Overview of Supply Chain Planning

Supply chain planning is a vital process that helps businesses make sure the right products are available at the right time and place, while keeping costs low and customers satisfied. A beginner-level course on supply chain planning introduces students to the basic concepts and tools used to manage how goods move from suppliers to customers.

The course usually starts with an explanation of what a supply chain is and how planning fits into it. It describes key steps in the supply chain, such as sourcing raw materials, producing goods, storing inventory, and delivering products to customers. Learners are introduced to the two main sides of planning: demand planning (predicting what customers will need and when) and supply planning (deciding how to meet that demand with available resources).

Beginners also learn about inventory management, production scheduling, and how to handle unexpected changes like delays or sudden increases in customer demand. The course explains how planning helps different parts of a company—like sales, marketing, and operations—work together through a process called Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP).

Modern tools like spreadsheets, basic software, and even enterprise systems like ERP are also introduced. By the end of the course, students will understand how supply chain planning helps businesses stay efficient, avoid shortages or excess inventory, and improve customer satisfaction.