Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the systemic, strategic coordination of the traditional business functions and tactics across these business functions within a particular company and across businesses within the supply chain for the purpose of improving the long-term performance of the individual companies and the supply chain as a whole. The primary components of SCM include inventory management, procurement, production planning, warehouse/distribution management, transportation management and customer service. By leveraging technology and knowledge of processes throughout the supply chain, SCM gives organizations the ability to source, produce, and deliver products and services more efficiently, reducing overall costs and timescales.