When does a supply chain officially end?

A supply chain officially ends when a satisfied customer is achieved because the ultimate goal of a supply chain is to fulfill customer needs and deliver value. This perspective emphasizes that the supply chain encompasses all activities from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to the customer.

A satisfied customer indicates that the product or service has met or exceeded the expectations set forth by the company, effectively completing the cycle of production, distribution, and customer engagement. This highlights the importance of customer feedback and satisfaction in evaluating the effectiveness of the supply chain.

In contrast, the conclusion of activities such as manufacturing, warehouse delivery, or order placement only represents parts of the overall supply process without necessarily ensuring that customer needs have been met. Thus, focusing on customer satisfaction encapsulates the complete supply chain experience and its success.