What’s the most valuable supply chain skill at the moment, and why? Trying to decide on an investment strategy and welcome input

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Creating fear - Ability to confidently explain that your client’s business is in danger if they don’t focus on supply chain. Then dust off the old slides and provide recommendations for IBP, ERP, automation, machine learning. Rinse and repeat.

likefunny

I guess I will start the conversation off… I think inbound planning is not as valuable as a few years ago as business are limited by raw materials shortages, therefore they are having to work with what they can get from their suppliers. I think we are seeing a greater focus on logistics, visibility and inventory management skills because of this.

like

Within logistics, look at Warehouse Management. Be it WMS systems or execution automation like ASRS, AMR, VLM, Conveyor belts. Rooftop consolidations are happening so we will see mega DCs.

like

I’m in planning, so certainly biased, but certainly a lot of focus on the tactical planning window. How can I maximize utilization of my existing plants and network? This is especially true in todays environment where demand has exceeded supply for a while.

Optimizing inventory to improve cash flow and ensure you have the correct inventory and WIP when you need it. Related to that, collaborative planning and replenishment with upstream and downstream suppliers and customers is important - determining where in the supply chain inventory buffers should sit and then structuring agreements so the cost doesn’t entirely fall on that party who needs to increase their inventory. Planning systems are becoming better at managing this collaboration and providing visibility to all parties. So many companies still plan off of excel and are seeing the benefits of an APS

like

Indeed, I meant APO

What I see in the environment right now is a big push for DC automation. Clients are pressured by investors to get more "automated" and sometimes it wont even make sense for pallet in pallet out DCs. Also WMS systems. If you know how a DC works and identify opportunities for improvement while also have some technology breadth when speaking and implementing with clients you will be pretty set imo.

like

If the OP is asking what is the most valuable skill for a consultant over time in a firm, I can assure you it ain't WMS. Before someone pops off with an anecdote to disprove this, please don't.
The closer your work is to becoming a transaction the less valuable it is. In the 1990s if you knew ABAP, we charged clients $250/hour for an SA. It's hard to get $250 an hour for an SAP director now and they are paid much more now then that director was paid in 1990s.
Cost compression is making WMS work difficult for top flight firms to stay in the industry and support gross margin.
Now, if you want to be an independent consultant that charges enough to make $150k in today's dollars over your career, then WMS is a good place to be. Get 4 or 5 multi-year contracts and you have a career. It's not a lifestyle for everyone, but many have found it satisfying.

like

Great question

TMS & WMS

I think visibility technologies and overall data analysis are core.

I.e Control Towers, Dashboarding etc.

Visibility in the Supply Chain is paramaount for quick decision making.

Related Posts

Hi all
I started out as a graphic designer. Worked for about 4yrs in different roles. Then i started a digital design role for 2 yrs and then made my transition into ux. i have been in a ux role for 5 years. But i want to steer my career towards something more creative. Like in 5-10 years I wouldn’t want to be a specialist or a ux director. I d like to be an art director or creative director. I love branding & marketing but also product. Would love something that allows me to do both?

like

Hi fishes i m completely new to salesforce
Wanted to apply for the salesfoce devoloper role
My current yoe with diferrent domain is 6 years
And my admin devolopment course is going on
What should i do?
Do certification or directly apply for the job

like

Been on a long freelance contract at an agency. Took a much lower hourly rate with the promise of converting to FT staff after 3 months. Due to Covid that timing got pushed (understandably) but I recently learned the FT role is not available until 2022 earliest. Got a new freelance offer after 1 day of reaching out at my regular day rate. What to do?

like

Art Director.
Sr. Art Director.
Art Supervisor.
Group Art Supervisor.
VP, Group Art Supervisor.
VP, Associate Creative Director.
VP, Creative Director.
SVP, Creative Director.
SVP, Group Creative Director.
EVP, Group Creative Director.
EVP, Executive Creative Director.

