What is a major objective of supply chain integration?

A major objective of supply chain integration is to improve efficiency and enhance collaboration among all entities involved in the supply chain. When supply chain partners—such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—work collaboratively and share information seamlessly, it leads to better coordination, reduced lead times, and optimized resource utilization.

By breaking down silos between different organizations and fostering a culture of cooperation, supply chain integration facilitates timely problem-solving and makes it easier to respond to customer demand variations. This collaboration can result in lower costs, improved product quality, and increased overall satisfaction for end customers.

In contrast, focusing on maximizing independent operations, reducing collaboration, or increasing administrative overhead would hinder the overall objectives of supply chain integration. These approaches create fragmentation rather than fostering the teamwork necessary to drive efficiency and responsiveness in the supply chain.