Supplying a balanced look at supply chains, including manufacturing and procurement, this accessible introduction to supply chain basics details the logic behind why supply chain management is essential, examines how supply chains are evolving, and looks ahead to future developments. It covers the forward supply chain (supplier to customer), the reverse supply chain (recycling), triple bottom line, cradle-to-grave, and cradle-to-cradle. Focusing on the customer and working backwards to the point of origin, the text provides numerous examples and case histories that outline a proven approach for achieving effective supply chain integration.