Which term refers to all companies that provide materials, services, and functions needed to deliver a product to a customer?

The term that encompasses all companies providing materials, services, and functions necessary to deliver a product to a customer is the supply chain. A supply chain includes various organizations and activities involved in sourcing raw materials, manufacturing products, and distributing them to end consumers. It extends from the initial suppliers of raw materials to the manufacturers, then to wholesalers, and finally to retailers and customers.

Understanding this concept is crucial, as effective management of the supply chain can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. The integration of these various elements ensures that products are produced and available to customers in a timely manner, thereby meeting market demand.

In contrast, while terms like distribution network and logistics system are related to the movement and storage of goods, they represent more specific aspects of the broader supply chain. The distribution network focuses on the channels through which products flow to reach customers, and the logistics system emphasizes the planning and execution of the movement of goods. The value chain, on the other hand, refers more to the series of activities that add value to a product, from conception to delivery, rather than the full network of companies involved in those processes.