What do Logisticians do?

A Logistician would typically need to:

• Work as part of a supply chain or system that moves materials, goods, military supplies, or services from suppliers to consumers, assuring safe storage and timely and safe provision in the correct quantity at the right location.
• Manage the product life cycle, which includes purchasing the product, distributing, assigning, and delivering it.
• Recognise client needs and how to meet them.
• Utilise data analytics to analyse and coordinate the organization’s supply chain, as well as make informed decisions on inventory management, transportation options, and logistics network architecture.
• Negotiate the best pricing, terms, and conditions for goods transportation and storage with suppliers, carriers, and clients.
• Monitor and manage warehouse inventory levels to ensure adequate supply to satisfy demand.
• To plan and manage procurement, inventory, and other components of the supply chain, use logistics-specific software.
• Conduct quality checks at each level of the production process to guarantee compliance with business requirements; identify and eliminate potential bottlenecks.
• Conduct environmental audits to assess the environmental impact of logistical activities
• Oversee the work of the logistics staff, monitor their performance, and provide chances for training and improvement.
• Provide thorough logistical reports to other departments, such as customer service or finance, to assist them in making data-driven decisions.
• Review firm logistics and identify opportunities for improvement; establish cost-effective and time-efficient methods; or make ideas to management and clients to reduce the cost or duration of product transportation.
• Provide performance statistics to management.
• Keep abreast with market developments, innovations, and legislative changes; assess their influence on the supply chain and make appropriate adjustments while complying with legal obligations.

Standard Work Environment

A Logistician often works in a fast-paced, deadline-driven atmosphere, and may be stationed in an office, a warehouse, a fulfilment centre, or in the field, overseeing product transit and delivery.

They work in practically every industry and may work for transportation and logistics corporations, freight-shipping companies, or the logistics departments of manufacturing organisations, retail businesses, government agencies, and the armed forces.

Logisticians may be needed to travel on occasion to meet with clients, attend industry events, or supervise the transfer of items in manufacturing plants or distribution hubs.

Work Schedule

Logisticians are often full-time employees. While they work 40-45 hours per week on average, their schedules vary. When dealing with delivery issues or other logistical issues, they may require extra hours in the evenings, on weekends, and on holidays. As a result, they must be adaptable and capable of adjusting to changing workload demands and working fast to handle logistical challenges in order to keep schedules on track.

If you work as a freelance logistics consultant, you may have some leeway in planning your week.

According to research, the younger generation values flexible hours and favourable telework regulations more than money. Employers are more prepared to give talented employees the opportunity to adapt their schedules to meet employment needs.

Employers

Finding a new job may appear difficult. Logisticians can improve their job search by soliciting referrals from their network, contacting firms directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and contacting staffing agencies.

Logisticians are generally employed by: 

• The Manufacturing Industry
• Government Organisations
• The Armed Forces
• Retail Companies
• Aviation Companies
• Rail Providers
• Engineering Firms
• Freight-Shipping Companies
• The Wholesale Trade Industry
• Warehouses & Fulfilment Centres

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional groups and organisations, such as the International Society of Logistics (SOLE), are essential for Logisticians who want to further their professional growth or network with other professionals in their sector or trade.

Professional organisations offer their members a variety of continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more of these organisations adds value to your CV while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• Managing and minimising supply chain disruptions
• Finding the optimal balance between cost and delivery time, as reducing one can lead to increasing the other
• Managing transportation cost fluctuations caused by varying fuel prices; keeping control of transportation costs since they form a significant chunk of logistics expenses and can necessitate fuel surcharges on the customer
• Staying current with technological advancements and business procedures to ensure operations are efficient, cost-effective and competitive for a business to survive in the industry
• Tracking inventory levels and changes accurately and managing them effectively
• Navigating international operations by factoring in various customs regulations and cultural differences
• Dealing with rising consumer demand for faster or expedited (two-day or same-day delivery) and more personalised delivery services while remaining efficient and cost-effective
• Providing customers with real-time updates and the ability to track their order status at every step of the shipment and delivery process
• Resolving consumer complaints and inquiries as promptly as possible
• Creating an effective and cost-efficient reverse logistics platform to allow customers to return purchased products
• Creating and maintaining effective and robust supplier relationships; developing, understanding and abiding by mutually agreed-upon standards
• Dealing with driver shortages by providing amenities that cater to their needs
• Coping with high staff turnover, the lack of technically trained staff and rising training costs
• Strictly following transport laws, norms and security guidelines that can differ according to the region and require staff to be trained accordingly
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the carbon footprint and adapting to climate change regulations
• Helping the company or client stay competitive in dynamic markets by increasing supply chain efficiency and reducing costs

