What Are The Different Types Of Supply Chain Flows In Procurement? (2024)

Introduction to Procurement

Procurement is the process of acquiring goods or services from an external source. It is the act of finding, negotiating, and obtaining resources needed for an organization to function. The term can also refer to the process of contracting for the purchase of goods or services.

There are four different types of supply chain flows in procurement:

1) Make-to-order: In a make-to-order supply chain, products are only manufactured after a customer places an order. This type of flow is often used in custom or bespoke orders.
2) Assemble-to-order: In an assemble-to-order supply chain, products are manufactured after a customer places an order, but some components may be pre-assembled. This type of flow is often used in the assembly of complex products with many different parts.
3) Make-to-stock: In a make-to-stock supply chain, products are manufactured before a customer places an order. This type of flow is often used in mass production where demand is relatively predictable.
4) Engineer-to-order: In an engineer-to-order supply chain, products are designed and manufactured to meet the specific requirements of a customer. This type of flow is often used in customized products or projects where each unit produced is unique.

The Different Types of Supply Chain Flows

There are four different types of supply chain flows in procurement: the product flow, the information flow, the finances flow, and the return flow.

1. The product flow is the physical movement of goods from suppliers to manufacturers to retailers to consumers.
2. The information flow is the exchange of data and information between all parties in the supply chain, from suppliers to manufacturers to retailers to consumers.
3. The finances flow is the transfer of money between all parties in the supply chain, from suppliers to manufacturers to retailers to consumers.
4. The return flow is the physical movement of goods back up the supply chain from consumers to retailers to manufacturers to suppliers.

The Importance of Supply Chain Flows

There are many different types of supply chain flows in procurement, but the most important one is the flow of materials. This flow includes the movement of raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished products from suppliers to manufacturers to customers. A well-functioning supply chain ensures that materials are available when and where they are needed, and that finished products are delivered to customers on time.

The other important supply chain flows are information flows and finances. Information flows ensure that all stakeholders in the supply chain have the information they need to make decisions and coordinate activities. For example, suppliers need to know what materials are needed and when they are needed; manufacturers need to know when raw materials will be delivered and when finished products need to be shipped; and customers need to know when their orders will be delivered. Financial flows ensure that all parties in the supply chain are paid promptly for their goods and services.

How to Optimize Your Supply Chain Flow

There are four types of supply chain flows in procurement: make-to-stock, make-to-order, engineer-to-order, and assemble-to-order. Each type of flow has its own unique characteristics and benefits that can optimize your supply chain.

Make-to-stock (MTS) flow is the most common type of procurement flow. In MTS, products are manufactured or procured based on demand forecasts. This type of flow is best suited for products with stable demand and low customization. The benefits of MTS include lower inventory costs and faster delivery times.

Make-to-order (MTO) flow is used for products with high levels of customization or when customer demand is difficult to predict. In MTO, manufacturing only begins after an order has been received. This type of flow often results in higher inventory costs and longer lead times. However, it allows for greater flexibility in meeting customer demands.

Engineer-to-order (ETO) flow is used for products that require a high degree of customization or engineering. In ETO, the manufacturing process begins after the engineering process is complete. This type of flow often results in long lead times and high inventory costs. However, it allows for a higher degree of customization and a better fit with customer demands.

Assemble-to-order (ATO) flow is used for products that are assembled from components that are procured or manufactured to stock. In AT

Conclusion

Each supply chain flow in procurement is designed to ensure that goods and services are delivered on time and within budget. By understanding the different types of flows, organizations can make sure they have the right systems in place to meet their objectives. This knowledge can help them streamline their processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs, allowing them to become more competitive. When implemented correctly, these supply chain flows can help an organization achieve its goals by providing access to the resources it needs at a lower cost.