Seriously: why so many levels? Sounds like a lot of BS… basically should be: Art Director, Creative Director, CCO. Agree?

like

Looking for a media job very similar to klick health - equal pay & benefits. What other media agencies specialize in US pharma?

like

Google Ads Sales vs. F500 tech rotational program. Honest opinions

like

Has anyone done a lateral move at SM level between big4s and/or ACN, IBM etc? Was it for the compensation or something else like better exit opportunities or partner/director track?

like

What do you think about switching tech stacks vs becoming an expert in one stack? I am a backend Java engineer, and have solely used Java since I've started my software engineering career about 2 years ago. I don't know whether I should explore other tech stacks while I'm young, or instead focus on becoming a Java expert, given that I enjoy working in Java.

like

For associates who have lateraled in the last 6 months or so, what made you decide to move? Has your situation improved since moving? I’m a transactional mid-level & I’ve interviewed with some great firms recently. I’m struggling to get excited though…it just seems like no matter where I go I’ll be overworked & under appreciated. Hoping there are some positive stories out there to give me hope. Haha

like

What’s the salary range for a PDM Analyst at Deloitte and does salary increase if you transfer to the traditional model? Are transfers always lateral PDM Analyst -> Analyst or is there a way you can get promoted to Consultant if you have the correct support

Has anyone gone from a federal gov’t employee to private industry? I’m considering making the swap for better pay, I make decent money where I’m at and I know I have job security. Just trying to see if there is anyone else that was bold enough to make the leap.

like

Better exit industry opportunities in analytics or marketing? IQVIA or ZS?

like

Any one has specflow dumps for CCA exam?

Anyone worked in Econ consulting before (eg., Cornerstone Research, Analysis Group, etc.)? Or pick Econ consulting over MBB? Would love to learn about the pay vs MBB and long term career path/exit opportunities. Thanks!

like

Currently working as backend developer. Got an offer from Cisco Appdynamics support role. Should I consider that as I want to join Cisco ? Will there be any chance for internal moving from support to dev ?? Cisco Cisco Cisco

like

Anyone good marketing books recommendations or online certifications?

like

Currently a software engineer at FAANG (four years out of college) interested in getting involved in tech private equity. To reset my career, what is the most efficient route to get there? MBB -> PE?

like

Does the size of the deals you work on impact your exit opps? I'm considering a role at an MM firm (non-PA firm) and they mentioned the deals are usually in the $200M area of size, which I realize is smaller than big 4 deals

like

Hi! I have worked in management roles in tech, mainly in analytics, for approximately 10 years. My TC has fluctuated (currently around 135K CAD), but it seems like it's relatively easy to breach the 100K bar, but hard to breach the 150K bar. I now work at the CBC, but I have worked in the private sector too. What is the most realistic way to move to 200K? 1) Continue moving the ladder to a VP position, 2) Switch to Pre-Sale, 3) Switch to Consulting, 4) Work from a U.S. company from Canada.

like

I’m leaving the public school and I’m trying to find a job that would be good for the experience I have.

likesmart

More Posts

How does this Amazon offer look for an L5 non-tech PM role in Seattle? I’m coming in with 2 YOE as a startup PM. No MBA.

$130K base, 20 RSUs, $45K sign on over 2 years ($25/20). 1st year TC $160K.

It was extended before the recent announcement that TCs are going up but I don’t know if I’d be impacted regardless.

like

Loving my Railmaster! I received this as gift and want to pay homage to the family member who gave it to me. Does anyone know where I could get initials on the inside of band?

Post Photo
like

I feel like some of ya don't really get it. Regardless of your group... Or even your bank... If you crush it... And if you're the best at what you do... You will get paid. That's the game. Simple.

like

Does anyone have experience interviewing with Deloitte Internal Services? I had my final interview a week and a half ago, and received positive feedback throughout. The hiring manager had positive things to say and mentioned they hoped to make a decision by the end of last week. It’s now Friday the week after. The role still shows as “Interviews in Process.” We did discuss potential start dates, but no salary. Any experience with receiving offers for an internal services role? Is this common?

like

My vet told me my dog is pretending to throw up so I can give him extra attention… I can’t believe he trained me to give him attention 😂😂😂😂😂

funnylike

HI BCG Fishes, I am Currently a Quant in the FI looking for a change. I got approached to join BCG GAMMA as Solution Lead. Any feedback regarding the Solutions Track in GAMMA is it worth taking I havent been able to find much about this track?

like

Boston Consulting Group , is GAMMA Solution Track a good role ? I got Offer Solution Lead , but not sure about that track. I have not been able to find anything and it seems pretty new// PLEASE HELP! I dont want to make the wrong decision...

