In recent years, supply chain technology has been rapidly evolving, and new innovations and advancements are making it far easier for businesses to manage their operations and gain greater visibility across their complex processes. According to a report by Gartner, the market globally for supply chain technology is expected to reach $23.6 billion from 2023 due to the increasing demand for this visibility and agility.
From the Internet of Things (IoT) to automation and robotics, AI to Digital Twins and Blockchain, there are a myriad of developments and innovations rapidly changing the face of supply chains, and companies are racing to digitise and reduce costly manual processes.
We may not live in a world yet where robots walk amongst us, but when it comes to logistics and supply chain, that day has already come. According to Deloitte, 79% of companies with high performing supply chains now use automation to some degree, and the use of robotics in warehouses, factories, and distribution centres can dramatically reduce labour costs and increase accuracy.
Another important emerging technology is the use of blockchain as a secure and transparent way to follow and manage the flow of goods and processes along the supply chain. The supply chain of a large organisation is a hugely complex network of interconnecting parts, and a single point of truth, with every movement and transaction time stamped and immutable allows visibility of information to improve decision making.
But, what does this mean for recruitment in supply chain?
Clearly the emergence of a technologically advanced supply chain means a shift in skillset demand in recruitment. According to a report by Logistics Management there will be a focus, unsurprisingly, on hiring individuals skilled in data analytics, digital tech, and AI, but it also indicates that companies should focus on upskilling their current workforce as the demand far outstrips the supply for candidates with these currently more niche skillsets.
In addition, we at Pod are seeing a sharp uptake of digital product management hiring in supply chain. Product managers are essential in defining how companies can use digital products and where to focus resource to prioritise improvements to certain areas and create a symbiosis of intention between operational staff, business leaders, and technical teams.
The need for a new kind of skillset, and a focus on innovation, means that the supply chain technology hiring market is still candidate driven. The scarcity of knowledge that combines emerging tech and supply chains means that companies are competing for top talent and positions are often open far longer than more traditional roles.
If you would like to reach out to discuss how Pod could help your hiring in this space, we have a dedicated Supply Chain Technology recruitment function led by Simon. They would be more than happy to connect; you can contact Simon at simon@pod-talent.com.