Running Head: Business and Marketing Integrated supply chains Name: Institution: Course: Tutor: Date: Integrated supply chains Integrated supply chain refers to an upcoming concept whose centre of attention is joining together requirements of buyers directly into production schedule of suppliers (Bolstorff, 2003). Combination of the requirements of buyers directly into production schedule of suppliers enables companies to enter into meaningful competition in which case they experience reduced competition harms (Boone, 2002). The aim of the operation (supply chain integration) is to ensure that products are delivered in time and promoting reliability. It is evident that joining together of requirements of buyers directly into production schedule of suppliers make the operations in the supply chain more effective (Boyer, 2005). Supply chain is a network which comprises of suppliers, storage facilities, transporters, distributors and retailers who involve themselves in the production, delivery and sale of certain products. Supply chains are generally comprised of numerous companies coordinating activities with the aim of protecting themselves from dangerous competition. Integrated supply chain`s key challenges There are several challenges faced by companies that are involved in operations involving supply chains which are integrated. Although many benefits are experienced by the companies involved in operations based on supply chains w...