The interconnected teams and organizations that comprise the supply chain provide a range of different functions. The supply chain for every organization is different. In fact, each product can have different supply chain needs and challenges, leading to different players. In general, the supply chain spans a fairly common set of functions that are accomplished in very different ways. Sourcing and Procurement Sourcing is the process of finding, evaluating, and engaging suppliers to Read More
Wholesalers as Intermediaries
While the retail channel is most familiar to students, wholesalers play an important role as intermediaries. Intermediaries act as a link in the distribution process, but the roles they fill are broader than simply connecting the different channel partners. Wholesalers, often called “merchant wholesalers,” help move goods between producers and retailers. For example, McLane Company Inc. is among the largest wholesalers in the United States. The breadth of its operations is described Read More