What does supply chain integration focus on?

Supply chain integration focuses on aligning all parts of the supply chain to work effectively together. This involves establishing seamless communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. The goal is to synchronize processes, share information, and optimize the flow of materials and products across the entire supply chain. When integration is successful, it leads to improved efficiency, better customer service, enhanced visibility, and a more responsive supply chain.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of supply chain integration. Minimizing the number of suppliers may contribute to simplification, but it does not address the need for coordination among all supply chain partners. Enhancing advertisement for supply chain products focuses on marketing rather than the operational synergies sought in integration. Reducing lead times at the cost of quality contradicts the principle of integration, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality while improving responsiveness and efficiency.