Shipping Optimization Blog

Professional Growth in 2021: Supply Chain & Logistics Training

Written by Vivian Vy Lam | Jan 25, 2021 2:30:00 PM

With all the supply chain disruptions in 2020, this new year is an opportunity to take your experience to the next level with taking logistics certification and supply chain courses. This year in 2021, logistics professionals should sharpen their skills and bolster their knowledge for future challenges!

Globalization, reduction of supply chain risks, and technology advancements have contributed to the rapid evolution of the logistics and supply chain industry. As a result, companies are looking for professionals who can fuel the growth of their increasingly sophisticated supply chain and logistics businesses. However, the “supply” is not coming anytime sooner!

A recent study by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, found that there is 1 qualified individual for 6 jobs in the industry.

According to Forbes Insights Research, 65% of senior industry executives believe that they are in an “era of profound transformation.” No wonder companies are ready to pay attractive packages for top talent who is highly trained and familiar with the latest developments in the field and can take their company into the future.

Whether you are aspiring to enter the supply chain and logistics industry or want to stay relevant in it, here are the logistics training and supply chain certification courses that should be on your radar.

 

 

For Professionals Working in Logistics

As a logistics manager, you will face multiple challenges in your job, such as:

  • Controlling transportation and freight costs
  • Mitigating risks from increased fuel prices
  • Managing supplier-partner relationships and customer expectations
  • Ensuring federal compliance
  • Monitoring employee performance and safety

In order to ensure a high performance in your role, here are the logistics training and supply chain certification courses you can plan to include in your upskilling schedule for 2021:

 

1. SAP: Supply Chain Logistics in R/3

Duration: 18 hours

Mode: Online

Offered on: Udemy

This is a hugely popular course for understanding the core idea of the logistic processes in supply chain management and execute them in SAP R/3. It covers the best practices and teaches how to configure these processes in SAP in multiple modules, including WM, MM, HU, transportation, and more. The course can also help students prepare for interviews on SAP in logistics.

 

2. Supply Chain Logistics

Duration: Self-Paced

Mode: Online

Offered on: Coursera

The online supply chain program is offered by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. This is an introductory course designed for someone starting out in the field of logistics. It encompasses all the logistics fundamentals, including operations, managing freight prices, minimizing losses during transit, and more. There is no need for a background in logistics for this course, and it acts as a launchpad for you to move on to more complex concepts in logistics.

 

3. Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)

Duration: Self-Paced

Mode: Online

Offered on: www.ascm.org

This is a logistics certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). By qualifying the logistics certification exam, a professional showcases their understanding of the principles of logistics, transportation, distribution, inventory management, and order management. The professional also becomes a part of the professional network associated with ASCM.

 

 

For Professionals Working in Supply Chain Management

Supply chain professionals face many challenges in their day-to-day tasks, especially in 2020. As part of their professional development, supply chain managers must keep themselves updated with effective supply chain management strategies, as well as:

  • Understand the complexity of multiple channels used to access the market today, ranging from brick-and-mortar to eCommerce
  • Control supply chain costs, while staying aligned with new regulatory changes
  • Provide excellent customer service by using new models for predicting consumer demand and matching it with global sourcing options available to them
  • Maintain a healthy relationship with the suppliers and buyers

Here is everything you need to know about the latest logistics training opportunities and certificate courses available to help you stay one step ahead of the 2021 supply chain industry challenges:

 

4. Supply Chain Innovation: How Technology Can Create a Sustainable Future

Duration: 6 Weeks

Mode: Online

Offered on: Future Learn

The course is primarily focused on identifying the new trends in supply chain management and understanding how to develop sustainable supply chains using technology. The course talks about the current innovation happening across global supply chains, the concept of sustainability, the role of information technology in developing such supply chains, enterprise architecture, chain integration, and sensing technologies, among other related topics.

 

5. Supply Chain Management Micromasters by MIT

Duration: 1 to 13 weeks per course

Mode: Online

Offered on: edX

This is not an isolated course, but a comprehensive program with multiple courses wrapped up in a single program. The comprehensive program is offered by the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). By the end of the course, you’ll earn the credential of Micromasters in Supply Chain Management. This is a specialist course for experienced professionals looking for expertise in data design, end to end management, analytics, and dynamics. The extensive program comes with six courses and includes assessments.

 

6. Supply Chain Principles by Georgia Tech

Duration: 5 weeks

Mode: Online

Offered on: Coursera

The supply chain certification is for beginners who are looking to understand the fundamental principles underlying the supply chain industry. It includes SCM processes, leading people, understanding new trends in supply chain management, and more. The course also sheds light on the new opportunities available in the industry and helps you chart a suitable career path. So, the program takes a holistic approach by not only introducing a new industry to the student, but also by discussing its prospects and the available job opportunities in it.

 

So, what's going to be your new specialization?

There are many learning opportunities this year in 2021 for supply chain professional development. But don't worry about missing out on new supply chain and logistics information!

One easy way to be up-to-date in the industry is by signing up for ShipERP's newsletter. Don't miss out!