Leaders

Supply Chain Industry Urges Training to Save Lives

The supply chain industry, encompassing sectors such as agriculture, automation, beverage processing, and construction, is emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive training. This push is designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and, ultimately, save lives. Leaders within the industry are rallying for improved skills and knowledge among supply chain personnel, highlighting the importance of health and safety measures.

The Call for Training and Development

Industry experts underline the importance of training as a cornerstone for the development of a resilient and effective supply chain. This is especially crucial in sectors like healthcare, where the lack of trained personnel in supply chains in low to middle-income countries results in one-third of the world's population lacking access to essential medicines. SAPICS, a leading professional body in the supply chain sector, is at the forefront of this advocacy.

“Poor supply chains in low to middle-income countries are the reason one-third of the world's population lacks access to medicines,” states SAPICS President Thato Moloi.

The situation is particularly dire in the healthcare sector, where acute shortages of skilled supply chain personnel are exacerbating existing challenges. SAPICS emphasizes the need for suitably qualified professionals to ensure the effective distribution of healthcare supplies.

Efforts to tackle these challenges are set to be a significant topic of discussion at the upcoming SAPICS Conference in Cape Town from 8 to 11 June 2025. Esteemed speakers, including TED Talk expert Esther Ndichu, will address topics such as outsourcing in public health supply chains in Africa, and the slow adoption of innovation in these sectors.

Logistics and Freight: A South African Perspective

In South Africa, logistics and freight are crucial components of the supply chain, heavily influencing transport and warehousing sectors. The ongoing digital transformation in these industries is driving efforts to improve efficiency and adapt to new technological advancements. However, the country faces challenges such as financial investments in the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and discussions around rates relief measures in relation to building construction and infrastructure development.

The City of Cape Town has been proactive in addressing these issues, receiving an upgrade from Moody's ratings for its efforts in delivering real change. Expanded rates relief measures have been tabled at the City Council, aiming to alleviate financial burdens and stimulate growth in the infrastructure sector.

Global Trends and Innovations

The global supply chain landscape has been dramatically reshaped by the pandemic, with disruptions still reverberating across industries. The pandemic has accelerated the transformation of every aspect of transportation and supply chain over the past five years, leading to unprecedented changes in trucking, delivery, and automotive sectors.

Touchless deliveries and online purchasing have become mainstream, particularly in the auto industry, as businesses adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic. These innovations highlight the need for continuous adaptation and the integration of new technologies in supply chain logistics.

DHL Group is a notable example of a company at the forefront of these changes. With approximately 395,000 employees across more than 220 countries and territories, DHL generated revenues exceeding 94 billion euros in 2022. The company is committed to achieving net-zero emissions logistics by 2050, demonstrating its dedication to sustainability.

  • DHL Supply Chain's partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA empowers young girls to learn about the supply chain industry.
  • The acquisition of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions positions DHL as the largest provider of reverse logistics solutions in North America.
  • A partnership with Diageo North America incorporates two fuel cell electric trucks powered by hydrogen into the U.S. fleet.

Future Directions and Considerations

The scale and pace of change in transportation industries, including trucking, logistics, shipping, and aviation, have been unprecedented. As companies navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, the importance of investing in human resources becomes ever more apparent.

“People leaders in the supply chain industry are urging for training to save lives,” notes a key figure in the sector.

Training programs aimed at reducing risks and improving overall performance are seen as essential for the industry's future. These initiatives focus on enhancing skills and knowledge to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations, emphasizing the importance of investing in human resources.

As the supply chain industry continues to evolve, the need for qualified professionals and innovative solutions will remain at the forefront of discussions. The upcoming SAPICS Conference and similar forums provide valuable platforms for addressing these challenges and exploring new opportunities for growth and development.