A supplier is an entity that provides goods or services to another organization, enabling the latter to produce its own products or deliver its services. Suppliers play a crucial role in the supply chain by ensuring that businesses have the necessary resources, such as raw materials, components, or finished products, to operate efficiently and meet customer demands. A supplier can be considered a type of [[key partner]] because their relationship with a business often involves collaboration and mutual dependency. This partnership is built on trust and communication, where both parties work together to ensure quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness. Such partnerships are strategic as they can influence production processes, product quality, and ultimately customer satisfaction, making suppliers integral to achieving business objectives and maintaining competitive advantage.