Supply chain roles & networks · Core
Supplier
Also called: vendor
ELI5
A party providing goods or services to an organisation.
Used in conversation
“The operating plan needs an owner and service level for supplier.”
Pitch context
You will see “Supplier” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches supply chain roles & networks.
Why it matters: In supply chain roles & networks, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.
Connected terms
- VendorBoth provide goods or services; vendor is often used for the commercial relationship, while supplier may emphasise the operational supply source. House usage varies.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16