Service chain optimization is the application of processes and tools that embrace all functions for improving the efficiency, productivity and, eventually, the profitability of service organizations.
In this regard, the service chain benefits from demand forecasting, resource planning and scheduling, and long term analysis activities similarly to the manner these contribute in the supply chain (being typically managed by ERP systems and optimized by supply chain optimization systems).
The term "service chain optimization" was coined by ClickSoftware in 1996.
ClickSoftware received a patent, US 6.985.872 B2, for continuous planning and scheduling (service chain optimization).
[1] Most commonly, a service chain optimization system is made up of the following units: The cycle is completed by feeding the result of analysis back into the forecasting module.