Manufacturers Turning to 'Talent on Tap' Model to Fill Skills Gaps

While advances in automation and robotics continue to expand their presence in the supply chain, people remain integral for the foreseeable future.

But how will manufacturers find the logistics talent they need to stay competitive when the mix of skills needed to design, build and manage well-run supply chains is changing?

As technology and machines continue to expand their role in the workplace, manufacturers need their workers to adopt new skills and even new ways of thinking.

Crimps in the Talent Pipeline

Automation and digitization are two of the main drivers of change in the supply chain domain. But technology is not the only driver. For example, markets are being recast in response to shifting consumer demographics and buying habits.

These changes are having a profound impact on the demand for talent. An example is the growing need for soft skills, such as communications, as well as technical skills.

However, while the types of skills are changing, the need for human talent is as urgent as ever.

The problem facing manufacturing companies is deciding which skills to invest in and how to recruit the talented individuals they need. Acquiring the right mix of supply chain skills is especially challenging. Technical skills like coding, industrial engineering, operations research and leadership skills are vital in supply chain management.

Additional factors adding to the talent gap include the retirement of the baby-boom generation. Data compiled by the Society for Human Resource Management, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, indicate the percentage of boomers retiring and will continue to rise until the last of the boomers reach 65.

This poses a significant challenge for manufacturers because not only are a quarter of manufacturing workers over the age of 55, but the BLS also states that manufacturers maintain the highest tenure in comparison to other sectors. This equates to greater institutional knowledge within the industry, which is now steadily declining, along with the drop in overall productivity that these experts provide.

The bottom line: while some manufacturers have the resources and market reach to meet their staffing needs, many struggle to find and hire high-caliber supply chain professionals from a talent pipeline that is severely constrained.

Manufacturers Tapping External Sources

Often, a better option is to contract with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to fill skills gaps. This "talent on tap" option enables manufacturers to access the supply chain expertise and best practices they need, and it frees up more time for their senior management to manage the business.

But it's crucially important that they find the right source of talent.

A 3PL's breadth and depth of expertise is key. As manufacturers respond to increasing supply chain complexity and market volatility, their talent needs can change dramatically. Consequently, it's important that a 3PL can supply a broad range of competencies. A high level of technical and managerial expertise is important, but so are skills such as effective communications with various stakeholders, mastery of contractual agreements and the experience gained from working in multiple verticals.

For example, in its role as lead logistics provider, Penske worked with a large U.S. car manufacturer to carry out a major overhaul of their logistics operations. The project included network design optimization, carrier and premium freight management, IT system integration, and finance management. Penske's team of associates, which is trained in Six Sigma practices, helped the manufacturer streamline operations and maintain a more centralized logistics network.

An in-house professional services team at Penske Logistics provides consulting support for companies across industry verticals. These services are in high demand, and the team evaluates each opportunity to make sure that its work is aligned with the long-term interests of customers.

The robustness of a 3PL's recruitment practices is another important consideration. To maintain a rich pool of talent, hiring programs need to cast a wide net. Using a broad array of recruitment strategies that encompasses universities and hiring from the military is one strategy to recruit the right technical talent and leadership skills.

Leave the Heavy Lifting to a 3PL Provider

Manufacturers that partner with a 3PL attain greater supply efficiencies while accelerating the implementation of technology and IT-aided solutions. For example, by successfully implementing a supply chain IT solution that integrates with your existing ERP system, you can address the needs of all stakeholders within the organization. But to do this effectively involves a substantial amount of time, money and personnel. This is a monumental undertaking for even large-scale organizations. However, collaborating with a 3PL organization with extensive expertise in logistics can aid and guide you through the process.

The Future Looks Bright

Regardless of the challenges, there is hope on the horizon. Workers under the age of 30 recognize the many career development and advancement possibilities within the supply chain field. In addition to the wide variety of opportunities, many are able to gain a firsthand look at the industry through the many available internships, which only attracts and further strengthens the workforce.

Companies are increasingly looking to use 3PL expertise as a strategic resource. That demand, coupled with the staffing challenges brought by fast-changing markets, reinforces the role of 3PLs as a vital source of talent.

Years from now supply chain management will probably look significantly different than it does today – but the need for skilled professionals will surely remain undiminished.