• Visualizing the supply chain entities, structures, and flows used to procure and deliver goods and services

• Differentiating vertical versus horizontal integration and different levels of supply chain maturity

• Designing the supply chain and configuring the supply chain network

• Balancing efficiency with responsiveness while being resilient

• Optimizing technology by matching requirements to various supply chain technologies and interfaces

• Forming cross-functional and cross-organizational supply chain design teams

• Safeguarding and maintaining cybersecurity, data privacy, and supply chain master data

• Improving the supply chain by measuring and analyzing performance with supply chain metrics focused on customers, financial reports, operational practices, and customer service

• Becoming familiar with accounting and financial reporting information and strategic analysis tools

• Following a sourcing process to capture changes, such as for new products

• Managing supply based on total cost of ownership and make-versus-buy analysis

• Developing a category strategy and sourcing categories

• Doing spend and portfolio analyses to right-size the supplier base

• Developing supply plans based on buyer-supplier relationships

• Influencing product designs to promote collaboration and requirements inclusiveness

• Negotiating effective supply contracts/purchase orders and selecting proper payment terms

• Leveraging manufacturing planning and control including master planning, master scheduling, material requirements planning, distribution requirements planning, and various levels of capacity checks

• Managing, planning, and controlling inventory to keep it at proper levels and replenish it efficiently

• Understanding the effects of inventory on financial statements and inventory-related cost categories

• Using quality and continuous improvement techniques and principles, including lean and just-in-time

• Determining strategies for logistics, warehouse management, and transportation management

• Complying with international standards and considerations for import/export, tax/tariff, and labor laws

• Managing reverse logistics and waste

• Segmenting customers, suppliers, and other partners

• Using supplier relationship management (SRM) and customer relationship management (CRM) to develop, measure, and maintain relationships

• Understanding the communication process and dimensions

• Identifying, assessing, classifying, and responding to supply chain risks in a cost-effective manner

• Learning about common supply chain risks and how to make preventive and contingent action plans

• Considering inputs and objectives of organizational strategy and supply chain management strategy

• Recognizing and resolving strategic misalignments and gaps

• Building sustainable best practices and ensuring corporate social responsibility compliance

• Embracing sustainability principles, standards, and reporting methods, including the UN Global Compact and GRI sustainability reporting standards

• Assessing technology needs and learning about emerging technologies