The rapidly growing economy has brought the focus on systematic and planned supply chain management practices to deliver quality goods and services to consumers. Organizations worldwide are striving to streamline their business processes. And deliver projects at the right time and place that meets the needs of the stakeholders.
This is where effective logistics and supply chain management becomes vital. To do this, organizations need knowledgeable and skilled professionals like supply chain managers and logisticians who will oversee the operations of supply and demand. These professionals manage the allocation, distribution, and delivery of the products and services to the customers. Professionals with supply chain certifications are skilled and qualified to lead and manage their organization’s operations.
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SCM (Supply Chain Management) Certification
There are a number of supply chain management certifications that an individual can consider to start their logistics and supply chain careers. These certifications can benefit professionals working in the sector to get better job opportunities and earn a better income. With the right SCM Certification, supply chain, and logistics managers can ensure the goals and objectives of their organizations are fulfilled.
The demand for efficient logistics and supply chain management professionals is rising. It is predicted to grow further, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics stating a 7 percent increase in logistics and supply chain management jobs between 2016 and 2026. Before going deeper into the importance of supply chain management certifications, let’s discuss what supply chain management is and its future.
What is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management manages all functions that oversee the movement of products and services from the initial stage to the final consumers. Logistics forms a vital part of the supply chain management process as it helps in planning, controlling, and delivering the products and services to the customers when and where they need them. The objective of logistics and supply chain management is to ensure the organizations’ goals are realized with minimum damage or loss.
The demand for logistics and supply chain professionals has expanded in the last decade. With the explosion of the e-commerce industry and the eventual pandemic that disrupted the world economy, the logistics and supply chain sector has more job positions to fill. Many organizations suffered heavy losses during the pandemic. However, some managed to reduce the impact and make profits instead. These organizations can credit their effective and efficient supply chain activities for success.
Why opt for supply chain certifications?
A career in supply chain management has many advantages. Among them, its role in sustaining the world economy, even during a crisis, can be considered the best. Logistics has its roots in the military. It originated during the war. Slowly its benefits were recognized by other industrial sectors. Since then, every industry, from the private to the public sector, has started adopting supply chain management and logistics in daily operations.
Here are some reasons to go for an SCM Certification for individuals who want to get started in the logistics and supply chain industry:
- High Job Growth
The logistics and supply chain industry is growing at an alarming rate. This has led to an increase in the number of job positions that need to be filled. Supply chain certifications can help individuals get noticed in the hiring process as they will validate their knowledge and skills in logistics and supply chain management. - Better Income Potential
SCM Certifications will provide professionals in the supply chain industry with the proper education and qualifications to take up the various roles available. They will be able to land better-paying jobs and increase their incomes further. - Job Satisfaction
Supply chain managers and logisticians are among the highest-paid professionals in the world. They have advanced and future-proof careers. However, all these advantages are nothing if they don’t find it rewarding. In a 2017 survey report compiled by APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society), millennials claimed that a logistics and supply chain career provides job satisfaction and an opportunity for personal development. - Future-proof Career
The supply chain industry is evolving. With the innovation and the induction of artificial intelligence (AI) in logistics and supply chain management, professionals are growing concerned that they will become obsolete. This is far from the truth; while some functions might get replaced by AI to make them more accurate, the need for professionals to plan and strategize the logistical operations will remain. Thus, having the necessary supply chain certifications can become an important factor in future-proofing one’s career.
Logisticians, Supply Chain Managers, Distribution Managers, Purchasing Managers, Fleet Managers, and Demand Planning Analysts are some of the high-paying jobs in the supply chain management sector today. A supply chain manager earns more than $85,000 annually on average in the US. The salary expectation depends on the location of the industries, country, education, and experience level of the professional.
Conclusion
Supply chain management is the most relevant industry today. The growing needs of the world economy have advanced its need to adopt technology and innovation. The same goes for professionals who want to sustain their jobs in this evolving sector. Gaining the right qualification and earning supply chain certifications will help these professionals make their jobs safe for the future. While certifications in supply chain management are not an absolute requirement, they can give individuals the right skills to excel in the field. Supply chain certifications can help individuals advance their skill sets and get them closer to achieving their career goals.
