The robots are coming. Not to take our jobs, but to enhance them.  AI will make supply chain jobs smarter, faster and stronger.  The rapid digitization of the supply chain calls for resilient, agile and skilled talent that can keep pace.  However, a global talent shortage across all industries is predicted to strike by 2030, leaving roughly $8.5 trillion in annual revenues on the table.  Supply chain organizations rally behind their HR leaders, supply chain directors and managers to find the workforce of the future. One option is to deploy a recruitment campaign and hire outside your organization, but that’s not your only choice. By investing in a strategic upskilling and reskilling program, you can beat the odds and help your organization thrive to 2030 and beyond. The choice is yours — but it’s not an easy decision to make. Here, you can explore why upskilling and reskilling are vital to the future of your supply chain business and how you can gain buy-in from your leadership team.

Understand upskilling and reskilling for supply chain

Upskilling and reskilling the supply chain workforce means creating sustainable talent that fills critical skill gaps. It’s about investing in your people. Upskilling is teaching your team the new supply chain skills they need to do their current jobs better. And reskilling is training employees to take on brand new jobs within your  organization.

All the technological advancements affecting supply chain management jobs demand that you find employees with the right talent. For example, technical skills include employees the ability to work in AI-related roles; master supply chain data analytics; and navigate risk management, optimization and automation. Leadership skills include problem-solving, developing interpersonal relationships, critical thinking and emotional intelligence. 

It’s essential to find a balanced talent pool that can work with robots and people simultaneously. This type of talent requires flexibility and resilience created by upskilling workers.

Why upskilling and reskilling matter for the future of your organization

Some leading organizations believe the way to reduce the gap is to hire new talent. The Adecco Group finds that 66% of its 2,000 C-suite executives surveyed plan to “buy” the talent they need for the rise of AI. However, hiring new talent isn’t going to stop change from happening.

The supply chain sector is always evolving, with new technologies, changing consumer demands and unexpected global events. To stay ahead, businesses must be agile. Here's why upskilling and reskilling are key:

• Cost savings and ROI: It's often more cost-effective to upskill or reskill existing employees, offering a better return on investment. In fact, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reports the average cost per hire was nearly $4,700. However, many employers estimate the total cost to hire a new employee can be as much as four times the position's salary.
• Enhanced employee performance: Equipping your team with the latest skills helps them work more efficiently and creatively, boosting overall productivity.
• Improved employee retention and engagement: Show you value your employees with growth opportunities. Training programs show you're invested in their future, leading to greater loyalty and engagement.
• Future-proofing your workforce: As technology and industry standards evolve, so too must your team's skills. Upskilling and reskilling create a continuous learning environment that builds workforce resilience.
• Competitive advantage: Companies that prioritize learning and development are better prepared to innovate and adapt to constant change. When employees feel overwhelmed, they leave — often for your competition.

Drive organizational growth with upskilling and reskilling

Upskilling and reskilling are crucial for the success of your supply chain businesses. As leaders in HR, talent and training, you have the opportunity to drive transformation within your organization. Investing in your employees' growth and development enhances their capabilities and positions your business for long-term success and competitiveness.

Embrace the future of work by giving your team the tools they need. Explore ASCM’s talent solutions to build high-performing teams ready to meet any challenge. Download our shareable Why Your Supply Chain Team Needs Upskilling PDF.