The Skills Needed for Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management isn't easy and it requires a set of skills to be successful. There are many more skills that are useful, but the skills I discuss will help one succeed and be a leader in supply chain.

The first necessary skill is to have information technology and automation knowledge. This skill uses technology as a tool to acquire the data one is looking for. It is important to know how to use certain softwares as their use in the business world is expanding.

A second skill that is vital is to have a grasp of economics and market behavior. It is imperative to understand how the market functions and to be able to predict its future demeanor. The market connects companies to their cost of producing and cost of goods sold. Obtaining this skill allows a supply chain management leader to run the company cost efficiently.

Understanding cost-to-serve is another useful skill. Being able to determine when a service is impairing the company's profit is something not many have. Acquiring this skill will put you ahead of others and can help you make direct and positive impacts to the company.

The skill of flexibility is important to being a supply chain leader. Data is constantly changing and being able to change your course of action is vital to succeed. It's crucial to embrace change as it comes and to not resist it.

A fifth skill is project management skills. Under this skill is it essential to have organizational skills, negotiation skills, and knowledge of risk management. It's critical to comprehend risk associated with the approval of a project. Communication and negotiation skills allow you to effectively discuss projects and data with members of your team to ensure efficiency among the company.

The last skill I will be discussing is the ability to get the best from people. Encouraging others to thrive in the field is what makes a team successful. One must remember that if the team works together and succeeds, everyone succeeds. Communication, collaboration, and change are the three C's of supply chain leadership to keep in mind when part of a team. A leader also must be able to asses their own weaknesses and build on those to be the best leader on can be.

Knowing the skills that are needed for supply chain is important to be successful in this career. These skills are useful to know because it gives an idea of what it takes to work in supply chain management.

Works Cited:
O’Byrne, Rob. “6 Key Supply Chain Leaders' Skills and Why You Need Them | Supply Chain and Logistics Blog.” , 1 Dec. 2016, www.logisticsbureau.com/6-key-supply-chain-leaders-skills-and-why-you-need-them/.

-Lauren Jankowski