Those working in the supply chain and adjacent fields know: There just isn’t enough good talent out there. A lack of interest from millennials combined with a “graying” workforce means shipping departments and warehouse operators are scrambling more than ever for good employees.

In order to compensate for the lack of talent, your organization will have to develop skilled supply chain workers internally.

Some companies are treating the acquisition and development of skilled employees in much the same way they could recognize and develop crucial sources of goods and services, such as creating risk-mitigation methods to ensure the continuity of talent supply, and making “produce/buy” decisions on whether to acquire talent externally or grow existing resources.

Some organizations have found that talent must be acquired in both its most raw form, the recent graduate, and the form of more knowledgeable professionals. Additionally, both kinds of talent must be constantly developed in order to supply optimum value to the organization.

Unfortunately, very few companies are truly ready to view supply chain talent as a long-term, strategic asset that must be invested in and enhanced.

Customized training is a must

Talent development should concentrate on supplying the outcomes the business wants for its particular strategy. Generalized training normally isn’t comprehensive, nor does it neatly tie into the unique ways an organization’s supply chain can generate more value.

The best training is customized to a supply chain’s organization and its mission inside the company. The domain of supply chain knowledge and practices concerning delivery modes can vary among organizations and within an organization over the course of time. This means those with the job of supply chain talent development to employ a advanced approach to education to make sure that they are getting the value they want. For businesses that operate globally, the challenges are greater given the differing views on supply chain management throughout the world.

Don’t discount the value of formal training

Given the fact the performance of employees within a supply chain depends heavily on experience, it can be tempting to dismiss formal training. However, a classroom setting allows current and future employees the chance to understand the foundations of standard operating procedures.

If your supply chain development program is going to feature a formal education component, make sure the classroom education includes “hands-on” experience – where students must apply the lessons they have learned in a real-life setting.

Keep your entire supply chain staff learning

In any job, it can be easy to rest on your laurels; to kick back and avoid learning something new for as long as possible. Rapidly evolving technology is making this attitude nearly impossible to sustain.

Make sure your supply chain development strategy includes those with years of experience – who must keep their skills up to date in order to stay competitive.

At ZDA, we partner with our client companies to develop robust training strategies and customized supply chain staffing solutions. If your organization is looking to bolster its supply chain team, please contact us today!

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