A global supply chain manager is responsible for the worldwide product flow management of an organization. During global supply chain and logistics training, you will learn a wide variety of skills to prepare you for the role.

During your logistics management diploma, the skills you will learn include data analytics, contracting, operations management, quality management, customs and global trade compliance, warehousing, communications, and supply management. 

You also have the opportunity to sit the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association certification exam and the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification exam. Your training will thoroughly prepare you to succeed in a global supply chain and logistics role, however, to do this, you also need good foundational skills.

Discover the essential skills needed for global supply chain and logistics training. Check out this infographic!

[Infographic] 4 Important Skills To Have If You’re Considering Global Supply Chain And Logistics Training

1. High Attention to Detail

Being detail-oriented is important: 

• Every aspect of the logistic process is crucial and plays an important role. 
• You’ll need to focus on the details to ensure success throughout the supply chain. 
• High attention to detail often results in consistently improved systems and processes.
• Being attentive helps avoid mistakes. 

Indicators you have high attention to detail include: 

• Double-checking your work.
• Being a person who manages their time well. 

Strong attention to detail enables thorough evaluation of operations, minimizing errors in the workplace

2. Strong Interpersonal Skills 

Managing and communicating effectively is important: 

• In a management role, your ability to communicate effectively is important. 
• Effective communication and robust interpersonal skills are essential for interacting and negotiating with business partners. 
• Be customer-oriented to ensure client satisfaction and continued business. 
• Strong listening and effective communication skills, will help you thrive in a global supply chain management role. 

Indicators that you have strong interpersonal skills include: 

• You can collaborate with others whenever needed. 
• You can communicate your ideas in an easy-to-understand manner.

You need to be able to communicate effectively with team members and customers to succeed in the role.  

3. Adaptable in all Situations  

Situations change and being adaptable is important: 

• Successfully managing and solving logistics challenges is key to excelling in your role.
• You must think quickly, analyze situations, and devise solutions under pressure.
• Adaptability in learning new systems and processes is crucial as they evolve. 

Indicators that you have effective adaptation skills include: 

• You work well under pressure.
• You enjoy problem solving. 
• You commit fully when mastering new skills.  

In changing situations, swift and clear adaptation and decision-making are essential.

4. Know Technology  

Being technologically savvy is important: 

• Supply chains are complicated and require software and programs to remain up-to-date. 
• The software and programs streamline tasks and information.
• Knowledge of computer systems is crucial.
• In larger companies, technological processes become more complex due to the increased volume of information to manage and update.

Indicators showing you have strong technical skills include: 

• You know how to navigate a computer system well, including Microsoft Suite. 
• You can efficiently utilize programs, quickly mastering their features to accomplish tasks.

Understanding and working with technology is fundamental to a global supply chain and logistics role.

Sources: 

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/logistics-career-skills

https://www.logisticsbureau.com/7-key-supply-chain-leaders-skills-and-why-you-need-them/

https://www.techtarget.com/searcherp/feature/5-skills-supply-chain-professionals-need

http://www.taylorollinson.co.uk/assets/Competencies.pdf

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The ultimate goal of operations planning is to properly and consistently align and optimize the flow of supply chain resources to satisfy customer demands efficiently at all times. Because proper operations planning is key to the success of every logistics business, it is essential to have the right approach. 

If you’ve just finished your Supply Chain and Logistics training and fancy a career in operations planning, you’ll find the information here very valuable. Here are some important tips for operations planning to keep in mind on your journey. 

Map Out Your Supply Chain Process Flows

The process flows around your supply chain and provides a trail of activities that allow you to track your operations planning. To understand these process flows and their implications on your supply chain operations, map them out extensively and observe every detail. Document the sequence of events from the time of order and procurement through the storage, distribution, and delivery processes leading to the final consumer. 

Also, highlight all the inputs, outputs, logistics, operations, and key players actively participating in each stage and analyze their interaction. When you do this properly and effectively, you will have figured out any gaps, inefficiencies, and problem points in your supply chain.

Logistics Management Training Teaches Comprehensive Supply Chain Infrastructure Analysis

When you conduct a thorough supply chain infrastructure analysis, you can find out what works well, optimize those processes, and identify areas needing improvements or upgrades. This analysis should cover the condition of your warehouses, transport fleet, staffing capacity, equipment, and other technology systems that your supply chain operations rely on. 

This allows for easy discovery of any bottlenecks, outdated processes, and capacity constraints that impact your operation. After identifying your operational challenges, you can now make plans and deploy the right personnel to make all the necessary improvements. This analysis process is emphasized in most logistics management training programs as it helps pave the way for more informed decision-making by logistics managers. 

