U.S. graduate and undergraduate supply chain programs are adapting their curriculums and introducing new programs to meet industry needs and offer real-life experiences. * By Mary Lou Jay * What skills do companies look for when hiring an early-career supply chain professional? Beyond a basic knowledge of the industry, desirable characteristics include technical and analytical abilities, problem-solving experience, good soft ...

Companies exploring ways to combat workforce shortages are finding that technology is impacting their workforce talent strategies. * By Doug Reed * Last December, The Conference Board—a think tank sharing insights about future developments and issues facing business among top executives in multiple industries—released a report detailing why blue-collar workers are now scarcer than white-collar workers. The findings confirm the ...

Retailers and manufacturers are evaluating the pros and cons of handling tasks in-house versus outsourcing to a third-party logistics partner. * By Sheryl S. Jackson * As retailers and manufacturers strive to meet fulfillment and distribution challenges in today’s Amazon-led competitive e-commerce market, companies must evaluate the pros and cons of handling these tasks in-house versus outsourcing to a third-party ...

Businesses are encouraged to be sensitive to privacy rights and issue during background checks, but where is the line? By Fiona Soltes Today’s tight job market creates all sorts of challenges—including the issue of background checks. Include them, and possibly scare off otherwise suitable candidates? Avoid them, and risk a problematic hire? And what of the often murky waters of ...

Because it provides a safe, yet highly realistic, environment in which to train employees, virtual reality training is increasingly being embraced within supply chains. * By Morgan Pettrone * Because it provides a safe yet highly realistic environment in which to train employees—particularly those learning to safely execute potentially dangerous tasks—virtual reality (VR) training is increasingly being embraced within specific ...

Corporate sustainability initiatives are becoming increasingly important in recruiting talent, and companies are making ‘green’ or sustainability initiatives a core part of their supply chain strategy. * By Sarah B. Hood * As Millennials and their successors (“GenZ,” born around 2000) flood the workplace, employers with strong sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) records stand to win in the recruitment ...

Robotics and other types of advanced technology not only can serve to improve the efficiency and productivity of supply chain operations but can “supercharge” the productivity of workers. * By Tom Gresham * When MHI member Vecna Robotics first went to a FedEx facility to introduce its robots there, a worker reacted less than enthusiastically to the arrival of the ...

Understanding Next-Gen’s expectations and what motivates them is helpful when brainstorming on ways to attract, train and retain them, and figuring out where their skills might best be utilized in your company. * By Mike Ogle * Next generation workforce. What do those words mean to you? The first thought is usually young people about to graduate from college or ...

Most breakthroughs in the automotive industry impact the material handling side of this industry, but some trends have a more direct impact—such as sensors and self-driving options. * By Sandy Smith * There is no doubt that the automotive industry is shifting gears—and quite dramatically. At year’s end, a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) announced significant changes in their ...

The key to ingratiating the current generation is being forthcoming about the current state of your supply chain and helping them understand the role they can play in it. * By Randy V. Bradley, Ph.D * Much has been made about the younger generation not being interested in the supply chain profession, but I can’t fully agree with that sentiment. ...