Materials Supply Chain . Dr. Yasser Anan

Materials and supply management is the system that ensures the provision of required materials and services in the appropriate quantity, quality, time and cost. Materials management includes planning and controlling the flow of inventory from raw materials to the finished product within the organization, while supply is concerned with securing these materials from their external sources through purchasing and supplier management. The two functions are integrated within the supply chain that links suppliers, factories, distributors, and customers in a single network of flows of materials, information, and funds. Effective management relies on quantitative tools such as economic order quantity (EOQ), reorder point (ROP), ABC classification, MRP and ERP systems, on sourcing strategies such as the Kraljic framework and long-term partnerships. Digital technologies (Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain), sustainability, risk management and resilience have also become essential elements of modern supply. The ultimate goal is to balance the level of customer service with the cost of holding inventory, and build a flexible and resilient supply chain that brings competitive advantage to the organization.