Presented by: Edward E. Cole Director of Transportation
As with overall society, the Transportation and Logistics Industry has been dramatically impacted by the introduction and use of new technologies. Technology has changed and transformed just about every position, from CEO to Operations Manager to Driver to Fork Lift operator. Technology has changed how companies and individuals operate. With new technology, comes new positions. Many of these positions require new skill sets for success. Many existing positions have changed. Staying in tune with new technology and being open minded for change is critical for companies and individuals to maintain competiveness in the industry
SUPPORT EDUCATION LOGISTICS SHIPPERS TRANSPORTATION CONSUMERS TRAINING GOVT AGENCIES
Basic internet Global Positioning System(GPS) For navigation and trucking Routing Systems Designed for maximum productivity Order Entry Systems On board trucking systems Scanning systems Trucking and warehouse Warehouse Management System WMS Transportation Management System TMS Yard Management System YMS Dispatching Communication System
With the vast changes and improvements in technology, an interesting scenario exists: The more sophisticated technology becomes, the less skilled the end user needs to be but the more skilled administrative, management, dispatchers and ITS departments must be. Up skilling for dispatch, admin and management requires one to be able to learn quickly, adapt quickly and learn to manage at a higher level, using all technologies at their disposal. De-skilling of drivers, warehouse workers, switchers simply means they will have more structured tools to use to perform their jobs. They often will need to make less decisions. Though their skill set does not increase, they must be compliant and be able to use technology.
With the rapid implementation of new equipment, it is unlikely that personnel will all have the specific knowledge of the new technology. They might have had some general exposure but more than likely they will need to be trained. The key element for existing employees and prospective employees is that they must embrace change for it to be successful. Change is a constant, those who are willing to change will stand out against those who are static. This applies to people and companies alike.
Technological Advancements Don t Always Guarantee Success The DHL Experience Company and Individual experiences Billions in technology Billions in lost business
As mentioned, it is rare that you will have the very specific training and/or knowledge in a system the company who you work for has. You may have had some exposure to a like system. Pending on positions you are looking at, here are some suggestions for staying current: Read through industry trade magazines to keep current with new technologies Stay current with computer software(excel, Word, Power Point, Access, etc) Keep a network with colleagues in other companies discussing what they are doing Be prepared to change, often! Embrace it, do not fight it!
Despite the cost of upgrading technology, all indications are that the industry will continue to demand greater sophistication and increased productivity. It is likely that IT management requirements will continue to grow in the transportation and logistics sector. Administrative, dispatch, and management will require greater levels of education and experience. Companies are likely to seek higher skilled personnel for these positions. Drivers, warehouseman and other front line personnel are likely to be impacted by this as well, but not necessarily needing greater skills as it is likely that more and more tools will be available to them. The core values of hard work, dedication, reliability, dependability and responsibility will never be replaced by technology.
Email ecole@eastcoastwarehouse.com Phone 908-351-2800 ext 2109