Your Diploma Is Obsolete: The Skills Every Supply Chain Leader Needs Now

For the past several decades, a four-year degree has been the standard for entering corporate world and specifically supply chain and logistics. But that is changing slowly as organizations now place more emphasis on practical experience than on academic qualifications. It is the same in manufacturing, retail and e-commerce, where companies are now realizing that conventional education can sometimes hide talented people who have gained their learning from certifications, open source projects, or even apprenticeships.

In supply chain, procurement, and logistics where technology and market trends are updated very frequently, it is important to update one’s skills and knowledge. Many leading companies including Google, IBM and Tesla have removed the degree requirements for senior-level positions. Instead, they use project-based assessments, coding or technical tests and case study challenges to identify the talent.

The GenAI Factor: Why It’s Important to Master New Tools
Generative AI (GenAI) and other AI technologies are not just hype – they are gradually becoming the foundation of the new generation of supply chain management. Programs like ChatGPT or other supply chain co-pilots are able to analyze vast amounts of data, provide recommendations, and even perform some of the tasks that were previously done by people.

The knowledge of GenAI is now critical for supply chain executives. Large language models, for instance, can assist in the analysis of shipping documents, the identification of supply risks or the management of real-time supplier communication. On the other hand, neural networks are able to reveal the existing trends in your distribution network. The use of these technologies as well as the ability to comprehend their mechanics and apply them to work helps the executives to make decisions faster and with more accuracy.

Leading software vendors provide AI enabled modules for demand planning, supply chain management, and supplier performance management. Those who understand the basics of these tools and how to apply them to specific situations will be steering their organizations to a more effective and more resilient supply chain. On the other hand, those executives who are still skeptical about AI may be sitting on the sidelines of the companies that are already applying the advanced automation.

Why Skills Are More Important Now Than Ever in Supply Chain Management
Technology is changing the supply chain across the world at a pace that has not been seen before. AI based forecasting tools help in optimizing the inventory, Cybersecurity safeguards protect the sensitive supplier information and Advanced analysis programs reveal new distribution channels. Many organizations now agree that working experience and problem solving skills are vital for high performance than a degree. This change is particularly seen in areas that are rapidly developing including the last mile delivery, healthcare supply chain or international trade where theoretical knowledge is outcompeted by practical experience.

In-Demand Supply Chain Skills and How to Get Them:

1. Digital and Tech Skills for Enhancing Operational Efficiency
   Emerging technologies like AI, machine learning and process automation are being implemented in various supply chain functions such as demand planning, supplier relationship management or freight routing. As the AI affects almost all the aspects of the warehouse, as well as the procurement, it is crucial to gain practical experience with these tools.
   
   > Find out about the courses that are offered by platforms like Coursera and Udacity that are related to AI and data analysis.
   > Contribute to supply chain projects on GitHub, and other open source projects.
   > Experiment with the famous AI platforms like ChatGPT, TensorFlow for the predictive modeling of inventory or routing.

2. Cybersecurity for the Protection of Supplier Data:
   In the world of business, security is always a concern especially when it comes to data. Supply chains contain a large amount of critical information – supply contracts, trade secrets, and customer data that are of interest to hackers.
   
   > The following certifications are available to enhance your security posture CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH.
   > The sites like TryHackMe or Hack The Box give real time hacking and defense scenarios.

3. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence:
   In order to make real time decisions in procurement and logistics it is necessary to have analytical data. It is impossible to predict seasonal patterns, react to geopolitical events, or even try to reduce the costs of routing without sufficient data analysis.
   
   > Learn SQL, Python, or R for the analysis of supply chain data.
   > DataCamp or Kaggle are platforms that can help you enhance your predictive modelling skills.
   > Explore the concept of digital twins that enable the simulation of the supply chain operations.

4. Cloud Computing for Flexible Operations
   As a result of the global expansion of companies and the changes in the shipping volumes, cloud technologies help to support the flexibility of supply chains. You can easily scale your applications in real time with the help of AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.
   
   > Get certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Fundamentals, or Google Cloud Associate.
   > The next step is to deploy a sample inventory management application to the cloud and thus gain deployment experience.
   > Integrate cloud-based solutions for logistics tracking to enhance the response to disruptions.

5. Project Management for the Coordination of Cross Functional Teams:
   Major supply chain projects like setting up a new warehouse or implementing a supplier sustainability program require the involvement of multiple teams and are often done within a given time frame.
   
   > Get certifications like PMP, Scrum Master, or Prince2 to enhance your project management skills.
   > Asana, Jira or Monday.com can help in improving the team’s workflow.
   > Lead pilot programs such as a route optimization trial to gain real life experience.

6. Sales and Negotiation for Supplier and Vendor Management:
   Salespeople, logisticians, and supply chain managers need to be skilled at creating value for both parties when dealing with suppliers.
   
   > Register for role-playing exercises or other specific training sessions to improve your persuasion skills.
   > Read books like The Challenger Sale or Never Split the Difference.
   > Internal negotiate scenarios and then apply them in the vendor conversations.

7. Communication and Collaboration Skills
   In global supply chains, a good communication can help prevent what may be a small problem such as a late payment or a ship or any other type of problem from escalating into a crisis. It is also important to have emotional intelligence (EQ) in order to develop and sustain partnerships and team spirit.
   
   > Listen actively and understand the perspective of stakeholders and team members.
   > Improve public speaking skills through organizations such as Toastmasters; Yoodli is a AI tool that can give instant feedback.
   > Enhance cultural intelligence in order to handle international partners better.

The Future of Talent in Supply Chain Management
As more and more innovations including GenAI and other smart technologies are being introduced, it is not only about what you have learned in the school, it is about gaining the skills that your organization needs at the moment. This shift to skill-based hiring not only opens up the talent pool to more people but also encourages learning. In the light of the global pandemics, geopolitical instability and other risks that may occur in the future, companies require flexible employees who can make decisions quickly.

Investing in your understanding of GenAI and other new technologies is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your job will be safe in the future. In the same manner, the companies that support the learning culture and focus on the adaptability of their employees will be in a better position to sustain themselves in the current changing world.

What are your thoughts about the increasing importance of GenAI and the change of focus from degrees to skills in supply chain? Share your experiences in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our online supply chain community, Chain.NET. It is free to join and only takes a few minutes: https://mygs.cc/chain.