What is the primary purpose of a supply chain in maintenance?

The primary purpose of a supply chain in maintenance is to ensure that parts are acquired efficiently. A well-functioning supply chain is critical for maintenance activities because it facilitates the timely and reliable delivery of parts and materials needed for maintenance tasks. By streamlining the procurement process, a supply chain minimizes delays and helps maintain equipment in optimal working condition. Efficient supply chain management also allows for better inventory control, reducing waste and ensuring that maintenance teams have the right parts when they need them. This ultimately contributes to increased uptime and productivity in an organization.

The other options don't align with the primary focus of a supply chain in the context of maintenance. While increasing maintenance costs does not serve a beneficial purpose, designing products and managing human resources are activities that may be part of broader organizational functions but do not directly reflect the primary role of a supply chain in supporting maintenance operations.