Suggested Work Experience

Any academic programme in which a future Logistician enrols usually includes a term of supervised experiences, such as an internship. Aspiring logisticians will profit from projects outside of the classroom that corresponds to courses inside. One can learn a lot from more experienced professionals’ stories and gain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly normal occurrences into unique learning opportunities.

Summer internships, part-time entry-level work, or short-term paid/volunteer work provide a taste of the career, vital insight into how a firm or institution functions, assist create useful relationships, and boost one’s chances of landing a permanent job.

The experience may also aid in determining if the public, private, or voluntary sectors are most suited to achieving one’s goals. The career services department at your educational provider can provide information about suitable opportunities for work placements, internships, and volunteer work in a variety of areas.

Work experience in an area linked to logistics, supply chains, or business might be beneficial for an aspiring Logistician, especially because some employers would accept a few years of experience in lieu of a specific degree.

Individuals can get work experience by joining the military or working as clerks or dispatchers in the logistics department.

Even if you are still in high school, you can ask a teacher or a counsellor about appropriate job-based learning opportunities in your school or community that can help you connect your educational experiences with real-life work. Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with a worthwhile organisation to have fun while learning about yourself and being guided towards a future job.

To demonstrate your devotion to course providers and future employers, read about the profession and interview or job shadow specialists in logistics.

Recommended Qualifications

For entry-level or support professions, such as dispatcher or clerk, a Logistician normally requires a high school diploma or equivalent or an associate degree. For a full-time student, an associate degree in logistics takes two years and includes courses in supply chain management, transportation management, and information systems.

You will also benefit from focusing on topics such as logistics and supply chain management, operations and materials management, business communication, human resource management, and organisational behaviour while completing your education.

Given the complexities of managing logistics and supply networks, employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in logistics and supply chain management, industrial or process engineering, or business with a logistics-related specialisation, such as global supply chain management. A supply chain and logistics management degree programme seeks to provide students with a solid grasp of the many components of a supply chain and how they interact. It also helps pupils improve their problem-solving, leadership, and logical thinking abilities.

Typical coursework includes operations and database administration, as well as system dynamics. The programme may also include training on relevant and widely used software and technologies, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID). Some degree programmes may include an optional or required internship that provides students with real work experience.

Graduates may be able to find employment as a logistics analyst, transportation manager, or supply chain management consultant. A bachelor’s or master’s degree will also enable you to grow in your work.

A master’s degree in a branch of logistics, particularly one related to applied science or engineering, can help you advance to managerial positions. Students can also pursue an MBA with a supply chain management concentration.

Aspiring logisticians can build on their foundation by enrolling in high school courses such as mathematics, geography, computer science, business studies, economics, and communication.

It is important to remember that completion of a certain academic programme does not ensure admittance into the profession. Professional qualifications and transferrable skills, on the other hand, may open more than one door.

Before enrolling in a specific programme, do your homework and investigate all available possibilities for education and career. Associations and employers in your field are reliable sources that can help you make an informed selection.

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

A Logistician’s proficiency in a skill set is demonstrated through work experience, training, and passing a test. Certification from a reputable and objective organisation can help you stand out in a competitive employment market, carry a large wage premium of up to 18%, boost your prospects of progression, and help you become an independent consultant. By including a Code of Ethics, successful certification programmes defend the public welfare.

Examine the certificates that are accessible and recognised in your area. Your credentials will normally qualify you for front-line material handling and logistics positions in warehouses, distribution centres, fulfilment centres, transportation businesses, and factories. Given the high demand for entry-level industry certification, logisticians typically pursue certification in order to understand and execute important methods that will help improve customer service and increase the effectiveness of a company’s logistics and supply chain operations. For Logisticians to operate in the armed forces, specific certificates may be necessary and accessible.

