downstream and upstream
Upstream and downstream refers to the supply chain of an industry. For example, if you're looking at a distribution plant then the manufacture would be downstream and the retailer would be upstream. Events or processes that happen before whatever is being looked at is downstream and whatever happens after is upstream.
This generally refers to the management of upstream and downstream activities of an organization in an international arena.
Supply chains are the suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and transportation modes that move products and services from the source of components and raw materials to the customer. Product flowing from the source toward the customer is flowing downstream. Activities that are performed previous to a specific point on the supply chain are upstream activities. (source: http://www.ehow.com/info_8745500_upstream-downstream-supply-chain-activity.html)
"Upstream" and "downstream" refer to different stages in a production or supply chain process. Upstream involves the initial stages, including sourcing raw materials and production, while downstream focuses on the later stages, such as distribution, sales, and delivery to consumers. In a broader context, these terms can also apply to various industries, including oil and gas, where upstream refers to exploration and extraction, and downstream involves refining and marketing products.
Upstream firms are businesses involved in the early stages of production, focusing on the extraction or sourcing of raw materials and resources needed for manufacturing. In contrast, downstream firms operate later in the supply chain, dealing with the processing, distribution, and retail of finished products to consumers. Together, these firms form a complete production and distribution network, where upstream activities feed into downstream processes.
Upstream and downstream organizational structures refer to the flow of processes and information within a company, particularly in supply chain management. Upstream activities involve the sourcing of raw materials and components, focusing on suppliers and production inputs. Downstream activities, on the other hand, pertain to the distribution and sale of finished products to customers, encompassing marketing, sales, and customer service. Together, these structures help organizations manage their operations efficiently from production to delivery.
refers to vertical integration, that is, a company takes over certain stages upstream (Backward) or downstream(Forward) from its position in the supply chain. A steel manufacturing company that wants to integrate backwards would therefore buy the ore mine. refers to vertical integration, that is, a company takes over certain stages upstream (Backward) or downstream(Forward) from its position in the supply chain. A steel manufacturing company that wants to integrate backwards would therefore buy the ore mine.
Downstream.
An example of upstream can be found in the oil industry, where exploration and extraction of crude oil occur. This phase involves locating oil reserves, drilling wells, and producing raw oil, which is then sent to downstream processes like refining and distribution. Upstream activities are crucial as they form the foundation of the supply chain for oil and gas products.
Supply chain mapping is the method to capture existing business process and performance across various organization from upstream raw material producers to downstream retailing companies. Visualization of business process is the key to determine how to improve operations and how to increase coordination among different parties in the same supply chain. The result of good supply chain mapping can be reduction of lead-time or delivery time or cost reduction.
Good upstream refers to effective practices and processes in the early stages of a supply chain, such as sourcing raw materials and managing supplier relationships, ensuring quality and sustainability. Good downstream focuses on the latter stages, including distribution, marketing, and customer service, aiming to deliver the final product efficiently and enhance customer satisfaction. Together, both aspects create a seamless flow of goods and services, ultimately driving business success and profitability.
the downstream portion of the supply chain