A Supply Chain’s Most Important Resource – People

By George W. Prest, CEO, MHI

More than 11 million people work in the U.S. supply chain—that is 8.6 percent of the nation’s workforce. However, a shortage of skilled workers remains. Without a doubt, the skilled workforce shortage is the biggest challenge facing this industry.

The need for new skill sets to run the new breed of digitized, connected supply chains will only intensify this talent gap. As lower-skilled jobs are increasingly replaced by a more connected, automated supply chain, new, higher-skilled, higher-paying jobs will be created as entirely new categories of work are defined.

By taking advantage of technology and innovation, these supply chain jobs will be safer, productive, flexible, engaging and more digitally focused. But where do we find the talent and how do we retain it?

The supply chain workforce shortage was the most important issue that came out of the soon-to-be released 2016 MHI Annual Industry Report: Accelerating Change: How Innovation is Driving Digital “Always-On” Supply Chains. Don’t miss the preview of this report during the April 6 MODEX keynote.

According to the report, the workforce shortage is the biggest challenge facing supply chains. A full 58 percent of respondents indicated that they face a significant challenge in hiring and retaining a skilled supply chain workforce.

Additionally, 56 percent say that training their workforce to use new technologies is a top priority. We, as an industry, need to do a better job of spreading the word that supply chains require a diverse group of professionals that utilize innovation, creativity and smart thinking to not only drive operational efficiency but to keep the economy going.

Because supply chains work behind the scenes, you only hear about them when there is a disruption. Through initiatives like the iWorkInTheSupplyChain.com video campaign and the New Generation Supply Chain Workforce track at MODEX 2016, MHI is working to increase awareness of the amazing and rewarding career opportunities available in this industry.

MHI’s Career & Technical Education Program and College-Industry Council on Material Handling Education are also focused on this issue. Both are holding Student Days at MODEX 2016 with high school and university students. MHI is also organizing a Career Forum at MODEX where MODEX attendees can view jobs that are available from MODEX exhibitors.

That’s a start, but we need to do much more.

The new issue of MHI Solutions focuses on this important topic, from changing skill sets to developing a talent management strategy on how to work with the new generation of supply chain professionals.

We have also included detailed information on MODEX 2016, being held in Atlanta April 4-7. MODEX is where the brightest minds in the supply chain gather to discuss the trends of today and the challenges of tomorrow.

With 800 exhibits and over 100 educational sessions, it’s also where leading companies get reliable information and solid advice about capital expenditures and supply chain investments. Many of these investments are among the submissions for the 2016 MHI Innovation Award. The Innovation Award winners will be announced at MODEX during MHI Industry Night on April 6.

I hope this issue of MHI Solutions helps provide the information and resources you need to address workforce issues in your supply chain.

Remember every day is a good day…you can make it a great day!

Cheers!

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