Our digital world has changed the face of supply chain, making it more information-driven and fast-paced than ever before. As a consequence, roles across the supply chain have also rapidly evolved and new skill sets are in demand.
Our digital world has changed the face of supply chain, making it more information-driven and fast-paced than ever before. As a consequence, roles across the supply chain have also rapidly evolved and new skill sets are in demand. It’s therefore vital—for both candidates and businesses—to understand what competencies are becoming increasingly essential in this field.
Supply Chain 4.0 refers to the effect of digital technologies across supply chain functions, meaning that tasks are becoming more automated and the role of individuals is becoming more focused on analysing and applying the vast amounts of data now available to them. This digital transformation is powered by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), the internet of things (IoT) and blockchain. The traditional view of how a supply chain works is archaic—and roles now require digital skills.
The future of the supply chain will be faster, enabling us to predict demand and shifts in the market. It will also be more adaptable, meaning decisions can be made in real-time to react to any ongoing situation. Further to this, transparency has become crucial across all functions, which can be more easily achieved with blockchain technology, where information is stored in the cloud and accessible by all stakeholders across the supply chain.
By redefining roles across the supply chain, companies can attract individuals who have more than pure technical abilities. McKinsey & Company highlights this in the “How to Recruit, Train, and Retain Talent for Supply Chain 4.0” article, which emphasises that a talent pipeline is needed now to ensure that businesses succeed in the future. This means producing well-rounded graduates, which can be achieved if companies work together with education institutions, for instance, to develop a broad curriculum and offer students potential placements.
Companies can also look for talent with established digital know-how, whether it’s from within the business, or by acquiring another company in the digital space.
Finally, looking internally, current staff can be moved into roles and retrained; this obviously has the benefit of retaining staff with an established knowledge of the how the business operates.
The need to fill talent gaps means that companies must source the right people with skills in algorithms, data and technology and who understand the supply chain from end-to-end, not just expertise in a single function. This ensures that professionals have the ability to translate data into value for the business with a more holistic view and approach.
Digital professionals are in high demand, meaning that they’re aware of their worth and have high expectations from a job offer, whether it’s an attractive remuneration package or potential career progression. But as the perception of supply chain roles change, it will become easier to attract high quality talent into vacancies.
If you’re a digital professional with an interest in a new challenge, it’s an exciting time to think about moving into supply chain. Companies are looking for individuals with an analytical bent of mind, such as IT specialists, who possess digital skills and end-to-end vision. Given the rapidly changing nature of technology, new roles are being developed all of the time.
Does this pique your interest? Then get in touch at Holly.Ackland@procoglobal.com to discuss opportunities now.
References:
McKinsey | How to recruit, train, and retain talent for Supply Chain 4.0
McKinsey | Supply Chain 4.0 – the next-generation digital supply chain
Industry Week | Making Sense of Supply Chain 4.0
