Skill Set for a Supply Chain Manager In 2022

    The field of supply chain consists of the entire chain of operations for a business from procurement to production to storage and warehousing, assembling, and delivery. The trail may differ for each company, but the concept remains the same. Supply chain management is a vast and complex phenomenon involving many businesses aligned and correlated. A supply chain manager’s job consists of overseeing the entire production and transportation process and identifying the best tools and people skills to maximize productivity. Hence, education and skill progression is significant for an influential supply chain role in any organization. 

    There are different supply chain strategies that supply chain managers determine, depending on the type of business and corporate strategy. These are reactive supply chain strategy and data-driven supply chain strategy. Furthermore, there are different supply chain models like continuous flow, agile, efficient chain, custom-configured, and fast chain. The supply chain manager must determine the right fit for the organization.

    Suppose you are looking to pursue a career in supply chain management or get promoted to a senior-level supply chain manager. There are a few degree options for you to look at which would give you the in-depth knowledge and skills you require to thrive in your role. You can go for an Online General MBA Program or a specialized program that will equip you with the necessary leadership and management skills. Let us look at the skill set required for a supply chain manager in 2022.

    Management Skills

    Supply chain managers need to hone many skills and job responsibilities. However, alignment and coordination of these tasks with the right resources are required for a smooth operational flow. In a vertically integrated business with complete control over raw material, production process, and delivery, the responsibility of a supply chain manager increases since everything is in-house. 

    • People Management and Training 
    • Material Procurement
    • Vendors Coordination
    • Supply and Delivery Schedule Management
    • Demand and Supply Forecast
    • Budgeting
    • Inventory and Warehouse Management
    • Quality Assurance
    • Distribution Channels Management
    • Ensure Delivery to the End Consumer

    Software Skills

    Supply chain managers use the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to track the progress of tasks, update records, and ensure a seamless flow of resources. The ERP software serves as a corporate server to plan, manage, and coordinate activities across the entire supply chain. It allows better performance management, predicts performance metrics, and helps bring together business processes. Thorough knowledge of the software, its aspects, and usability will be highly useful since every organization uses it. Its applications include Software as a System or Software as a Service (SaaS), along with a complete suite of ERP systems integrated into the organization, including budgeting, accounting, client relations, supplier operations, risk management, and project management.

    Inventory Management

    There are different inventories at various supply chain stages – raw material inventory, finished goods inventory, and distribution warehouses inventory. A supply chain manager’s job is to check all inventories, including ordering supplies from the supplier, determining the number of supplies, and ordering from where and when. Using software makes these tasks easier. These include InFlow inventory, Zoho inventory, Sellbrite, SOS Inventory, Stitch Labs, Lightspeed POS, and Orderhive, among many others. Similarly, there are also inventory management styles. The most popular and widely used is Just in Time (JIT), which involves holding as little stock as possible reducing inventory holding costs. Other methods include ABC inventory, drop-shipping, bulk shipments, consignment, cross-docking, and cycle counting. The scope also includes determining which inventory management style to adopt depending on the business and the product it manufactures.

    Market Knowledge

    A supply chain manager has to stay updated with market trends within the industry. Since a supply chain manager is responsible for procurement, they must consider the quality, cost, budgeting, and the best vendors in the market. Maintaining supplier relations is also a significant part of the job of a supply chain manager. Since the company would be closely working with its suppliers, having a strong relationship is primary. Having market knowledge also includes knowing the right people to approach, meeting them, and getting them on board with working with your company. Supply chain managers would also know the best way to hire independent contractors to keep costs low, making the senior management happy.

    Master’s in Supply Chain Management

    Getting a Master’s degree in supply chain management will equip you with all those skills and knowledge you need to excel in your supply chain career. Supply chain management is a vast field and probably the essential aspect of any business. If you know the ins and outs of supply chain management, you have everything you need to become a business professional. Having consolidated expertise in supply chain software, people skills, management skills, and inventory management will set you apart from other business professionals. You can quickly pursue an executive degree online while working in your current role for further advancement in the field.

    Conclusion

    The skillset required for an influential supply chain role implies theoretical and practical knowledge that calls for a specialized program. The complete software knowledge, experimental implementation, and a holistic mindset demand a supply chain manager in 2022. Hence, staying updated with the latest trends and market demands is indispensable. Since a supply chain manager would determine and forecast demand, procure the right resources, and manage many tasks simultaneously, it is a position of responsibility that corporations would not take lightly. It is crucial to update your skillset to get ahead of the competition. These are only some essential required skills of a supply chain manager. Other skills include project management, negotiation skills, and soft skills that you can work on while enrolled in the program. A master’s degree in supply chain management will open doors for you, not keeping you bound to a particular field. With these multidimensional skills, you would be equipped to join project management, event management, or even start your venture. The supply chain teaches you leadership skills that will help you in the future.

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