Supply chain integration is a performance$-$improving approach that develops seamless linkages between the actors, levels, and

USAID $|$ DELIVER PROJECT $2009$

functions within a supply chain to optimize customer service. The objectives of supply chain integration are to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy while also enhancing product availability.

Supply chain integration strives to better connect demand with supply, which can both enhance customer service and lower costs.

taken during a supply chain ients are filling their or essential medicines at a pharmacy in Nicaragua.

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U$.$S$.$ Agency for Development. It was he ISAID DEUVER

Well$-$functioning $($integrated$)$ supply chains are charactenized by clarity of roles and responsibilitie, agility, streamlined processes, visibility of information, trust and collaboration, and alignment of objectives. These three case studies describe countries' efforts to implement supply chain integration. Each country is different, and they are at various stages of implementation. But their experiences demonstrate the challenges$-$ and opportunities of improving supply chain performance.

Nicaragua

Background

The Ministry of Health of Nicaragua $($MINSA is the Spanish acronym$)$ has been working for over a decade to institutionalize supply chain management and manage products through a cohesive public health supply chain system. Over this period, MINSA staff capacity to oversee the entire supply system$-$the actors, processes, and programs has increased... BASED ON THIS ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS $1.$ What are the main challenges each country faced in implementing Supply Chain Integration?

$2.$ How were these challenges addressed?

$3.$ What were the main benefits each country yielded from integrating their supply chains?

$4.4.$ What lessons learned could be applied to others who want to integrate their supply chains?