Demand chain
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A firm wanting to bring its goods or services to market must undertake a series of activities that may include designing, manufacturing, marketing, sales, delivering and supporting the product (after sales). This comprehensive suite of activities is called the value chain and is split into two halves: demand chain and supply chain.
[edit] Demand chain
The demand chain is concerned with all the activities a firm undertakes to generate the demand for its goods and services, so it includes marketing, sales and service. As the demand chain drives demand, and demand comes from customers, it is customers that must be directly and successfully influenced by demand chain activities.
Managing a demand chain involves managing the relationships between customers and suppliers so that maximum value is created for the customer while the demand chain overall incurs minimal costs.
[edit] Supply chain
In contrast, the supply chain – the other half of the value chain – encompasses those activities (purchasing, manufacturing and distribution undertaken by companies and people) that are needed to transfer products from suppliers to customers. So, turning natural resources, raw materials and components into finished products that are eventually delivered to customers is typical of supply chain activities.
Many activities in the supply chain may be performed by individual companies which, while they form part of the chain of supply have no direct link or even interest in other supply chain firms.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.