Supply chain roles & networks · Core
Upstream
Also called: supply side
ELI5
Activities and suppliers closer to raw materials or inputs.
Used in conversation
“Can we show the capacity constraint behind upstream?”
Pitch context
You will see “Upstream” 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.
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