Examine Supply Chain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Your KPIs are key to evaluating your supply chain’s performance level in line with set parameters and standards. When you assess your supply chain’s KPIs and compare them to industry standards, you can find out what competitive gaps need closing and what standards need reinforcing. Your KPIs typically include total supply chain costs, inventory turnover rates, and lead times. 

They influence many activities accounted for in your operations planning and define your supply chain. And because they constantly change as operations play out, you’ll need to put them within range of a regular monitoring system. This way, you’ll always know what direction to take while planning your operations.

Identify Risks and Create Actionable Mitigation Plans

Risk analysis in operations planning is a feature of many logistics management courses due to its importance. While carrying out operations planning, it is important to do proper risk analysis around your supply chain. Your risk analysis should cover all activities in your operations, from supply to distribution and delivery. 

After examining the various risk factors associated with your supply chain operations, you can make appropriate mitigation plans. If you find that there’s potential for a particular process to no longer be applicable, reliable, or practical, you can create a contingency plan to cover it. 

Are you interested in a logistics management diploma?

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The logistics industry is in a revolutionary transformation with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence is deployed to automate and enhance supply chain operations. The rising array of AI-driven advancements coupled with the escalating expenses related to manual labour makes adopting AI in logistics increasingly appealing. 

As a catalyst for efficiency, accuracy, and innovation, AI is reshaping logistics operations, from supply chain management to last-mile delivery. In this blog post, we explore how AI is being used to revolutionize how we strategize, execute, and refine the flow of goods between different locations.

Enhancing Efficiency Through Predictive Analysis

AI’s impact on the logistics industry is primarily driven by predictive analytics. By analyzing vast datasets, AI algorithms can predict trends and potential disruptions and optimize operations. Predictive analytics empowers logistics professionals to anticipate demand fluctuations, weather-related challenges, and equipment maintenance needs. This proactive approach prevents disorders and enables more efficient resource allocation, reducing costs and improving overall supply chain performance.

Route Optimization and Resource Allocation

As you’ll discover in logistics management training, route planning and resource allocation are logistical intricacies that can significantly impact operational costs. With its ability to process real-time data and consider numerous variables simultaneously, AI optimizes these critical aspects. From considering traffic patterns and fuel costs to evaluating vehicle capacities, AI algorithms create efficient routes, minimizing time and expenses. Logistics companies leveraging AI in route planning gain a competitive edge by enhancing delivery speed, reducing fuel consumption, and improving overall fleet management.

Real-Time Tracking for Enhanced Visibility

The demand for real-time visibility in logistics has never been greater, and AI is meeting this demand head-on. Advanced tracking systems powered by AI provide real-time insights into the location, condition, and estimated arrival times of shipments. This level of visibility is crucial for logistics managers required to make informed decisions on the fly. Whether it’s monitoring a shipment’s progress or identifying potential delays, real-time tracking enhances overall supply chain transparency and responsiveness.

Logistics Management Training Hyperautomation

Hyperautomation, integrating AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation, is a game-changer in logistics. By automating routine and rule-based tasks, hyperautomation frees up human resources to focus on strategic decision-making. As our logistics management courses emphasize, warehouse management, order processing, and inventory control are areas hyperautomation can significantly impact. Logistics companies embracing hyperautomation are experiencing streamlined operations, reduced errors, and improved overall efficiency, contributing to a more agile and responsive supply chain.

AI-Powered Risk Management

The logistics industry confronts many risks, spanning natural disasters to geopolitical uncertainties. In addressing these challenges, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a pivotal player in risk management. By scrutinizing historical data, AI identifies potential risks before they escalate, fostering a proactive approach to risk mitigation. This capability empowers logistics companies to formulate comprehensive contingency plans, guaranteeing business continuity and resilience in the event of unforeseen challenges and fortifying their ability to navigate the complex and unpredictable operational landscapes encountered daily.

Are you interested in our world-class logistics management diploma?

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For businesses to remain agile, competitive, and sustainable, procurement must be prioritized as much as distribution. Yet, many business owners mistakenly believe that the supply chain begins once goods are sourced and received, placing more emphasis on the transportation of finished products from the warehouse to the end user.

However, in their inventory planning process, neglecting to prepare for possible alterations in the procurement phase, such as production lead times or fluctuations in the pricing of raw materials, can result in unforeseen delays and disruptions further down the supply chain.

Effective procurement remains a vital cog in the wheel of successful logistics management as you move forward in your career after logistics training. Here are four crucial tips to enhance your procurement skills post-training.

1. Calculate Procurement Lead Times and Incorporate Them Into Reorder Points

Understanding lead times is the first step towards an efficient procurement process. Lead time refers to the time between placing an order and its delivery. While it might seem straightforward, it’s not just about considering the supplier’s delivery timeline. You should also account for any potential delays like customs checks, transportation issues, or holidays.

