April-May, 201719MANUFACTURINGTECHNOLOGYINSIGHTSOne of the key motivators and innovation drivers for supply professionals is to solve big problems for the customer. Progressive supply chain companies recognize that customers have different needs and requirementsmandating a differentiated or segmented supply chain to accommodate their customer's needs. This approach is highly strategic and attracts a new type of talent to the space. Additionally, the round-the-clock nature of supply chain makes demonstrating a commitment to work life balance event more important. There are many options companies can employ to address flexibility within an inflexible environment. For example, providing an opportunity for team members to be rotated from one shift or location to another based on their skill set and project or product they are working on keeps work from becoming mundane. Another strategy is cross training which allows team members to train in different specialties. This skills workers in multiple areas and helps team members cover for each other during overtime. Finally, setting an alternative work schedule can accommodate different circumstances. A "4:4:30" structure allows a 1st and 2nd shift that works four days a week for 12 hours, with the third shift scheduled for Friday-Sunday, working a 12 hour shift. Providing a realistic schedule allows employees to plan and be able to take their time off. Areas for InvestmentWith the right strategies in place, as an industry we can close the skills gapbut it takes significant investment at all levels. · Organizational Structure: Human Resources need to be empowered and dedicated to search the right avenues for talent and pursue the appropriate promotional activities. A strong mission and values statement needs to become a critical part of the job posting and should be reinforced throughout the hiring process to attract and push through younger talent. Thinking outside of the box in both the types of background and high-tech skillsets will allow new types of candidates to appear that can solve the unique challenges of an industry driven by more connected and digitized technologies. · Training: No matter how highly skilled, new and rising talent needs a strong investment in training to attract and retain the right workforce. Building a culture of learning and development helps keep younger talent engaged and focused, as well as fosters creativity and innovation within the organization. · Technology: Technology is now the heart of supply chain management. The business of the industry is problem solving. New technology can help personnel better understand the equipment they are managing, manage the decision making process more efficiently and intelligently and drive down costs. For example, supply chain networks are built on customer demand and cost optimization. The uses of analytics helps personnel understand behaviors to react quickly to rebalance inventory and adjust transportation. In short, supply chain management has evolved into a technology-led, customer driven industry. To take advantage of this shift, the focus can't be on just the technology. The right talent equips supply chain management companies with the resources they need to fully leverage connected technologies to improve their business processes. The right personnel unravels the complexity of emerging technologies like IoT, helping the industry continue to innovate and stay relevant in this industrial revolution. Mehran Ravanpay
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