The bestselling guide to the field, updated with the latest innovations

Essentials of Supply Chain Management is the definitive guide to the field, providing both broad coverage and necessary detail from a practical, real-world perspective. From clear explanation of fundamental concepts to insightful discussion of supply chain innovation, this book offers students and professionals a comprehensive introduction with immediately-applicable understanding. The fourth edition has been updated to reflect the current state of the field, with coverage of the latest technologies and new case studies that illustrate critical concepts in action. Organized for easy navigation and ease-of-use, this invaluable guide also serves as a quick reference for managers in the field seeking tips and techniques for maximizing efficiency and turning the supply chain into a source of competitive advantage.

The supply chain underpins the entire structure of manufacturing and retailing. Well-run, it can help a company become a global behemoth-or, if poorly-managed, it can sink a company before the product ever sees the light of day. The supply chain involves many moving parts, constantly-changing variables, and a network of other business that may have different priorities and interests-keeping it all running smoothly is a complex, but immensely powerful skill. This book takes you inside the supply chain to show you what you need to know.

• Understand the fundamental concepts behind supply chain management
• Learn how supply chains work, and how to measure their performance
• Explore the ways in which innovation is improving supply chains around the world
• Examine the supply chain as a source of competitive advantage

Whether you're at the front or the back of your supply chain, your business is affected by every other company and event in the chain. Deep understanding and a host of practical skills are required to accurately predict, react to, and manage the ever-changing stream of events that could potentially disrupt the flow. Essentials of Supply Chain Management prepares you to take on the challenge and succeed.

• Understand supply chains and how they work
• See how new technology changes supply chain operations
• Create supply chains for competitive advantage

Praise for ESSENTIALS OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

"There are opportunities for every player in any supply chain to improve all aspects of supply chain management. Improving our customers' bottom line through creative transportation solutions is on the mind of our employees every day. Michael Hugos provides the information and practical examples of how specialized expertise combined with collaboration can produce entirely new and profitable outcomes for our customers."
-Laurel McGrath, VP and General Manager, Celtic International

"Michael Hugos presents the core concepts and techniques of supply chain management in a clear, concise, and easily readable style for those desiring an introduction to the subject or for those wanting to refine their understanding and application of supply chain issues. The case studies and executive insights are very useful in illustrating how to effectively employ supply chains to enable companies to accomplish their business goals."
-Perry J. Gaid, Vice President of Purchasing, OneSource Facility Services, Inc.

"My company is involved in both manufacturing and distribution. Mr. Hugos' book provides a valuable framework of concepts and techniques that people at all levels of the company can use to organize and improve our supply chain management capabilities and tie them to our business strategy."
-Grant Watkinson, PhD, President, Coastwide Laboratories, Inc.

"...an excellent introduction into supply chain management...a book you should own and loan out to others frequently..."
-Supply Management, April 2003

"In clear and concise prose, this lean book outlines the most crucial tenets and concepts of supply chain management."
-Supply Chain Management Review, September/October 2003

Revised and expanded with new executive interviews, and explanations of important new technology and its impact on supply chain management, this Fourth Edition contains valuable tips, techniques, illustrative real-world examples, exhibits, and best practices. This handy and concise paperback will help you stay up to date on the newest thinking, strategies, developments, and technologies in supply chain management.