Supply chain management is critical to the success of any company which manufactures or handles goods. It monitors the movement and storage of raw materials, maintains inventories of all stock and work that is in progress, and tracks goods from their point of origin to the final customer.

It's also about working closely with a variety of external partners to find and source the best materials at the best price and maintaining strong links with suppliers and customers. If any part of the supply chain fails, then a business can find itself with a big problem.

That's why good supply chain managers are worth their weight in gold.