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A critical aspect of supply chain management is the selection of an appropriate type of supply chain to achieve optimal performance. This paper classifies manufacturing supply chains into three types; namely, lean, agile, and hybrid. The characteristics of these supply chains are presented. It is proposed that the selection of an appropriate type of supply chain should be driven by the characteristic of product that an organization is manufacturing. This paper discusses supply chain type that is necessary for success across three types of products: standard (functional), innovative, and hybrid. It develops a framework for categorizing the supply chain types based on product characteristics and stage of the product life cycle. The key success factor for a product change as the product moves through its life cycle, and this may require different supply chain characteristics and capabilities. A model is then developed and implemented to assist organizations in supply chain selection.