Understanding Supply Chain Management
Before diving into the vocabulary, it’s important to grasp what supply chain management encompasses. SCM covers the planning, execution, and monitoring of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics. In Chinese, supply chain management is called 供应链管理 (gōngyìng liàn guǎnlǐ).
Core Supply Chain Management Vocabulary in Chinese
1. 供应链 (gōngyìng liàn) – Supply Chain
This term refers to the entire network of entities, resources, activities, and technology involved in the creation and sale of a product.
2. 物流 (wùliú) – Logistics
Logistics is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient flow and storage of goods, services, and information from origin to consumption.
3. 采购 (cǎigòu) – Procurement/Purchasing
Procurement involves sourcing and buying goods and services from suppliers, a key function in supply chain management.
4. 仓储 (cāngchǔ) – Warehousing
Warehousing refers to storing goods in a warehouse before they are distributed to retailers or customers.
5. 分销 (fēnxiāo) – Distribution
Distribution is the process of delivering the final products to the end consumers or retailers.
6. 供应商 (gōngyìng shāng) – Supplier
A supplier provides goods or services necessary for the production or sale of products.
7. 客户 (kèhù) – Customer/Client
This word is used for the end user or purchaser of goods and services.
8. 订单 (dìngdān) – Order
An order refers to a request to purchase products or services.
9. 库存 (kùcún) – Inventory/Stock
Inventory management is essential for tracking goods available for sale or use in production.
10. 运输 (yùnshū) – Transportation
Transportation is the movement of goods between different locations in the supply chain.
Advanced Vocabulary for Supply Chain Management
Once you are comfortable with the basics, expanding your vocabulary can help you discuss more complex supply chain topics in Chinese:
- 供应链整合 (gōngyìng liàn zhěnghé) – Supply Chain Integration
- 需求预测 (xūqiú yùcè) – Demand Forecasting
- 供应链优化 (gōngyìng liàn yōuhuà) – Supply Chain Optimization
- 反向物流 (fǎnxiàng wùliú) – Reverse Logistics
- 信息流 (xìnxī liú) – Information Flow
- 生产计划 (shēngchǎn jìhuà) – Production Planning
- 供应链风险管理 (gōngyìng liàn fēngxiǎn guǎnlǐ) – Supply Chain Risk Management
Tips for Mastering Supply Chain Vocabulary in Chinese
- Practice in Context: Use supply chain terms in real-life scenarios or role-plays relevant to your profession or studies.
- Use Flashcards: Create bilingual flashcards with the Chinese term on one side and the English on the other, along with example sentences.
- Engage with Authentic Materials: Read Chinese business news, watch logistics webinars, or follow supply chain professionals on Chinese social platforms like WeChat and Zhihu.
- Leverage AI Tools: Platforms like Talkpal can help you practice pronunciation, listening, and speaking skills specific to supply chain vocabulary.
Conclusion
Building a strong foundation in supply chain management vocabulary is essential for anyone aiming to work or do business in China or with Chinese partners. By learning and practicing these key terms, you’ll be better equipped for negotiations, meetings, and effective communication in the dynamic world of supply chain. For more resources and personalized learning experiences, explore the Talkpal AI language learning blog and take your Chinese business language skills to the next level.
