What is the main purpose of an operations strategy?

The main purpose of an operations strategy is to establish how to produce goods and services to achieve business goals. This involves making decisions about the processes, resources, and technologies needed to create products or deliver services effectively and efficiently. An operations strategy serves as a guiding framework that aligns the operations of an organization with its overall business objectives, ensuring that operational capabilities support competitive priorities such as cost, quality, speed, and flexibility.

The operations strategy encompasses various elements, including capacity planning, supply chain management, production techniques, and inventory control, all tailored to meet the specific demands of the market and the strategic intent of the organization. By focusing on the production aspect, the operations strategy directly impacts an organization's ability to meet customer requirements, respond to market changes, and ultimately achieve its financial and business objectives.