@Boston Consulting Group

like

Hi folks,
I hold an experience of 4+ years in Sales as wealth Manager, and right now working with the Fintech company.
I’m looking for new opportunities which has remote location for sales or business development profile.
Please let me know if there’s any referrals and I can share the resume for the same

like

Hey,

Is it a good idea to join 
Paypal for Software Engineer III from Walmart Software Engineer III, for the base salary of 35LPA and 9L RSUs per year for Chennai location ? I am currently withdrawing 24LPA as base and 4.2 as Variable and 3.5L RSUs vested for 4 years.
I have been told that I'll be part of Risk team under Paypal Transactions domain. Any Idea how is the work culture and tech stack here in this team?

like

How much hike percent can we expect during promotion from analyst to consultant.

like

Has anyone ever dropped the coin for a paddock pass? Thinking about treating my old man for his 70th birthday at the 2022 Canadian GP. Worth it? Any tips along the purchase journey?

like

Recommendations on design services and places to buy furniture? We just bought a house and are looking at RH and Arhaus.

like

Max or Lewis fault?

I think it’s 100% on max. By breaking so late he was banking on Lewis backing down, which was very risky.

likefunny

Turn up to the Max!!

like

Atlanta vs Dallas vs Houston? Salary is equal in all three, and practice group is highly ranked in all 3

like

If this deal flared up my IBS and I keep having to run to the restroom, do I bill the client for that time or nah? (Yes, I’m thinking about the deal. Yes, I’m posting this from where you think I am.)

likefunnyuplifting

After 3 years of freelancing, I just landed my first in-house journalist job!! I’m so happy!

like

Just saw a meme that said “I’m going to turn off the news and put on a serial killer documentary to unwind” and…..ya. Does anyone else do this?

likefunny

Need a recommendation for a contract analytics service provider. Don’t need the lifecycle or repository bells and whistles, just need something I can feed 10k documents and it provides me with data points, preferably individually and in aggregate. Does something like this exist??

like

Need referral in siemens. I have job id as well

like

Additional Posts in Supply Chain Consultants

What book would you recommend? For a SCM professional :)

like

Let’s get their together.

Post Photo
like

Cross post—- 🐠 need your help. Has anyone deployed Oracle iProcure or P2P can you share your experiences and what functionality the platform is missing compared to Ariba and Coupa. Thx so much

Anyone who joined from industry and went back to it? Is so, were you able to jump levels when you returned back and what factors helped you ?
Thanks !

I’m in ERP consulting at the moment, focused on manufacturing & supply chain. If I want to eventually transition into more of a tech strategy role, would a CSCP be worth having in my belt?

like

Anybody did the apics certification in logistics ? I have the choose between the cslp and cscp but not sure which one I should be doing

Best Industry to work for in Supply Chain?

I have experience in FMCG, Pharma and Retail. For me FMCG has been the best so far.

like

I’m currently in change management and have no experience in supply chain but I’m interested in getting into it. Realistic to transition in? Would CSCP be my best shot?

like

Hello, I am currently a solution consultant with Kinaxis, but starting the interview process with Accenture for a similar role. Any Insight regarding salaries @ ACN for a role like this? Pros and cons of potentially switching from Kinaxis to ACN?

like

Any thoughts on Aera technology?

like

What are your thoughts on APICS CSCP certification? Is it truly worth the time? Industrial engineer with 2 YOE, looking for advise on whether is a good investment or not. Thanks!

like

Fish who did an MS in Supply Chain do you regret not doing an MBA instead?

like

Hey folks, what’s everyone’s thought on sustainability as a focus for supply chain. A lot of the work I do is optimization, supply chain excellence and the like of that. I’ve done some work in carbon footprint, it what’s everyone’s take on getting a masters of sustainability and going deep in as a SME in supply chain sustainability?

likesmarthelpful

Does anyone know good resources for information on Supply Chain “Punch Out” catalogs?

like

I currently do planning system implementation at SC level. Quite technical stuff and less PMO. What are my future career possibilities from here onwards? Can I keep progressing in the standard ladder and keep doing implementations, or is it automatically going to end up becoming more are more sales oriented and less actual implementation work? Especially interested in the SM level and above. I’d prefer staying at Big 4 and avoid the supplier side.

like

Is CSCP worth it? 2 years out of school and know i want to be/stay in the supply chain field but torn between prioritizing that or GMAT right now. Feels like id be way more motivated in studying for this over GMAT rn too

like

Network design exit opps? I love working on network design and optimisation project but I am a bit reluctant to specialise there because I am not sure what kind of exit opps exist.

like

Anyone has good resources on how companies set-up their logistic network in Africa? I found an article on Coca Cola but I am rather looking for heavy machinery companies

Anyone familiar with what comp is like for Supply Chain Consultant at Slalom?

like

Anyone have experience interviewing with Mckinsey for Logistics/Transportation TMS Specialist role? Looking for tips on what to look out for in Expertise interview

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal