Relief chains' main objective is quick and efficient delivery against cost efficient delivery. NGOs and other organizations working mainly as distribution organizations can partner with upstream manufacturers to create an analogous vertical supply chain strategy to have better control of the whole supply chain.

Distribution Network Configuration

Relief chains consist of both high and low priority unsolicited donations. By establishing processes to filter these goods before they reach the site, negative impact of these goods can be minimized.

Implementing information technology solutions would bring information together across functional areas and between organizations in the relief chain. Timely and complete, would help in making decisions that benefit the beneficiaries, donors, and the organizations themselves

Internet and e-commerce can be used to create instant supply chains, e-procurement, better information flow between channel participants and in brokering.

Inventory pile up in relief areas can be countered by using inventory reduction strategies such as ABC Approach which helps identify unsolicited stocks and reduce them

Using appropriate techniques for determining inventory turnovers of consumables, durables, perishables help reduce spoilage, and wastage. Demand visibility for items increases. Lot sizing based on estimated inventory turnovers helps efficiently manage inventory holding and reorder levels.