Industry experts say the worldwide supply chain industry grows at an impressive rate of 11.2% per year. Furthermore, for every six job openings, there’s only one qualified individual within the supply chain workforce. To address this ongoing skills gap and prepare to lead the networks of the future, industry professionals must hone their current capabilities and continuously develop new ones.
What is a skills gap?
Start by understanding key elements involved. A skills gap refers to the disparity between the skills an employer needs or expects their workforce to possess and the actual skills their employees (or potential employees) currently have. This mismatch makes it challenging for organizations to fill open positions, meet business objectives or adapt to evolving industry demands. Skills gaps can encompass both technical and interpersonal attributes.
The supply chain industry is particularly susceptible to skills gaps due to its rapid evolution driven by technology, globalization and shifting market demands. “Advanced technologies are shaking up the supply chain world,” according to KPMG. “With quickly evolving capabilities across generative AI, data analytics, automation, machine learning, the internet of things, blockchain and more, the ‘smart’ supply chain is well on its way to becoming the new normal.”
How to close the skills gap
To prepare for these extraordinary shifts, first, conduct an audit of your current skillset. Identify areas of strength and weakness, then think about how you can better position yourself professionally. Consider formal assessments, peer feedback and self-reflection on past projects to gain a comprehensive understanding of your capabilities. Pinpointing specific areas for growth will enable you to target your development efforts more effectively.
Next, hone your technological expertise. Information systems are at the heart of most business processes, so you’ll make better decisions when you understand how they work. Similarly, learn all you can about the latest innovations — artificial intelligence, automation and the like — in order to apply them effectively. In addition, look to advanced analytics to help you maximize the data sets created by your networks. Risk management is also essential for today’s modern supply chain workforce. Operating in our volatile environment demands the ability to anticipate, assess and respond to disruptions. As new and better products, processes and services enter the market, understanding risk management can help supply chain managers ask the right questions, quantify potential threats, build contingencies and boost their supply chain responsiveness. This ensures the organization can mitigate effects or recover swiftly, protecting operations and customer satisfaction.
Another key strategy is to develop a holistic leadership style. In global networks, true leadership extends beyond individual functions. A holistic leader understands the interconnectedness of every node, from sourcing to delivery. This comprehensive view enables more effective control of the entire network from a single point of command, unifying diverse teams and technologies under a shared vision. Such leadership drives positive, systemic change, optimizing the whole supply chain for efficiency, resilience and sustainability.
Prioritize ongoing advancement
As technology transforms our supply chains, professionals must blend the latest innovations with their understanding of fundamental processes in order to achieve strategic, next-generation networks. ASCM is dedicated to helping you achieve this goal with the Supply Chain Technology Certificate. You’ll discover how to fully leverage AI, advanced analytics, cybersecurity and additive manufacturing. And you’ll equip yourself with the skills necessary to enhance transparency, streamline operations and accelerate delivery through data-driven insights and automation.
Plus, elevate your career even further with essential knowledge from the brand-new 2025 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report. Gain unparalleled insights into in-demand skill sets, compensation trends and high-growth sectors within the field. By understanding how your capabilities benchmark against industry standards, you can confidently plan your next professional moves, negotiate effectively and make data-driven decisions to accelerate your advancement in this vital field.
Editor's note: Due to new research and insights, this blog has been updated. The original publication date was April 29, 2020.
