What is a digital supply chain?

The term “digital supply chain” refers to how advanced digital technologies are developed and implemented to improve traditional supply networks. These technologies include IoT, blockchain, machine learning, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.

The second definition of ‘digital supply chain’ is a supply chain that helps deliver any digital product, such as mobile apps, digital books or music.

Recent trends in the industry

Supply chains can achieve the next level of operational performance by utilising emerging digital supply chain business models and turning the organisation into a digital supply chain.

Several megatrends have a significant impact on supply chain management:

– The continued growth of rural areas around the world.
– The pressure to cut carbon emissions.
– Changing demographics impacting workforce capacity.
– Online activities and environment (individualisation, customisation, access to an abundance of shopping options).

Opportunities to further your career within the Supply Chain and Operations industry

Automation displaces workers in plants, fulfilment centres, and procurement, production planning, and maintenance areas. Despite this, overall recruiting is increasing, and senior executives report that identifying and hiring the right personnel is more complex than ever.

Two transformative digital technologies are currently establishing themselves across industries in the supply chain; Advanced robotics and machine learning. Early adoption of these technologies can help you thrive in the future of the Supply Chain and Operations industry.

Salt’s advice for getting a job in the Supply Chain and Operations industry

• Employers’ Requirements

  Hard skills:

  • Project management
  • Technical understanding
  • Cost accounting skills
  • Troubleshooting, problem-solving
  • Knowledge of cross-cultural/global issues

  Soft skills:

  • Ability to communicate effectively 
  • Time management
  • Leadership
  • Understanding of customer’s expectations
  • Eagerness to learn

  In the job market, someone with a broad and integrated understanding of logistics is a great candidate. People with a natural curiosity and a desire to comprehend patterns and trends in data are in high demand. 

  Successful applicants must comprehend the increasingly complicated technical components of supply chains and express them effectively and succinctly to non-technical colleagues and consumers.

• CV Requirements

  When applying for a supply chain job, your CV needs to be noticed by the hiring manager, so it must stand out from the crowd. 

  Tips to get noticed

  1. Showcase all relevant experience
  2. Deemphasise unrelated experience
  3. Emphasise your accomplishments
  4. Focus on results 
  5. Include supply chain relevant skills
     

  Suppose you can provide real-world examples of how you’ve delivered products and services at the right time and place, correct cost, and at the right quantity and quality. In that case, you can probably secure yourself a spot in the final round of interviews.

• Interview Preparation

  Today’s employers are increasingly conducting behavioural based interviews designed to assess core competencies needed to succeed in the role. 

  You can expect a series of questions designed to discover and assess past performance, which will help the employer predict future success.

  Top tips:

  1. Fully understand the job you are applying for (duties, experience, skills needed)
  2. Commit your accomplishments to memory to help when discussing the situations
  3. Focus on quantifying past results with metrics
  4. Prepare a list of questions about the opportunity
  5. Ask your supply chain recruiter to clarify any questions