The role of an intermediary in the supply chain is best described as?

The role of an intermediary in the supply chain is best described as facilitating the relationship between suppliers and buyers. Intermediaries, such as wholesalers, distributors, and retailers, serve as essential links within the supply chain. They help streamline processes by managing the flow of goods, providing storage and transportation, and reducing the complexity of transactions for both the supplier and the customer.

By acting as a bridge, intermediaries can enhance customer access to products, provide valuable information to both sides regarding market demand and inventory levels, and aggregate supply from various manufacturers. This function is crucial because it helps to minimize the costs associated with direct selling and enhances the overall efficiency of the distribution network.

Other roles, such as direct selling to consumers or manufacturing goods, do not encapsulate the intermediary's primary function, which centers around their ability to connect and facilitate between key parties in the supply chain.