Pronunciation: [vˈaljuː t͡ʃˈe͡ɪn] (IPA)
A value chain is a term that is frequently used in the business world to describe the series of activities that a company undertakes to create and deliver a product or service to customers. Synonyms for this term may include supply chain, production sequence, and distribution network. These alternatives all describe the same chain of activities, but may focus on different aspects of the process. Other related words include supply network, procurement process, and logistic chain. No matter what term is used, understanding and optimizing the value chain is essential for companies to ensure efficient and effective operation, sustainable production and profitability, and customer satisfaction.