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Logistics Competencies Logistics Skills
18 Jun

9 Must-Have Logistics Competencies and Skills to Master

Logistics competencies are fun if used correctly. Ready to learn how to master this skill?

 

Logistics activity has existed for thousands of years as the first form of organized trade. However, it didn’t become a popular field of study until the 1900s, when the Distribution Of Agricultural Goods began to receive attention.

 

Logistics abilities and skills are difficult to learn because the function has a wide range of applications and a significant impact on a society’s level of life. However, logistics is a broad, far-reaching function that significantly impacts a society’s standard of living, and logistics competencies and skills are challenging to master.

 

Today, we take it for granted that our favorite foods, clothes, and other products are easily accessible when we visit our preferred shopping mall. However, without proper logistical systems and staff members with the logistical competencies and skills, this won’t be possible.

 

Moreover, the need for effective logistics management has come to light as a key opportunity to boost businesses’ profitability and competitive performance. However, as a result, Improving Logistics Skills Is A Top Priority. It also counts as one of the crucial support costs on the profit and loss statement.

 

9 Key Logistics Competencies

 

People in the logistics industry support marketing efforts, product development, pricing promotion, and customer service by contributing fresh ideas in addition to performing material or information transitions. However, they guarantee that the business will offer prompt, precise, and high-quality service.

 

Moreover, competent logistics specialists enhance sales, open up possibilities for significant operational cost reductions, and deconstruct the complexity of the distribution network. 

 

1. Distribution Design

 

Understanding best practices for establishing and Operating Distribution Centers and networks, including value-added services like kitting and reverse logistics, is known as distribution design, sourcing, and management. However, this logistics skill set involves studying, designing, and optimizing current distribution networks.  

 

Additionally, benchmarking best practices for managing a warehouse was necessary for this logistical expertise. Our Warehouse Operations Assessment was created to assist you with this problem.

 

This warehouse operations assessment tool also:

  • Promotes employee responsibility and participation in advancing warehouse efficiency.
  • Inspires employees to consider their part in and contribute to the crucial warehouse procedures.
  • It enables employees to view and consider how their peers have evaluated their contributions.
  • Emphasizes the improvement of employees’ decision-making abilities

 

However, if you want to know the systematic evaluation of your warehouse’s operations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, our “Best Warehouse Audit Tool: To Improve Performance” is your way to go!

 

Best Warehouse Audit Tool

 

Skills Required:

 

  • Creates guidelines for warehouse management systems suitable for various industries.
  • Establishes a network and distribution center in cooperation with partners in distribution.
  • Creates business procedures in collaboration with distributors that support the S&OP procedure.
  • Provides distribution-oriented analytical support for projects and new business opportunities and proposals.
  • Maintains adequate inventory levels in distribution channels.

 

2. Global Trade Compliance

 

Global Trade Compliance is the understanding of how items are physically moved and how they enter and exit a country in accordance with all laws and regulations to manage and reduce the risks of doing business internationally. Moreover, the competency comprises a fundamental comprehension of the roles and responsibilities associated with import/export for an organization as well as the government’s involvement in enforcing trade compliance.

 

To become a pro and learn about Global Trade Compliance to regulation and legislation, you need to get yourself enrolled in our course, “Global Trade Management,” by Paul Dennamen.

 

Global Trade Considerations

 

Skills Required:

 

  • Cooperates closely to maintain international trade compliance with internal teams, outside logistics service providers, brokers, freight forwarders, and trade advisory consultants.
  • Improves the efficiency of the logistics network to create a controlled flow of commodities.
  • Determines how the right duties, tariffs, and country of origin should be applied.
  • Examines the effects of security requirements and regulatory trade compliance on the flow of goods around the world and on operational expenses.

 

However, of the six logistics competencies, in my opinion, this one is the most challenging to master. Moreover, due to the fact that this criterion varies per country and according to political conditions!

 

3. Sourcing and Supplier Selection/Management

 

Sourcing and Supplier Selection/Management is the knowledge of commercial purchasing practices including foreign currency fluctuations, duties and tariffs, quality standards, legal/regulatory requirements, and cultural differences that affect the commodity purchase transaction.

 

However, this skill involves the capacity to source supplier goods and services efficiently and to oversee the operation of the chosen provider. 

 

Our Procurement KPI dashboard is a curated selection of 16 Procurement KPIs organized under certain performance attributes, that consist of supplier quality, supplier defect rate, and many other aspects.

 

logistics competencies

 

Skills Required:

 

  • Exhibits knowledge of the critical variables and forces that have an impact on supplier management and sourcing operations.
  • Is aware of and makes use of the procedures and controls for supplier management during the sourcing process.
  •  Interacts with important clients, both internal and external, to comprehend their needs as they relate to sourcing efforts.
  • Creates strategies for cost-savings and sourcing.
  • Outlines the key characteristics of particular supply marketplaces and channels.