Early in your career, you may obtain the International Society of Logistics (SOLE) qualifications of Demonstrated Logistician, Demonstrated Senior Logistician, and Demonstrated Master Logistician by meeting the requirements of continuing experience and professional development. SOLE’s most prestigious qualifications for professional and experienced Logisticians are the exam-based Certified Master Logistician (CML) and Certified Professional Logistician (CPL).

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) also provides internationally accepted certification choices, such as the APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD).

Those interested in learning the principles of computer networking and security should begin with the Security 5 certification, which provides learners with the basic networking literacy required to develop sophisticated IT programmes.

Logisticians may also be subjected to an employment background check, which may include but is not limited to, a person’s job history, schooling, credit history, motor vehicle records (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, usage of social media, and drug testing.

Projected Career Map

Career advancement is driven by performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications. Employees who consistently deliver above-average results may be eligible for advancement every two to three years.

A bachelor’s degree can help you get entry-level work as a Clerk, Transportation Specialist, or Logistics Coordinator. It is also possible to transition from a business management position to a logistics career. With experience, you may be promoted to the position of Junior or Assistant Logistician, with more duties and decision-making ability. You could subsequently move to the position of Senior Logistician, who controls logistics operations and has substantial logistics experience.

You might also work as a Logistics Account Executive, who spends most of their time communicating with customers and carriers.

With more training and achievement as a Senior Logistician, you may advance to managing and executive positions. through promoting organisational performance, ensuring sustainability, and enhancing customer happiness, a Logistics Manager supervises the entire supply cycle, from planning and managing storage to the efficient delivery of goods.

With substantial experience, you could advance to the position of Consultant, specialised in transportation, storage, or procurement.

A growing number of millennials are opting to job hop and build a scattershot resume that demonstrates ambition, enthusiasm, and a willingness to master a wide range of skills in order to expedite their career progress and personal development.

Studies show that job hopping, which was formerly considered as “flaky” activity, might lead to increased work satisfaction. Employees looking for a healthy culture and fascinating work are eager to try out different roles and settings while learning vital, transferrable skills.

Job Prospects

Candidates with the appropriate skills, education, or certification in logistics and supply management, as well as prior experience using logistical software or performing logistical tasks for the armed forces, will have the best job prospects.

Beneficial Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) will assist an active Logistician in developing personal skills and expertise through work-based learning, professional activity, and formal education.

Whether traditional schooling or self-directed learning is used. It enables you to always improve your skills regardless of your age, career, or degree of expertise. Keeping up with new technologies is critical to survive in the competitive and ever-changing business of logistics.

Individuals can learn about the newest industry trends, innovative techniques, and best practices by reading professional publications and attending training sessions, workshops, online courses, and conferences. You can also improve your knowledge and abilities in supply chain management, transportation, warehousing, and inventory management by taking advantage of such opportunities.

Joining professional organisations gives you access to information, events, and networking opportunities with other industry experts to learn about best practices and new ideas. Mentoring or coaching from professionals with substantial expertise in logistics and supply chain management can also assist logisticians in overcoming career obstacles and capitalising on possibilities.

Individuals can gain useful insights, develop existing abilities, and learn new ones by rotating jobs or working on varied projects, tackling new difficulties, and engaging with cross-functional teams.

Logisticians can advance their careers by pursuing continuing education (CE) in the form of a master’s or PhD in logistics. You can also get your MBA (Master of Business Administration) with a focus on logistics and supply chain management. Aside from education, obtaining certifications in logistics and supply management is another option to develop your profession.

Conclusion of Logistician

Logisticians design, execute and supervise the various procedures and activities that comprise an organization’s supply chain, from procurement to distribution. They assist eliminate waste, save money, and increase customer satisfaction by guaranteeing the timely, safe, effective, and efficient flow of goods, services, and information. Logisticians work across industries, monitoring and optimising purchasing, shipping, inventory, and storage activities, all of which have an impact on a company’s profitability and success.

Advice from the Wise

Even the best transportation and logistics plans can derail owing to unforeseeable factors. Make sure you have backup strategies in place to deal with problems when they arise.

Explore Also: How to Become an Inventory Specialist