Hays: appropriate supply chain & logistics training is essential

Hays

Digitization and robotization are revolutionizing supply chain and logistics, and this is also affecting which competencies professionals need. At the same time, the sector is struggling to cope with a shortage of new candidates. Appropriate training is therefore essential, according to the HR services group Hays in Belgium.

There is an ongoing labour shortage in both the Netherlands and Belgium, and the supply chain and logistics sector is no exception. The increasing number of vacancies is due to the ever-growing impact of technology in the sector. “Supply chain and logistics are in full bloom and are going through an interesting transition thanks to technology. Digitization and robotization are creating new opportunities and jobs,” comments Dries Serré, Business Unit Manager at Hays Purchasing & Logistics.

Although digitization is creating more jobs, it also has an effect on the types of vacancies that are arising in the sector and on the skills that candidates need to have. “The rise in technology in supply chain and logistics is changing the nature of jobs and the required competencies,” continues Serré.

Need for different skills

Whereas candidates were previously recruited based on competencies such as stress resistance, flexibility and operational drive, there is a need for different skills in the new landscape, Serré says. According to him, the sector lacks highly educated profiles who are not afraid of change and who have a keen interest in IT and data analytics.

Hays also notes that the supply chain and logistics discipline is moving ever closer to the heart of the organization. “Supply chain and logistics professionals have an increasingly impactful role. Their analytical and monitoring activities mean that they have a direct influence on the results. Logistics professionals are evolving into innovation consultants for their companies.”

Expand the range of training courses on offer

In order to resolve the labour shortage, it is important to get candidates prepared for the job as quickly as possible. However, the supply is limited. Serré: “The small pool of potential new candidates can be enlarged by adapting training courses in line with new dynamic competencies and digital jobs. It would be beneficial to expand the range of supply chain and logistics training courses on offer in our country.”