Which of the following are key components of a supply chain?

The key components of a supply chain focus on the various entities and processes involved in delivering a product or service from the initial supplier to the final consumer. The answer highlighting suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, transportation, retailers, and customers outlines the entire flow of goods and information in a typical supply chain.

Suppliers provide the raw materials, while manufacturers transform these materials into finished products. Warehouses play a critical role in storing these products before they are distributed. Transportation is essential for moving goods between entities in the supply chain, ensuring that products reach retailers or consumers in a timely manner. Lastly, retailers act as the intermediary selling products directly to customers, who are the ultimate end-users of these goods. This comprehensive view encapsulates the entirety of the supply chain, demonstrating how each component interacts to effectively meet consumer demand and achieve operational efficiency.

Other options may mention relevant entities but do not include all critical components that form a complete supply chain. For example, government agencies and finance departments might play supportive roles, but they are not core elements of the supply chain's primary operations.