Pop quiz! What do you think is the top challenge supply chain leaders face today?
Maybe those memories of empty store shelves mean that out-of-stock situations are the greatest challenge. Or maybe those news stories about container ship delays and backed up ports mean that the biggest challenge is supply chain disruptions. Maybe it’s those pesky customer demands expecting the right item sitting in stock on the store shelf now, delivered to my doorstep tomorrow, or ready curbside in an hour.
So, what’s the answer? People.
Supply chain leaders surveyed by MHI identified hiring and retaining qualified workers and talent shortage as the top two supply chain challenges for 2023. (https://www.mhi.org/publications/report)
More than stock outs or disruptions or customer demands, supply chain leaders struggled to staff their teams with qualified candidates from warehouse operators to truck drivers to technology practitioners. Despite bonuses and incentives, hiring is tough and employee turnover rates remain high in supply chain roles. Beyond just operational roles, supply chain leaders are challenged to find the talent to implement new technology innovations.
What should supply chain leaders do?
Invest in your people
The secrets to hiring and retaining strong talent haven’t changed. Prioritize programs to help your team learn and grow. Foster a sense of shared vision and ownership. Invest in ways to upskill, reskill, and cross-train your team to meet your business’s changing needs. Your employees are less likely to pursue greener pastures if they feel like a valued member of a connected team rather than just another cog in the wheel. Take employee engagement seriously and listen to your team.
Use automation to attract talent, not replace it
Investing in automation technology often feels like replacing humans, but the true value of automation is that it frees your team to focus on the work that matters. Deploying an AMR to move pallets from dock to the storage area frees your team to focus on more complex tasks. A simple RPA automation can use OCR technology to free your shipping clerk from manually entering shipment information into your homegrown ERP. Moving towards automation can be scary for your team, but it can also be a way to attract and retain talent. Invite your team into the journey of working with the latest exciting technology.
Connect with partners who can help
If you’re struggling to find the right expertise to deliver on your supply chain innovation roadmap, then connecting with a partner can help bridge the gap. At Bricz, our experienced supply chain consultants serve as objective, solution-agnostic guides while also bringing real-world supply chain technology implementation experience to your unique challenges. We can partner with your team to chart the strategic path forward, then implement your vision alongside your team to make your vision a reality.
We’d love to partner with you to tackle your supply chain challenges in 2023. Reach out to us at info@bricz.com to connect.
Contributor: Eric Schwartz, Director of Services at Bricz