a resilient supply chain are paramount,” said Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.

From MarketWatch

Paying a higher price for oil affects the whole supply chain, from the plastics needed to make toys and games, to the raw materials for modern synthetic fabrics, to the hundreds of components that go into phones, electric cars and semiconductors.

From BBC

It can take years to pivot a factory and supply chain from one type of vehicle to another.

From The Wall Street Journal

The unpredictability is reverberating through the automotive industry’s sprawling supply chain.

From The Wall Street Journal

GM, trying to catch up with Tesla, rolled out a $7 billion plan in 2022 to expand EV capacity and build up a supply chain.

From The Wall Street Journal