CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 40
SPECIAL FEATURE : LOGISTICS WORKFORCE
sustained success. Through strategic investments in training, by forging academic
partnerships, and nurturing internal talent,
companies chart a con昀椀dent course into
an era defined by digital efficiency and
innovation.
Speaking on the emerging technologies
or trends that will have a signi昀椀cant impact
on logistics operations in the near future,
Alpana mentions Blockchain as one emerging technology with signi昀椀cant potential
impact on logistics. “Its decentralised and
immutable nature could streamline supply
chain management, enhancing transparency,
visibility, and security,” she informs.
Discussing additional pivotal technologies shaping the industry, Alpana highlights
their value propositions:
* GPS and Real-Time Tracking: Elevating
fleet management, real-time vehicle
tracking, and route optimisation.
* IoT and Smart Technology: Connecting vehicles, cargo, and supply
infrastructure, facilitating data-driven
decision-making.
* AI and Machine Learning: Aiding in
demand forecasting, route optimisation,
and automated customer service, thus
enhancing the customer experience.
* Drones: Opening new avenues, especially
in last-mile delivery, offering faster
delivery times and access to remote
areas.
* Electric Vehicles (EVs): Contributing
to the reduction of carbon emissions
and promoting sustainable practices in
the supply chain and logistics industry.
Regarding workforce training, Alpana
spotlights the importance of blockchain
literacy, data analytics, and AI training.
She stresses upon the need for employees
to understand the practical application of
these technologies in logistics operations.
Her statement underscores that adaptability
and technological 昀氀uency will be essential
for the workforce to thrive in this evolving
landscape.
Last but not least, Alpana recognises the
signi昀椀cance of spreading awareness about
the use of new technology in logistics to
attract fresh talent and college graduates to
the industry, ensuring its continued growth
and innovation.
“In general, retention of the talent pool
and upskilling of the workforce go hand in
hand,” notes Vikash. “Once an employee perceives a lack of opportunities for upskilling
and professional growth, it often results in
attrition.” To this end, Vikash says, companies must develop clear strategies for retain40 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024
WALID KHOURY
Managing Director
ALS Logistics Solutions
Industry stakeholders possess invaluable
insights into the evolving needs and
challenges of the logistics sector. By
collaborating with educational institutions and
government agencies, they can provide crucial input
on the specific skills and competencies required in
the workforce, ensuring that training programmes
remain relevant and aligned with industry standards.
Educational institutions play a pivotal role in curriculum development and have access to resources
and facilities that support the development of training
programmes. Additionally, government
agencies may provide funding, regulatory
support, and infrastructure to facilitate
training initiatives.
ing critical resources, such as implementing
mentoring programmes and providing career
path guidance. “These initiatives go a long
way in fostering employee engagement and
loyalty, ultimately contributing to long-term
organisational success.”
Walid outlines a few strategies for companies to e昀昀ectively balance the integration
of new technologies with the retention of
human expertise and digital skills in the
logistics sector. “Investing in continuous
learning and development is more crucial
than ever. Besides, providing opportunities for employees to acquire new digital
skills through training, workshops, and
certi昀椀cations fosters a culture of adaptability
and ensures they remain up-to-date with
emerging technologies.”
Walid advocates for promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing among
employees with di昀昀erent skill sets. He states,
“Encouraging cross-functional teams to
work together facilitates the exchange of
knowledge and best practices. Empowering
employees to innovate is also essential, as it
cultivates a culture of creativity and problemsolving. By providing career development
opportunities and recognising employees’
contributions to digital transformation
e昀昀orts, companies can foster a supportive
environment for growth.”
Moreover, Walid stresses the importance
of ensuring that technology augments rather
than replaces human capabilities. “Designing technology solutions that complement
employees’ skills enhances efficiency,
productivity, and job satisfaction.”
According to Walid, e昀昀ective change
management and promoting a culture of
collaboration are also key. “Transparent
communication and involving employees
in decision-making processes are vital
for successful technology adoption,” he
says. “Building a culture of trust and
openness where employees feel valued
and empowered promotes ownership and
engagement in digital transformation
initiatives,” he adds.
Walid also asserts that soft skills are
indispensable for the success of logistics
professionals in navigating the complexities of a technology-driven industry. He
highlights the pivotal role of these skills in
fostering innovation and delivering superior performance in logistics operations.
“Adaptability to technological changes is
paramount,” he explains. “Professionals must
quickly learn how to use new technologies,
adapt to changes in processes, and navigate
digital platforms and systems.”
Furthermore, Walid underscores the
importance of problem-solving skills in
logistics operations. “Logistics professionals
encounter complex challenges, requiring
strong problem-solving abilities to analyse
situations and develop innovative solutions,
whether optimising routes, resolving supply
chain disruptions, or enhancing warehouse
e昀케ciency,” he notes.
Flexibility emerges as another critical
soft skill, Walid noti昀椀es, and elaborates.
“The logistics industry operates in dynamic
environments, requiring professionals to
remain adaptable and responsive to shifting
priorities, customer needs, and external
factors impacting operations.”
Lastly, Walid furnishes that e昀昀ective
communication and collaboration as essential
soft skills. “Communication and collaboration
facilitate seamless interactions among crossfunctional teams, partners, and customers,
contributing to the smooth functioning of
logistics operations and alignment of goals,”
he concludes.
