Why Supply Chain?

Once Rukmini and Satyabhama, the two wives of Lord Krishna, decided to test whom does Lord Krishna loves more. They both spent hours making Lord Krishna’s favorite dish and were anxiously waiting for Lord Krishna to arrive and savor of the food they prepared with devotion. Sooner Lord Krishna arrived after meeting his Disciples in Dwarka and was at first surprised to see both his wives smiling and eagerly wanting to serve him food. The food served to him had everything for a perfect meal prepared by both his wives with love and devotion. After Lord Krishna completed his meal, Satyabhama was quick to ask Which food in the meal symbolizes her for Lord Krishna? Krishna thought for a second, smiled and replied - “You for me is the dessert in the food, as you bring sweetness to my life through your love and Devotion.”

This brought a big smile on the face of Satyabhama who felt ecstatic and left with joy. Shyly Rukmini went closer to Lord Krishna and asked the same question. Lord Krishna humbly responded that:” You for me is the salt in the meal”. Hearing this response Rukmini got sad and thought that She is of less importance and started to leave with disappointment. Lord Krishna, being sharp as an arrow, seeing her predicament said; “Just like without salt, any food will be tasteless and without which any dish is incomplete; my life will have no essence or meaning, without you. And therefore, I compared you with the salt.”

In the Modern word if you compare any Business with a meal comprises of various items(functions), supply chain would be the salt. It is the basic ingredient which form the base and the essence of any Business. It holds the Business together and ensure the right product reaches right customer on time at right cost and quantity. Supply Chain is at the heart of the Business and transforming the world. As organizations continue their effort to cut down cost and improve customer experience, they turn to supply chain professionals for the help. Right from Sourcing high quality raw and packaging materials to Manufacture of high standard products and ensuring right quantity is produced and delivered as per demand of end customer, supply chain covers a wide range of activities that drives business. Nearly 60% of cost of entire Business is managed by Supply chain which employs millions of people worldwide. During our college days, I had prepared a lot of answers to this Question of why Supply Chain for job interviews. But after working in an cross sector organization which manufactures wide range of products, I have surely realized the importance of Supply Chain now. Have you? So, tell me why Supply Chain?