Incorporate these calculated lead times into your reorder points – the inventory level at which a new order should be placed. Doing so ensures there’s enough stock to meet demand while awaiting the new delivery. This proactive approach reduces stockouts’ chances, thereby consistently meeting customer demands.

2. Factor in Forecasted Demand to Procurement Planning

In logistics management courses, it is emphasized that demand forecasting is an invaluable tool in procurement. Predicting future demand enables you to tailor your procurement strategies to ensure you always have the correct quantity of stock on hand. It’s about more than avoiding stockouts; it’s also about not overstocking and incurring unnecessary storage costs.

Consider historical sales data, market trends, seasonality, and planned promotional activities to forecast accurately. Integrating this data will provide a clearer picture of future needs, allowing you to plan procurement activities with a higher degree of precision.

3. Track Raw Materials While in Transit 

One of the key takeaways from logistics management training is the importance of visibility and tracking throughout the supply chain. This principle extends to procurement logistics as well. Once you’ve placed an order with a supplier, tracking the movement of raw materials or goods while they are in transit is crucial.

Advanced tracking technology and software can provide real-time information on the status and location of your shipments. This constant visibility allows you to monitor the progress of your orders, anticipate potential delays, and make informed decisions to mitigate any issues that may arise during transit.

By tracking raw materials in transit, you can maintain better control over your supply chain, reduce the risk of stockouts, and ensure that your procurement processes run smoothly.

4. Optimize Procurement Logistics As Learned In Logistics Management Training

Finally, after completing logistics management training, it’s vital to view procurement logistics as an integral part of your supply chain. Just as you optimize logistics’ transportation, warehousing, and distribution aspects, apply the same principles to procurement.

This means continuously seeking opportunities for improvement, optimizing processes, and leveraging technology to streamline procurement operations. Evaluate supplier performance regularly, negotiate favorable terms, and explore innovative procurement strategies, such as supplier collaboration and just-in-time inventory management.

Are you interested in earning a logistics management diploma?

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The logistics industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advancements in technology. In an era where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount, technology has become a key enabler in logistics and supply chain management. It has revolutionized how businesses handle transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and customer satisfaction.

Things move along at a breakneck pace in the Canadian logistics sector, and having access to real-time data is crucial for achieving freight visibility, staying updated on order status, and making informed, data-driven decisions. Technology is pivotal in enabling businesses to accomplish these objectives effectively and efficiently.

These days, ignoring technology and innovation is one of the surest ways to get overtaken by the competition. In this blog post, we will explore how you and your business can leverage technology after you complete your logistics management courses at NATS. From implementing supply chain management software to embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) and harnessing the power of data analytics, we will delve into the practical applications of these technologies in logistics. 

1. Use Supply Chain Management Software

To ensure efficiency in your distribution processes, addressing the challenges posed by the growing number of retailers, limited carrier capacity, and increasing customer expectations is vital. Adopting a fully integrated supply chain network with real-time visibility is key, from order placement to fulfillment, shipping, and returns. Evaluating each workflow allows you to identify areas for optimization, resulting in improved overall efficiency. Technology can be crucial in elevating your supply chain capabilities, meeting customer needs, reducing costs, and enhancing the customer experience.

One of the most significant advancements in logistics technology is the development of robust supply chain management software. These platforms provide end-to-end visibility into the supply chain, allowing logistics professionals to monitor and control various operations effectively. 

Completing Logistics Management courses at NATS will equip you with the necessary skills to effectively utilize software tools for your business. Equipped with this knowledge, you can identify and customize the most suitable supply chain management software to meet your specific needs. This ability to optimize processes through technology will empower you to enhance overall efficiency and drive success in the logistics industry.

2. Use Data Analytics for Improved Decision Making

Data is the lifeblood that fuels operations in the transportation and logistics industry. Historically, companies have utilized data to track shipments, optimize routes, and forecast demand. However, the potential data applications have expanded significantly by integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The abundance of data generated throughout the supply chain can be leveraged to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions. With your expertise, you can effectively utilize data analytics tools and techniques to extract meaningful information from complex datasets.

By delving into data analysis, you can uncover trends, identify inefficiencies, and optimize various aspects of the supply chain. Data analytics empowers you to make accurate demand forecasts, enhance route planning, reduce transportation costs, and optimize warehouse operations throughout your Logistics Management career. Additionally, it enables you to proactively identify potential bottlenecks and areas for improvement within the supply chain.

3. Embrace IoT Technology in Your Logistics Management Career

Another way to steal a march on the transportation and logistics industry competition is by streamlining operations using Internet of Things (IoT) devices and blockchain technology. Connecting devices and tracking data on a blockchain ledger can help you enhance visibility into your supply chain, optimize asset utilization, and reduce costs. With IoT and blockchain integration, you can monitor assets in real-time, make informed decisions, automate tasks, and improve efficiency. This technology combination ensures data integrity, transparency, and secure transactions among supply chain stakeholders.

