Analyst Insight: Supply chain technology has proliferated at a staggering pace in recent years. Innovation had to happen to keep pace with our increasingly digital and inter-connected world. The industry learned the costs of sluggish technology adoption during the pandemic. Now, we need workers with the skills to responsibly harness the full benefits of technology to improve supply chain resiliency and frontline-worker performance. 

Gartner’s Top Supply Chain Technology Trends for 2023 puts a fine point on how technology is reshaping the industry. Trends toward smart operations, actionable artificial intelligence (AI), cyber-resilient supply chains, supply chain integration services, industry cloud platforms, mobile asset optimization and composable application architecture are driving supply chain leaders to understand the power and potential of strategic, disruptive and unavoidable technology, says the Gartner study. 

But what about the frontline workers who need ongoing education and professional development to understand and make the best use of these disruptive technologies? Everyone from seasoned professionals to those just entering the field will be impacted by new technology. That’s why professional development as a core strategy is critical for technology adoption and to improve frontline worker performance.  

Use Technology to Attract and Retain Talent

Shortages of skilled labor in the supply chain industry are widespread and persistent. In order to grow and thrive, organizations are looking for ways to stand out so they can attract and retain workers. Rather than viewing technology as a mountain that must be climbed, see it as a pathway to providing employees with greater job satisfaction so they feel invested in a career — not just a job. 

Investing in professional development and training on industry-shifting technology, and encouraging membership in technical industry associations can give employees the skills they need to improve their performance. Explore AI as a way to automate repetitive tasks so employees can focus on making other, higher-value contributions to the business. 

Build a Strong Pipeline Through College Programs

As baby boomers retire and leave a vacuum in knowledge and experience, the next generation of workers — Gen Z — have been digital natives all their lives. They are naturally tech savvy because they never knew a life without the internet and connected devices. It’s important to establish a strong pipeline between your supply chain organization and college programs. 

One of the things the pandemic brought to light was the importance of the supply chain in everyday lives. The time is right to capitalize on this spotlight and get the next generation of employees excited about a career in supply chain and logistics. Visit campuses, sponsor programs and engage with college students about all the ways that technology will reshape the industry, and encourage them to become a part of it. 

Outlook: It’s an exciting time to be in the supply chain industry. There are so many promising and disruptive technologies available or emerging to improve supply chain resiliency and efficiency. Organizations that prioritize professional development and training in technological skills for their employees will be better equipped to capitalize on these technologies, which will transform how the world moves goods from origin to final destination. 

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