Two senses, both modern. (1) Tech:
短链接 /
短链 = shortened URL (bit.ly-style), used everywhere in Chinese SMS marketing because each character costs against the 70-char SMS limit. (2) Supply chain:
短链 supply chains cut layers of distributors — Pinduoduo's
工厂直供 model and Shein's on-demand manufacturing are the canonical examples. Context disambiguates: tech post → URL; e-commerce/manufacturing context → supply chain.