Are you interested in a Logistics Management diploma?

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Logistics management involves planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient and effective movement of goods, services, and people. It requires a unique set of skills and expertise that can only be developed through proper training. Our Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management online training at North American Trade Schools (NATS) can provide the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this field. In this blog post, we will discuss four essential skills you will learn in Logistics Management Training.

1. Supply Chain Management Skills

Supply Chain Management is managing the flow of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumption. It includes the coordination and integration of all activities involved in the production and delivery of goods and services.

Logistics Management training provides a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management principles and techniques, including inventory management, demand forecasting, and transportation planning. Through supply chain management, logistics professionals can ensure that goods and services are delivered to customers promptly and cost-effectively.

Logistics Management training exposes you to the finer details of supply chain management, helping you understand the whole process and gain essential knowledge that will make you a valuable asset to your organization.

2. Operations Management After Logistics Management Training

Operations management is the management of the processes and resources that are used to produce goods and services. It involves the planning, scheduling, and controlling all activities required to produce a product or service. Logistics Management training provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage operations effectively. This includes understanding the various processes involved in producing goods and services, such as procurement, manufacturing, and distribution.

Our Logistics Management online course covers techniques for optimizing production and streamlining operations for a more efficient workflow.

3. Leadership and Communication Skills

Logistics management is a people-driven field, and effective leadership and communication skills are essential for success. Logistics Management training provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead and communicate effectively. This includes understanding the principles of leadership and how to motivate and inspire a team. Communication training at NATS covers the principles of effective communication, such as active listening, clarity, and conciseness. Effective leadership and communication skills enable logistics professionals to work well with team members, customers, and suppliers.

4. Warehouse Management Skills

In addition to the other essential skills discussed above, warehouse management is another crucial skill that logistics professionals will learn during their training with us. Warehouse management is the process of organizing, managing, and controlling the operations of a warehouse. It involves managing inventory, handling materials, and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods within the warehouse.

Safety and security are critical in warehouse management. Warehouse accidents can lead to injuries, product damage, and increased costs. Effective safety and security measures help to minimize the risk of accidents and protect the warehouse and its contents from theft and damage. Logistics professionals should learn how to implement safety and security measures, such as safety training, safety audits, and security systems, to ensure a safe and secure warehouse environment.

Effective warehouse management is critical for the success of any logistics operation–as poor warehouse management can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and increased costs. Effective warehouse management can help to improve productivity, reduce costs, and ensure the timely delivery of goods.

Are you ready to acquire these skills by obtaining a Logistics Management diploma?

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Working in the logistics industry could involve planning, implementing, and managing the transportation of goods and services within the supply chain. Workers in this field are the heart of global trade, and in effect, their work has a significant impact on the economy. This career path offers a variety of workplaces to explore and a chance to work in an exciting, fast-paced field. If logistics management interests you, the first step toward your dream career is the right training. 

North American Trade Schools offers an online training program that equips students with the skills they need to work in a dynamic career. Keep reading to learn three great reasons to take Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management training online this year. 

1. Enjoy High Demand and Security in a Growing Field 

Since 2020, we’ve been seeing significant growth in the logistics field that is predicted to continue until 2025 and peak at 3.5%. According to experts, this increase results from a fast-growing manufacturing industry fueled by e-commerce and booming construction, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries. This is an excellent time to position yourself as a qualified logistics management professional and enjoy a position that allows you to enjoy job security. Our Logistics Management Online Program will leave you prepared to take the Canadian International Freight Forwarding Association certification exam and earn the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification, both reputable credentials that will set you apart as a competitive candidate in your freight management job search. 

2. Work in a Dynamic Global Field With a Logistics Management Diploma 

Logistics management is the ideal career choice for those who want a dynamic, interesting career, as it presents new challenges daily. For this reason, you’ll never be bored as a professional in this field. In addition, the industry is international, and in some cases, the opportunity to travel may be on the table to deal with contract negotiations, meet with clients overseas, and purchase goods. After taking our logistics management courses, you’ll gain a solid understanding of both customs and global trade compliance to prepare you with a profound understanding of international trade. 

3. Get Real Life Experience With a Final Case Study Project 

Students in the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Online Program finish logistics management training with a capstone project that allows them to research a real-life logistics business problem. They will have the opportunity to use the knowledge and skills they’ve developed in classes to develop an effective solution like they will on the job.

If you’re considering a career in global logistics management, you can receive the training you need flexibly and from the comfort of your own home. We understand that many of our students have other obligations, and we want to ensure that our programs are accessible to as many career seekers as possible. Start your journey to career success today.

Ready to earn a Logistics Management Diploma? 

Contact NATS for more information! 

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