CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 38
SPECIAL FEATURE : LOGISTICS WORKFORCE
VIKASH KHATRI
Founder
Aviral Consulting
Digitalisation has played a pivotal
role in reshaping traditional logistics
roles, introducing automation, data analytics, and
connectivity. This shift has resulted in the emergence
of numerous new job roles across various streams of
logistics, each demanding a unique set of skills. In order
to adapt to this changing landscape, companies must
invest in training programmes for digital tools, promote
a culture of adaptability, and encourage continuous
learning among their workforce. Additionally, fostering
collaboration between IT and logistics
teams is crucial for seamlessly integrating
digital solutions into existing operations.
Companies are actively
developing comprehensive
strategies to enhance the
digital proficiency of their
workforce. At the forefront
of these efforts are tailormade training programmes.
* Rapid Technological Advancements:
The pace of technological progress in
logistics can outstrip the workforce’s
ability to keep up, necessitating continuous upskilling programmes.
* Resistance to Change: Some employees
may resist learning new technologies
or adapting to new work昀氀ows.
* Lack of Awareness and Understanding:
Many employees may not grasp the
impact of digitalisation on their roles
or the skills needed for success in a
technology-driven industry.
* Cost and Resource Constraints: Skilling initiatives require investment in
training programmes, resources, and
infrastructure, posing challenges for
small companies with limited resources.
* Talent Shortage: There may be a shortage of talent with the required digital
skills, hindering recruitment e昀昀orts.
* Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Digitalisation necessitates ongoing
learning and adaptation to stay ahead
of technological advancements.
38 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024
Refining the Digital
Acumen
In response to transformative trends,
logistics companies are actively developing comprehensive strategies to enhance
the digital pro昀椀ciency of their workforce.
At the forefront of these e昀昀orts are tailormade training programmes meticulously
designed to address specialised skills in
high demand. These programmes take
centre stage, equipping employees with
evolving pro昀椀ciencies crucial for success
in the dynamic logistics sector.
To bridge the gap between theory
and practical application, companies are
establishing ‘Academic Collaborations’
with educational institutions, ensuring
that graduates ingrain skill sets finely
tuned to meet the shifting demands of the
industry, enriching theoretical knowledge
and translating it into valuable real-world
competencies.
Furthermore, facilitating seamless
transitions to new roles and technologies,
‘Internal Mobility’ emerges as a pivotal
aspect of the strategy. This practice fosters
an adaptable workforce capable of e昀昀ortlessly embracing novel responsibilities and
technological advancements, cultivating a
culture of perpetual learning conducive to
employee growth amidst dynamic challenges.
Central to this culture of continuous
improvement are ‘Skill Sharing and Mentoring’ initiatives. Seasoned employees
assume mentorship roles, guiding their
peers and accelerating the integration of
digital tools and technologies within the
organisation. This dynamic exchange of
knowledge enriches collective understanding,
propelling the organisation forward in its
quest for excellence.
“Collaboration between industry
stakeholders, educational institutions,
and government agencies is essential for
developing training programmes that are
responsive to the needs of the logistics
workforce, aligned with industry standards,
and conducive to the long-term success of
the sector,” emphasises Walid.
He elaborates the signi昀椀cance of collaboration across these avenues by highlighting several key reasons. “Firstly, industry
stakeholders possess invaluable insights
into the evolving needs and challenges of
the logistics sector,” Walid explains. “By
collaborating with educational institutions
and government agencies, they can provide
crucial input on the speci昀椀c skills and competencies required in the workforce, ensuring
that training programmes remain relevant
and aligned with industry standards.”
Underscoring the role of educational
institutions in bringing expertise in curriculum development and training delivery
methods, Walid informs, “Educational institutions play a pivotal role in curriculum
development and have access to resources
and facilities that support the development of
training programmes. Additionally, he states,
government agencies may provide funding,
regulatory support, and infrastructure to
facilitate training initiatives.
Meanwhile, highlighting the importance
of collaboration in addressing skills gaps
within the logistics workforce. Walid says
that collaboration allows stakeholders
to identify and address skills gaps more
e昀昀ectively. “By working together, they can
develop targeted training programmes that
address speci昀椀c areas of need.”
Evidently, collaboration enables the
sharing of best practices, resources, and
lessons learned across di昀昀erent stakeholders,
enhancing the e昀昀ectiveness of training programmes. “This collective knowledge-sharing
promotes the sustainability of training
