SUPPLY CHAIN AND CUSTOMER RALATIONS : AN INDIAN DEFENCE COMPANY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In recent years supply chain has become the most dynamic factor in growth of any manufacturing industry. Market leaders today are getting pulled towards different tools and techniques that drive the supply chain to meet the ever-changing demands of the consumer. Supply chain is a crucial element to operational efficiency. Supply chain management is widely being used as integration of multiple business processes across the supply chain. Clearly the impression that SCM has on business is notable and exponential. The evidence can be stated as SCM boosts customer service by making sure that the right product conglomeration and quantity can be delivered in an opportune manner. Also it has a tremendous impact on the bottom line. While many organizations have correctly identified the connection between the supply chain and expansion of their businesses, most of them are clueless about activities and sub processes that are contained in each supply chain process. Nonetheless organizations know that supply chain strategies are the critical backbone to any business organization today. Effective market reach, availability of goods at places that hold the key to revenue recognition, most of these and other factors depend on the effectiveness of supply chain strategy rolled out. The main thrust of this research paper qualitatively examines the dynamics of the relationship between suppliers and the company in context of Indian manufacturing industry. Today, focus is put on the idea that stronger the trust between supplier and a company, better is the supply chain strategy. Suppliers are no longer viewed as mere vendors to an organization. In fact, for a business to flourish, it is important that a supplier feels ownership towards the organization. Over the course of the paper, the important elements of a customersupplier relationship have been explored and later the thought process has been built upon by inputs provided by the supply chain head of an Indian manufacturing company in the field of Defence aerospace.