Supply chain engineering combines information technology, engineering, and supply chain management. It is a specific field that includes production and logistics, and it involves the use of specific software to implement mathematical models. Here is a quick guide to supply chain management and the type of careers involving supply chain engineering.
Taking it Back to the Basics
A supply chain describes the process of delivering goods or services between an organization and its consumers. This process includes the production, distribution, and sale of goods. Thus, the supply chain involves the organization, the consumers, and the suppliers too.
Supply Chain Management
So, what is supply chain management, and why is it important? Companies require efficient supply chains to reduce costs and stay competitive. Good supply chain management involves the flawless handling of a supply chain. This includes the entire production flow process from the initial planning stage to invoicing and delivering the end result to the consumer. In addition, supply chain management involves sourcing raw materials and creating finished products from these materials.
The Importance of Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management includes product development, sourcing, production, procurement, logistics, and more. Good supply chain management can help retain customers, and it can also reduce costs and speed up the production process. Thus, supply chain management plays an important role for organizations, not only for order fulfillment but also for companies’ competitive edge.
What to Expect from a Career in Supply Chain Engineering
A career in supply chain engineering involves organizing product-oriented supply chains, conceptual construction, and logistics. Supplychain engineers play a central role in the production chain, and they are in charge of all the business processes regarding the flow of goods. This includes the point where a product leaves its initial destination to the point where it reaches its final destination. Part of the role consists of liaising with production, purchasing, logistics, and sales departments regarding operational and technical processes. Supply chain engineers must also negotiate with third parties about various purchases for the production chain.
How Do I Become a Supply Chain Engineer?
To be a successful supply chain engineer, you should possess strong technical and analytical skills, you should be savvy in sales, and have good communication skills. A career in supply chain engineering can be demanding, and it requires a certain skill set. However, there are a number of ways you can achieve a career as a supply chain engineer.
Achieve a Relevant Degree
To become a qualified supply chain engineer, you do not need to have a college degree. However, a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree in a related field is a good place to start. Relevant majors include industrial engineering, business, mechanical engineering, and supply chain management.
Build on Your Knowledge
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software is a major bonus. In particular, you should be familiar with Access, PowerPoint, Excel, Project, and Visio. These types of software are prevalent in supply chain engineering. In addition, being able to use specialist supply chain management software is also an advantage. This includes Perfect Commerce, E2Open, Oracle, and Logility. Of course, you never know what programs a company will use, but these are popular types of software that you may use in your day-to-day duties.
Get Certified
Relevant certification can enhance your chances of getting into supply chain engineering. Extra qualifications can help you stand out from the crowd and can broaden your knowledge of the field. There are many different certifications to choose from, and they all vary in cost. In addition, the prerequisites differ for each type of certification, so you should do your research before selecting an option. Then, depending on the area you wish to specialize in, you can pick a specific certification to help you succeed. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM), the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), and the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS) are all popular certification associations.
Supply Chain Management for Existing Engineers
If you are already working within engineering, you can expand your career with a specific supply chain management certification. As mentioned above, supply chain management is incredibly important for many organizations, and so a good understanding of the field can open up new opportunities.
Experience
Earning a degree, developing your knowledge of relevant software,and getting certified can help you get a career in supply chain engineering. Gaining experience in the field will also be beneficial. First, do your research on relevant internships and entry-level jobs. This could include roles in transportation, production distribution, or warehousing. From there, you can work your way up. You can then work your way up from there.
Other Supply Chain Roles
Besides becoming a supply chain engineer, there are other more traditional supply chain roles you can pursue. These job roles can take place in many different settings, including an office, a warehouse, or a distribution center.
Supply Chain Manager
According to salary.com, a supply chain manager can expect to earn a median salary of $111,280 per year, and the average supply chain engineer can earn $76,823 per year. That means that, on average, you could be earning more in management. Supply chain managers liaise with third–party suppliers and partners for product production, create inventories, and sell products. In addition, their responsibilities include evaluating suppliers and negotiating with vendors.
Chief Logistics Officer
The chief logistics officer is responsible for the logistics operations within an organization and making sure products are shipped out accurately and in a timely manner. In addition, the role involves offering logistical support to senior management with regard to potential challenges and liaising with logistics companies.
Chief Procurement Officer
With the supply chain of a business, the chief procurement officer‘srole involves procurement, sourcing, and supply chain management. They are involved in the contracting services and oversee supplies, materials, and equipment purchases. The job of a chief procurement officer is to focus on costs and find ways to keep costs down. When it comes to procurement procedures, a chief procurement officer needs to ensure they remain compliant with government and company guidelines.