The current pace of change is one of the most pressing concerns for supply chain professionals. Rapid changes often lead to supply chain disruptions, both positive and negative, which can have a serious impact on those who are responsible for designing, leading, and executing supply chain programs.
Seemingly constant developments in the business landscape, including technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, automation, bitcoin, blockchain, and machine learning, to name only a few, are having a dramatic impact on the manufacturing environment. Supply chain professionals now need to be functional and technical experts that also possess advanced management skills to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.
For our corporate members, we’ve found that organizations that are focused on building supply chains with a strong foundation and agile systems are much better prepared to adjust to changing conditions. We’re in an era of lean, optimized, end-to-end supply chains, so businesses can’t afford to have a reactive mindset. If they want to get ahead of change, it again comes back to the people responsible for managing the supply chain — those who are experiencing the impacts firsthand.
Employers must invest in workforce development, such as professional certification and training or mentorship programs, if they want to empower their supply chain, logistics and operations management professionals to navigate the inevitable disruptions that will continue to arise.