 

Our powerful Procurement KPI Dashboard is meticulously crafted to redefine how you comprehend and measure essential metrics in your Procurement process. Easy customization options put you in control of monitoring, measuring, and optimizing key performance indicators crucial to your business’s success.

 

Procurement KPI dashboard

 

4. Supply Chain Continuity Planning

 

Supply chain continuity planning is a systematic and collaborative approach that aims to improve supply chain strategy, operations, people, technology, and knowledge. However, supply chain continuity planning regulates, analyses, and assesses supply chain risk, protecting against any new uncertainties that could have an impact on profitability.

 

Skills Required: 

 

  • Evaluates the risk of supplier continuity in the standard source product development and production processes, together with additional risks and mitigation options.
  • Creates plans for mitigating risks associated with high-risk commodities, goods, components, and supplier processes.
  • Recognizes the parts, products, or events that are at high risk.
  • When an event occurs that has an impact on ongoing operations, leads and coordinates supply chain actions based on mitigation measures.

 

If you want to be a pro at risk management and business continuity tactics in the supply chain, enroll in “Risk Management and Business Continuity Tactics in Supply Chain” by Paul Denneman.

 

Risk Management and Business Continuity Tactics in Supply Chain

 

5. Transportation Sourcing & Management

 

The knowledge and skills required for transportation sourcing and management include choosing timely, cost-effective modes of transportation for all incoming and outgoing shipments as well as for storage of goods.

 

Skills Required:

 

  • Exhibits a highly accomplished level of grasp of the factors and significant influences affecting transportation sourcing activities.
  • Interacts with essential clients, both internal and external, to comprehend their needs as they relate to sourcing efforts.
  • Keeps track of carriers’ and logistics service providers’ adherence to contracts.
  • To develop cooperative transportation solutions that are successful and efficient, trade-offs between transportation costs, inventory costs, and service levels are assessed.
  • Offers analytical support for initiatives, new business possibilities, and proposals that are focused on transportation.

 

Shimon Godwa’s “Mastering Transportation Management Systems ” introduces and discusses the importance of transportation management systems (TMS), modes of transportation, TMS software selection, trends, and KPIs.

 

Mastering Transportation Management System

 

6. Contract Management

 

Contract management refers to the understanding of a sound and consistent framework for supply chain contracts and agreements, including their terms, timelines, and legal terminology.  It entails having the capacity to design intricate business plans and oversee significant corporate purchasing agreements. 

 

Want to learn contract management at a point where you can handle every single aspect of it? Enroll Now!

 

Contract Management in Procurement

 

Skills Required:

 

  • Resolves the majority of contractual issues and is thoroughly versed in the terms and conditions of businesses.
  • Creates complex, high-value contracts for important national and international suppliers.
  • Executes and oversees local, regional, or national contracts in accordance with the firm’s ethics policy.
  • Completes responsibilities in collaboration with the supply chain liaison or the law department.

 

7. Supply Chain Network Design

 

Supply Chain Network Design focuses on strategically planning and optimizing the flow of goods and information within your entire supply chain. This involves analyzing factors like:

  • Location of facilities, such as warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and suppliers.
  • Transportation modes: Road, rail, air, sea, and their associated costs.
  • Inventory levels: Determining optimal stock levels at each point in the chain.
  • Customer demand patterns: Forecasting and analyzing customer needs to align supply with demand.

 

By effectively designing your supply chain network, you can minimize transportation expenses, inventory holding costs, and operational inefficiencies. Moreover, you can enhance order fulfillment speed, delivery accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Optimizing transportation routes and reducing waste also increases agility, enhances sustainability, and minimizes environmental impact.

 

Want to learn Supply Chain Network Design at a point where you can handle every single aspect of it? Enroll Now!

 

supply chain network design

 

Skills Required:

 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to analyze data and identify optimization opportunities.
  • Proficiency in supply chain modeling and simulation tools to evaluate different network configurations.
  • Knowledge of logistics and transportation principles to understand the complexities of moving goods.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

 

This course covers applying all the theoretical concepts and mathematical aspects of supply chain network design. Become a pro NOW!

supply chain network design

 

8. Warehouse management systems (WMS)

 

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are software applications that help manage and optimize warehouse operations. Key functionalities include:

  • Accurately track the location and quantity of goods within the warehouse.
  • Efficiently pick, pack, and ship orders to customers.
  • Streamline the process of receiving incoming goods and storing them in the appropriate locations.
  • Track employee productivity and optimize labor allocation.
  • Maximize warehouse space utilization by optimizing storage locations.

