The rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is transforming supply chain jobs. Even if your job title doesn’t change, the tasks and skills needed likely will. What abilities should supply chain professionals focus on developing to stay relevant in the coming years? A recent Supply Chain Quarterly article shares an excerpt from The Magic Conveyor Belt: Supply Chains, A.I., and the Future of Work by Dr. Yossi Sheffi of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT’s) Center for Transportation & Logistics.
Sheffi forecasts that while repetitive tasks will be increasingly automated, roles will require expanded capabilities in areas like:
- Collaboration – As issues warranting human judgment become more complex, teamwork and consultations will grow in importance.
- Systems skills – With supply chains becoming more complex, evaluating systems comprehensively and integrating new technologies will be critical for managers.
- Data and analytics – Mathematical, statistical, and technology literacy will be essential to tap into the power of data-driven approaches.
- Adaptability and change management – Continual learning and creativity will help workers quickly step in where automation falls short.
Additionally, he explains that as automation enables more productivity with fewer staff, service-oriented roles and skills may bifurcate between basic automated services and specialized, high-touch offerings.
Regardless of your position, adaptability and “human skills” like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking will only increase in relevance. Technical skills aside, logistics and technology professionals must continue developing the very human capacities that machines cannot replicate.
Doing so will be key not only for individual job security, but for companies’ ability to adopt the technologies needed to drive efficiency and stay competitive. The future belongs to those who evolve.
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