What is the only source of revenue for any supply chain?

The customer is indeed the only source of revenue for any supply chain. This is because a supply chain's fundamental objective is to deliver products or services that meet customer needs, thereby generating sales revenue. Without customers purchasing goods or services, the supply chain will not generate any income, regardless of the various entities involved in the process, such as suppliers, manufacturers, or retailers.

Each component of the supply chain plays a role in the journey from raw materials to end products, but it is ultimately the customer who initiates the revenue flow by making purchases. Investments, while crucial for funding operations and growth, do not directly contribute to revenue from product sales. Similarly, while suppliers and retailers are essential for facilitating the supply chain, they derive their financial benefits from creating value for customers, typically through sales. Thus, customers are the primary drivers of revenue in the supply chain context.