Following examinations earlier in the year, the Department of Technical Education Karnataka released Diploma results at the end of 2019. With many successful students looking forward to new opportunities in 2020, the results give inspiration to many others. 

With more students choosing to undertake a technical education, the rise in related job opportunities is a clear indication of a change in working environments. As we move towards an era of automation and artificial intelligence, commercial organizations are looking for ways to harness this power.

Perhaps one of the most exciting industries to watch in future years, the logistics sector is already undergoing revolutionary changes. As companies use the latest technology to facilitate a more efficient movement of goods, anyone entering the industry can look forward to fast-paced changes and cutting-edge advancements. 

What Is Logistics and Supply Chain Management?

Although logistics and supplement chain management go hand in hand, they are technically different areas. Traditionally, logistics is concerned with the flow and storage of goods. Warehousing, transportation, packaging, and delivery may, therefore, fall under the definition of logistics. 

In contrast, supply chain management is more concerned with linking business processes to maximize efficiency. Concerned with everything from product development and the sourcing of raw materials to customer service and deployment, supply chain management has a more overarching role in most businesses. Indeed, logistics and distribution are typically considered to be important elements of supply chain management. 

Roles within the logistics and supply chain management industry include:

• Fleet Manager
• Purchase Supervisor
• Inventory Managers
• Warehouse Supervisor
• Technician
• Financial Analyst
• Operations Manager

Despite this, many experts maintain there is little difference between today’s definitions of logistics and supply chain management. The terms are commonly used interchangeably and may refer to the same business processes and practices. While logistics was once thought to focus on meeting customer demands, supply chain management was more associated with gaining a competitive advantage through more efficient business processes. 

In today’s market, however, all businesses are using logistics and supply chain management to achieve both of these goals. Indeed, finding innovative ways to meet customer demands could be said to be gaining a competitive advantage in itself. As a result, the specialties of logistics and supply chain management are irrevocably intertwined.

What Is a Logistics and Supply Chain Management Career?

Working in the logistics and supply chain management industry offers a significant amount of variety. While your primary focus will be on reducing costs, enhancing productivity and maximizing profits, there are numerous different specialties within the industry. 

Applicants from a variety of professional backgrounds can build a rewarding career in the industry, including:

• Accounting
• Mathematics
• Engineering
• Business Management
• Economics
• Software Development 

As every company approaches logistics and supply chain management slightly differently, there is plenty of scope for varied and rewarding job opportunities. Some of the most common positions in the sector include:

• Capacity Planner

A Capacity Planner is a broad role that requires you to analyze manufacturing operations. In doing so, you’ll be looking for ways to increase capacity while maintaining or reducing costs. Capacity Planners typically assess procurement, manufacturing processes, design and procurement, as well as supply chain partnerships, to determine how the company’s capacity can be maximized.

• Demand Planner

Working as a Demand Planner will require you to accurately predict future demand for specific products and services. Over-supply is detrimental to a company’s financial performance, so it must be avoided. By correctly predicting demand, companies can modify their production and processes accordingly. 

• Logistics Resource Planner

As a Logistics Resource Planner, you’ll be using the company’s existing resources to ensure the firm’s logistics meet in-house strategies and customer expectations. As well as managing transportation and fleet assets, you’ll also play a critical role in managing human resources within the logistics department. 

• Warehouse Manager

How goods are stored is a critical element of logistics. Effective warehouse management ensures the preservation of goods, while strategic warehouse planning ensures goods can be accessed, packaged, and transported efficiently. Within this role, the management of equipment and human resources is critical. Furthermore, the increasing use of automation gives rise to the implementation of advanced logistics tools.

• Procurement Consultant

Where and how companies source their materials has a considerable impact on their bottom line. When you specialize in procurement, you’ll be finding ways to minimize the cost of raw materials, increase efficiency in transporting them to your company’s premises and networking with potential supply chain partners. 

While these are a small selection of the roles available within logistics and supply chain management, there are many others within the industry. It’s important to remember, however, that companies approach supply chain management differently. Due to this, organizations may split the responsibilities of particular roles in a way that suits their own structure. 

Preparing for a Career in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

With high rates of graduate employment and good remuneration levels, logistics and supply chain management is a popular choice for students who are beginning their careers. As one of the fastest-growing specialties in recent years, many people are choosing to study logistics and supply chain management at degree level.

However, taking an undergraduate degree isn’t the only way to enter the industry. With the option to study for an online masters in logistics and supply chain management, you can diversify and broaden your career options. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, undertaking further specialist qualifications will enable you to increase your employment options in a thriving market. 

Although many people who pursue a career in logistics and supply chain management have a background in business ownership or company administration, this isn’t necessarily a pre-requisite. In fact, there are a variety of different skills and qualifications that can lead to master’s level study. 

If you’ve previously worked in healthcare management, for example, you may want to undertake a master’s in healthcare supply chain management. Alternatively, if your specialty is in process management, you may decide to take a broader overview of the supply chain and take on leadership roles within the industry. 

There are various specialties within the industry, such as:

• Healthcare
• Property
• Commercial
• Non-Profit
• Transport 

As a new wave of graduates celebrate their success with the DTE employer, now might be the right time for you to consider your own career options. If you’re keen to join a growing industry, why not take a look at what the logistics and supply chain management sector could offer you?