 

Implementing a robust WMS can:

  • Reduce order fulfillment times, minimize errors, and improve overall warehouse productivity.
  • Minimize inventory discrepancies and ensure accurate stock levels.
  • Gain real-time insights into warehouse operations and inventory levels.
  • Lower labor costs, minimize inventory holding costs, and improve operational efficiency.

Want to learn about Warehouse Management Systems at a point where you can handle every single aspect of their implementation and utilization? We advise you to enroll in Paul Denneman’s course on Modern Warehousing & Distribution Centres.

 

Modern Warehousing

 

Mastering Warehousing and Distribution: What You’ll Gain from the Course

 

  • History of the Industrial Revolution
  • eCommerce’s impact on warehousing and distribution
  • Material Handling: Tools for Running an Effective Warehouse, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Drones & Robots
  • Future of Fulfilment are just a few of the topics covered.

 

Skills Required:

 

  • Understanding of warehouse operations and best practices.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and reporting to track key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Ability to configure and maintain WMS software to meet specific business needs.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to address operational challenges.

 

9. Continuous Improvement 

 

Continuous Improvement is an ongoing process of identifying and implementing small, incremental changes to improve efficiency, quality, and overall performance within the supply chain. Key methodologies include:

  • It focuses on eliminating waste (muda) in all its forms, including overproduction, waiting, transportation, and defects.
  • Utilizes data-driven approaches to reduce defects and variability in processes.
  • Emphasizes employee involvement and minor, incremental improvements made by teams.

 

By embracing a culture of continuous improvement, you can increase efficiency and enhance quality, which will minimize defects, improve product consistency, and enhance customer satisfaction. Moreover, it reduces costs, lowers operational expenses, minimizes waste, and improves resource utilization.

 

Skills Required:

 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify areas for improvement.
  • Data analysis and interpretation skills to track progress and measure the impact of improvements.
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills to engage employees in the improvement process.
  • Change management skills to effectively implement and sustain improvements.

 

Read About Lean Six Sigma for SMEs: A Path to Continuous Improvement

 

You will find our blog on How To Create  A Logistics Resume – Tips & Examples. Use our blog, “How To Create A Logistics Resume: Tips & Examples,” which will be helpful.

 

Conclusion

 

Supply chain professionals aren’t expected to be experts in all of these logistical abilities and talents, like most other things in life. Those who overuse it run the risk of concentrating solely on the logistics components, failing to grasp the complete supply chain picture, and perhaps unintentionally demoralizing their workers. As a result, while focusing on specific logistical competencies, you must make sure that additional supply chain competencies are gradually developed.

 

The other qualities of focusing on action and results, as well as motivating others, balance out the importance of generating the new and different. 

 

FAQS related to Logistics Competencies

 

Q. What are logistics competencies, and why are they important?

 

Logistics competencies are the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities required to effectively manage and coordinate the movement of goods, materials, and information within the supply chain. They are essential because they ensure efficient operations, minimize costs, improve customer satisfaction, and drive overall business success.

 

Q. What are the key skills required for a successful career in logistics? 

 

Key skills for a successful career in logistics include distribution design and management, global trade compliance, sourcing and supplier selection/management, supply chain continuity planning, transportation sourcing and management, and contract management.

 

Q. How can I develop and improve my logistics competencies?

 

You can develop and improve your logistics competencies by pursuing relevant education and training programs, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions, staying updated on industry trends and best practices, seeking mentorship from experienced professionals, and actively participating in continuous learning and professional development opportunities.

 

Q. What are the emerging trends and technologies impacting logistics competencies? 

 

Examples of logistics competencies in different areas of the industry include distribution design and management, global trade compliance, sourcing and supplier selection/management, supply chain continuity planning, transportation sourcing and management, and contract management.

 

Q. How can I showcase my logistics competencies and skills on a resume or during a job interview?

 

You will find our blog on How To Create A Logistics Resume – Tips & Examples useful if you are updating your CV in preparation for promotion.

 

References

 

John F. Crowell. Report of the Industrial Commission on the Distribution of Farm Products, vol. 6 (Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1901)

Additional Supply Chain Best Practice Content for Your SCM Playbook:

 

Identifying Areas for Improvement in the Supply Chain: 

 

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About the Author- Dr Muddassir Ahmed

Dr MuddassirAhmed is the Founder & CEO of SCMDOJO. He is a global speakervlogger and supply chain industry expert with 17 years of experience in the Manufacturing Industry in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia in various Supply Chain leadership roles.  Dr. Muddassir has received a PhD in Management Science from Lancaster University Management School. Muddassir is a Six Sigma black belt and founded the leading supply chain platform SCMDOJO to enable supply chain professionals and teams to thrive by providing best-in-class knowledge content, tools and access to experts.

You can follow him on LinkedInFacebookTwitter or Instagram

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