Logistics is one sector that will continue to hold great importance to a host of industries including the hospitality industry. This is because the boom in global trade and online purchasing will only lead to a greater need for effective, professional, and strategic distribution of resources.
Some of the highest paid jobs in the supply chain and logistics sector include those of Distribution Center Manager, Fleet Manager, and Configuration Analyst (all of which pay six figures per year).
The logistics sector is predicted to grow exponentially, reaching $12,256 billion globally by 2022 – as reported by Allied Market Research. Globalization, automation, and new tech developments mean that many existing jobs will no longer be required in the next decade or two.
The next decade is likely to see new posts or specialities arise, however, owing to the big influence that artificial intelligence (AI) is bound to have on the sector.
In this post, we have covered some of the many new jobs created by technological developments in the logistics sector. Let’s begin!
AI Shifting The Industry
Those wishing to make a career jump into logistics or the supply chain industry know that there are a plethora of specializations to choose from. Within supply chain management, tasks include:
- Finding solutions to supply challenges to create new supply chain strategies.
- Data collection: Those in the logistics realm (such as logistics analysts) collect and analyze complex data in an attempt to find significant patterns that can help them make key changes to the movement of goods.
- Using AI-obtained data: AI is already making inroads in both these specialities. In supply chain planning, for instance, machine learning is used to analyze large data sets so as to enable managers to balance demand and supply and avoid having to rely on human data loading. In logistics, AI is being used to forecast everything from traffic levels on roads used for the transportation of goods, to supplier selection (via machine-obtained data on credit scoring and other relevant data).
New AI Jobs In Logistics
Both machines and human beings will be necessary for the supply chain and logistics industry, but completely new roles will emerge that those seeking to make a career change into the sector should consider training for. These include:
- The post of a trainer – which involves enabling AI systems to perform optimally in areas such as natural language processing, human behavior mimicking and translating.
- AI specialists – these professionals will be required to teach staff how to interpret the results of data obtained so as to make strategic decisions in lieu of last-minute or reactive ones. With the help of machine obtained data, planners can plan multiple supply chains to meet micro-needs, instead of relying on one stagnant chain that may serve some clients better than others.
- Digital engineers – The Harvard Business Review researchers predict that one important role will be that of digital engineer – the person holding this will need to be highly skilled in AI, and capable of changing algorithms and alert protocols as required. They will also be responsible for setting the parameters under which automated decisions are made.
AI In Robotics In Logistics And Supply Chains
AI and robotics will also be used within warehouses, with companies seeking to lower costs by minimizing human interaction.
Companies like Siemens are already relying heavily on robotics, with one factory in Amberg automating various production lines to the point that they can function without human supervision for weeks on end.
The rise of robotics does not necessarily mean that fewer jobs will be available for human beings – in fact, Siemens employs the same amount of people as it used to two decades ago, reports The Innovation Enterprise.
Rather, job offers will shift, with a greater demand for strategic, creative professionals and those with specializations in areas like robotics and AI.
Working Alongside Augmented Intelligence Systems
One company that is showing how human beings and AI can work together for optimal results, is Transmetrics.
Named one of the Top 5 AI Logistics Startups for Supply Chain Management by Business Insider Intelligence, this startup combines decision-making abilities from human logisticians with machine learning algorithms so as to improve planification.
Thus, tasks like carrier selection can be optimized by reliance on AI to analyze various routes, schedules and carriers.
The results can be obtained in seconds, enabling the logistician to make the most reasoned selection based on the criteria he or she chooses. This can save a company both costs and time; some clients have saved over 7% of their costs by relying on Transmetrics’ technology.
Preparing For Jobs In The Supply Chain And Logistics Sector
Those wishing to work in the supply chain and logistics sector usually begin with a specialized degree that offers areas such as information systems, data analysis and accounting.
As AI and robotics come to the fore of this industry, both undergraduate and graduate degrees will undoubtedly contain additional subjects focused on using AI technology to full advantage.
Those wishing to specialize in AI and robotics can begin with an undergraduate degree in logistics, completing further courses in machine learning and AI.
Renowned institutions such as the University of Oxford are already offering online AI programs, with subjects including machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and algorithms.
Those currently already working in logistics can update their knowledge by completing this type of diploma, while those looking to begin a career in logistics can consider studying robotics and AI, completing a Master’s Degree afterwards in areas like information and communication technology, robotics, automation, and similar specialities.
Conclusion
The supply chain and logistics sector will be flourishing over the next few decades, indicating that this industry is one that is worth preparing to enter.
While traditional jobs in supply chain management, logistics analysis, purchasing management and the like will undoubtedly continue to exist, there will also be new roles requiring detailed scientific knowledge of artificial intelligence and robotics.
These technologies will be helping human employees make wiser, data-based decisions, sifting through reams of data in just seconds.
Their work will enable managers to decide between different options, choosing those that are most efficient at saving time and costs.
