Supply Chain Terms

verb to distribute or apportion for a specific purpose

• The government plans to allocate funds for infrastructure development.
• I need to allocate some time to finish this project.
• I'll allocate some cash for the concert tickets.
• She needs to allocate her energy wisely to avoid burnout.

noun An organization or economic system where goods and services are exchanged for one another or for money

• The company is looking to expand its business operations internationally.
• I'm thinking of starting my own business selling handmade crafts.
• My dad's business is really booming right now.
• Taking risks is just part of the business of life.

verb to reduce in extent or quantity; to cut short

• The government decided to curtail spending in order to reduce the budget deficit.
• I had to curtail my shopping spree because I ran out of money.
• I had to curtail my Netflix binge to finish my homework.
• She felt like her wings were curtailed when her parents imposed strict rules on her.

noun a list of goods or services provided with a statement of the sum due

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• Please make sure to send the invoice to the accounting department for processing.
• Hey, don't forget to shoot over the invoice so we can get paid.
• I'll need that invoice ASAP, so we can settle up.
• The invoice served as a reminder of the debt owed in more ways than one.

noun a person or company that makes goods for sale

• The manufacturer of the car ensured that all safety standards were met.
• I heard the manufacturer of that phone is coming out with a new model soon.
• I can't believe the manufacturer messed up the design on this shirt.
• As the manufacturer of his own destiny, he took control of his future.

noun goods to be bought and sold

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• The store manager is responsible for overseeing the inventory of merchandise.
• I love browsing through all the cool merchandise at that store.
• I scored some awesome merch at the concert last night.
• Her kindness and generosity are the best merchandise she has to offer.

noun a company operating in several countries

adjective relating to or involving several countries

• The multinational corporation operates in several countries around the world.
• My cousin works for a big multinational company.
• I heard that multinational gig is paying really well.
• Her mind was like a multinational organization, with thoughts coming from all over the world.

noun a merchant or store that sells items to consumers

• The retailer offers a wide range of high-quality products to its customers.
• I always find the best deals at that retailer down the street.
• I scored some sick kicks at the retailer in the mall.
• As a retailer of hope, she always had a positive outlook on life.

noun a deficit or lack in amount required or expected

• The company experienced a significant shortfall in revenue this quarter.
• We're facing a shortfall in funds for the project.
• I heard there's a shortfall in the party budget.
• Her kindness made up for any shortfall in experience.

noun an amount of something left over when requirements have been met; an excess of production or supply over demand

adjective more than what is needed or used; excess

• The company had a surplus of inventory after the holiday season.
• We have a surplus of snacks in the kitchen if you're hungry.
• I scored a surplus of concert tickets for cheap on Craigslist.
• Her kindness created a surplus of goodwill among her colleagues.

noun a customer account that is of high value or strategic importance to a company

• The key account manager is responsible for maintaining relationships with the company's most important clients.
• The key account rep handles all the big clients for the company.
• The key account guru knows how to keep the VIP clients happy.
• In a business, key accounts are like the crown jewels that need to be protected and nurtured.

verb to produce an excessive amount of goods or products beyond what is necessary or reasonable

• Companies often fall into the trap of over-productising their offerings in an attempt to appeal to a wider market.
• Don't over-productise your business idea - sometimes simplicity is key.
• Dude, you're totally over-productising this project, just keep it simple.
• Her tendency to over-productise her wardrobe reflects her need for perfection in every aspect of her life.

noun the quality or state of being able to be received or accepted

• The receivability of the application will be determined by the admissions committee.
• Whether or not you get in depends on the receivability of your application.
• Your chances of getting accepted hinge on how receivable your application is.
• The receivability of her message was crystal clear to everyone in the room.

verb to consider or regard in a specified way

preposition used to say that something or someone has been considered or included in a calculation, decision, or plan

• In the financial report, all expenses were meticulously accounted for.
• I made sure to account for all the missing items before leaving the party.
• She totally accounted for her ex-boyfriend by showing up with a hotter date.
• The new evidence accounted for his sudden change in behavior.

noun a liability account in a general ledger representing the company's obligation to pay suppliers or vendors for goods or services purchased on credit

• The accounts payable department is responsible for managing the company's outstanding invoices.
• I need to check with accounts payable to see if my expense report has been processed yet.
• I heard accounts payable is swamped with work this week.
• In the grand scheme of things, keeping track of accounts payable is like balancing a never-ending stack of plates.

noun an increase in worth or desirability of a product or service

adjective additional or extra value

• The company aims to provide added value to its customers through innovative products and services.
• By offering free shipping, the online store is able to provide added value to its customers.
• The new software update really ups the added value for users.
• Learning a new language can bring added value to your life in unexpected ways.