A supply chain involves procuring materials, transforming them into products, and distributing finished products to customers. As products move down the chain, information and money flow back up the chain. No product moves without instruction to do so.

1. http://www.flickr.com/photos/djs1021/41318659/ A supply chain is a network of facilities and distribution options,

2. http://www.staffspasttrack.org.uk/exhibit/coal/collieries/hemheath.htm that performs the functions of procurement of materials ;

3. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiteflier/269219539/ transformation of these materials into intermediate and finished products ;

4. and distribution of these finished products http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=truck&m=tags&l=comm&page=25

5. http://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/154300399/ (Source: Ganeshan & Harrison - Introduction to Supply Chain Management) to customers

6. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayr/554227935/ As products flow down the chain, information and money flow up the chain

7. http://www.flickr.com/photos/spanner/1172641259/ No product moves without an instruction to do so