Definition
Operations strategy configures processes, capacity, quality, and technology; supply chain strategy designs source–make–deliver–return networks for cost, speed, reliability, and resilience.

Introduction
Winning ops align flow (Little’s Law), quality (zero defects), and buffers (inventory, capacity, time) with the value proposition.

Explanation

Process choices: line vs. cell; push vs. pull; takt time; variability buffers.

Capacity & footprint: where to place plants/DCs; near-shoring vs. off-shoring; postponement.

Planning: S&OP cadence, demand shaping, safety stock policy, ABC/XYZ segmentation.

Quality & CI: Six Sigma/Lean; OEE; Jidoka & Andon; Kaizen culture.

Resilience: dual sourcing, multi-region, inventory playbooks, supplier risk scores.

Key Takeaways

Flow beats local efficiency; remove bottlenecks first.

Segment supply chains by volatility and value.

Build resilience before a shock.

Real-World Case
UPS optimizes global networks with dynamic routing, ORION algorithms, and hub-and-spoke design to balance cost and service reliability.
Reference: UPS technology whitepapers.