What is Supply Chain Management: Is it a Good Field for Me?
It takes an efficient distribution system for the final product to reach the shelves of your favorite store so you can buy it. To achieve the seamless flow of goods, businesses hire supply chain management professionals to oversee the various aspects of the distribution process. If you would like to be part of the team that drives the efficiency of a company’s supply chain and logistics processes, a supply chain management degree is a great start!
What Is Supply Chain Management
Every business that is involved in the production of goods and services needs supply chain management in order to meet the customers’ demands, be profitable and cut costs. Supply chain management refers to the flow of goods from the manufacturer to the final consumer. It includes the acquisition of raw materials, production and the final distribution of finished goods so that they reach the intended consumers. With good supply chain management, a company is able to provide the right products to its customers at the right place, time and cost.
Supply chain management plays an important role in the success of any business in the following ways:
- It boosts customer experience by ensuring that customers receive what they need at the right time.
- It helps businesses reduce their inventory costs, production costs, and supply chain costs through quick delivery of products.
- It increases a company’s revenue by ensuring that all processed run efficiently and products reach the customer’s on time, which means more sales.
Since supply chain management is all about cutting costs without compromising on efficiency and quality, businesses are able to realize more profits thus improving their financial positions.
What you Can do with a Degree in Supply Chain Management
The goal of every business is to minimize costs and maximize profits. Supply chain management is highly instrumental in contributing to the realization of this goal. As such, employers are always on the lookout for the best brains in this field. With a supply chain management degree, you could work in manufacturing, retail, third-party logistics companies, government agencies and even transportation firms. The following career options might be available for you.
Supply Chain Sales
If you are a people-person with great negotiation skills and convincing power, this position is for you. Supply chain salespersons or account managers are responsible for selling supply services. They outsource jobs to providers of third-party logistics services in different industries. This ole also involves account management.
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply chain analysts evaluate every step of the process form raw material acquisition to the final distribution of finished goods. The purpose is to identify how to improve the existing distribution channels to achieve quicker deliveries, efficiency and more cost reduction.
Industry analysts on the other hand interview key supply chain players in areas like manufacturing, logistics and procurement roles. The information is then used to inform the supply chain requirements and business processes of the company.
Logistics Manager
Logistics managers are in charge of planning, forecasting, warehousing, distribution, customer service and procurement. Logistics managers also oversee logistics information systems and personnel, daily logistics operations and development of supply chain strategies.
Inventory Manager
Inventory managers ensure there is an adequate stock to run the business and meet the needs of customers. They keep records and make purchases to replenish stock whenever it falls short to avoid shortages. They also ensure proper stock control so that there is no surplus and wastage.
Other responsibilities of an inventory manager include evaluating and finding suppliers as well as negotiating purchases. They also prepare stock documentation for use by the company in stock management, marketing purposes and in formulating strategies for effective stock movement.
Transportation Director
As a transportation director, your primary role is to oversee both the inbound movement of supplies and outbound transportation of finished products. You will be in charge of carrier management as well as budgeting and transportation costs. Transport directors also ensure that goods cross borders smoothly and deliveries are made in a timely manner.
Why is Education Important in Supply Chain Management?
The business environment continues to evolve with technology advancement, and supply chains are also becoming more complex. In a bid to stay on top of the competition and maintain profitability, companies are hiring individuals with bachelors degrees to take charge of their supply chains.
A bachelor’s degree should give you the knowledge in various aspects of supply chain management including accounting, business process improvement and business forecasting and data analytics. The knowledge and skills you obtain prepare you to thrive in a global supply chain environment. You could supplement your degree with certifications to demonstrate your expertise and set yourself apart in the job market.
Are You Ready for a Career in Supply Chain Management?
Do you feel like a career in supply chain management is worth your effort and time? ECPI University offers a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership or Business Administration with a Concentration in Operations, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management degree program. What’s more, you could earn your degree in as little as 2.5 years by attending the year-round program. For more information, connect with a helpful admission representative today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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