
36 Principles of Supply Chain Management
systems, and supply chain partners. All of these resources require periodic replenishment
and upgrading to maintain a competitive edge for the supply chain.
The role of the customer is important, since a customer’s perceived value determines
the actual value of the outputs (products or services). All products and services evolve
through a life cycle. Managerial challenges exist at each stage of the product life cycle.
Internal and external customers are involved through the product life cycle. Internal cus-
tomers transform the received inputs into valuable outputs. External customers exchange
nancial r ...