Hiring Managers: Become a supply chain analyst with 5 characteristics
Supply chain specialists or analysts ensure that a company's supply meets consumers' demands. Their responsibilities include keeping a business on a budget, guaranteeing timely delivery, and overseeing the total supply chain operations of a business. They enhance the productivity of a company’s supply chain operations using data collection and analysis.
To become a supply chain analyst, one needs to have specific knowledge. That means the regular stream of study will not cut it. Following their graduation, one needs to complete a professional IIT Supply Chain Management Course. However, completing that course is not enough; a professional in this field must possess a few essential skills. Read on to learn about them.
5 Key Qualities of a Supply Chain Analyst
Supply chain management involves integrating and overseeing processes where software, machines, and people all play a crucial role. Here is a list of the top essential characteristics required to become a supply chain analyst:
- Strong communication skills
Communication skills and supply chain processes go hand-in-hand. That’s because supply chain managers communicate requirements to all channels, train staff, and lead others within a company’s supply chain.
They need to interact through telephones, chat apps, texts, email, and in person. Thus, honing technical, verbal, and written communication skills will effectively serve their purpose.
- Data analysis
They need to use and analyze data accurately for tracking demand, sales trends, shipments, and orders. They must be able to figure out the inefficiencies and weaknesses of the supply chain. Additionally, they should have excellent math skills to estimate savings and costs.
- Project management potential
Whether they are trying to upgrade down-chain processes, maintain a smooth flow of operations, implement something new, or enhance a pre-existing supply chain, project management skills are a necessity.
PMP education, understanding of Lean process management, and statistical process control will help them to reduce errors, increase efficiencies, cut costs, and improve the supply chain. Most project management procedures teach them to avoid impacting consumers negatively, causing morale problems, or burning out staff.
- Flexibility
There are rules for successful supply chains, but solving problems does not always correspond to bookish knowledge. In simple words, they need to think out of the box, embrace change, and support those who bring innovations. This will positively impact productivity as well as other KPIs.
- Exceptional computer and software skills
Nowadays, it is irrelevant to manage supply chains with primary spreadsheets & heads for figures. To keep the processes, products, and people in line, they require using competent software.
New-age technologies such as the Internet of Things, machine learning & artificial intelligence are in demand. The potential to instantly understand the latest computer programs and learn how they blend with up-chain or down-chain systems is vital.
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Supply Chain Analyst
Wondering how to kick start your career in supply chain management? Following are the minimum eligibility terms for your reference:
- Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, or a related subject
- Strong analytics and data collection skills to upgrade product delivery, mitigate risks and identify trends
- Proficiency in mathematical analysis, SQL analysis tools, and spreadsheet applications
- Knowledge of relational databases, ERP systems, and MS Office
- Work experience of 1 to 2 years (preferable)
Note that recruiters may give training to beginners on logistics management systems and in-house inventory to improve their skills.
Summing it Up
The supply chain forms the centre of a business’s operations. Supply chain analysts are in charge of a product’s journey, starting from sourcing raw materials to making sure it satisfies consumers. They are the backbone of a company that engages in contract and financial management.
They are responsible for planning projects and building relationships with a solid knowledge of warehousing, transportation, and manufacturing. As such, recruiters prefer candidates having professional certifications in supply chain management, logistics, or related disciplines. So, increase your job opportunities with a noteworthy supply chain certification online from leading educational institutes like Imarticus.
