Supply chain management (SCM) includes a broad range of activities that involve the act of controlling the production, shipment, and distribution of a product. Essentially, it is the orchestration of the flow of goods and services that convert raw materials to final products which are then delivered to consumers. The process of SCM integrates the law of supply and demand by helping manufacturers and retailers eliminate excess inventory. The planning and controlling of the flow of goods results in improved quality control, reduced overhead costs, and increased cash flow. The importance of supply chain management has been evolving and growing significantly. A career in the supply chain industry is beginning to become more popular since a majority of goods and services are bought online. Here are a few reasons to pursue a profession in supply chain management.
Table of Contents
Jack of All Trades
A job in SCM is very convenient and is open to anyone regardless of their educational background. A student, parent, or someone who is about to retire can work a flexible schedule that can include full-time, part-time, shift work, on-call, rotational, or seasonal schemes. Creating a schedule that specifically works with your lifestyle will dramatically support your work-life balance. A career in SCM is so broad and versatile that it has the opportunity to suit the skills, aspirations, and goals that one may be looking for.
Diverse Industry
The SCM industry is extremely diverse and includes jobs in cash flow management, product development, sourcing, production, fork truck operation, logistics, information systems, inventory, distribution, dispatching, scheduling, sales, analytics, and far more.
Opportunities in a diverse career field give people with different backgrounds and experiences the chance to share their insights and perspectives. This leads to an increase in creativity and a better generation of ideas.
Skill Development
If you’re a driven individual who would like to improve your personal and professional skill sets, a career in SCM is the perfect opportunity to do so. A career path in SCM will lead to creating transferable skills that can be applied to not only work but life as well. Transferable skills can highlight your potential to be an asset to a company which can lead to you potentially becoming the CEO.
A Wide-Range Career Path
A career path where individuals are treated fairly regardless of barriers (education, race, gender, etc.) is sometimes hard to find. Luckily, the SCM industry offers equal opportunities for all. A person from a less educated background can feasibly have the same opportunities as a graduate or an executive.
SCM is Future Ready
As technology advances and evolves, so does SCM. SCM is future-proof and is ready for later generations. In this industry, you don’t have to worry about your job becoming obsolete. It is nearly impossible for jobs in SCM to become irrelevant as technology and trends progress. Consumers’ demands and preferences are constantly changing which is perfect for anyone in the SCM career field.
E-Commerce
SCM contributes to the success of e-commerce because many individuals buy and sell items over the internet. The e-commerce company, Amazon, spends more than $18 million on delivering goods to consumers and can do so with a unique SCM system. With their successful system, Amazon proved that e-commerce can dramatically help with the economic downturn.
SCM is an Artform
SCM is the art of identifying, controlling, and organizing the right product, at the right time and place to maintain the loyalty of consumers. Manufacturers or retailers must know the specific product or good they are providing to give the best delivering system and estimate the correct cost. SCM is a combination of both art and science that is constantly changing in the most effective & efficient ways possible.
About Carson Derrow
