Roles, Responsibilities & Remuneration: Supply Chain Consultant

Supply chain management is the coordination and amalgamation of numerous activities in producing, distributing, and delivering goods or services from raw materials to final products. Employees working in supply chain management improve how the company maximizes productivity, sustains production, and grows in the competitive market, satisfying customer experiences.

Effective supply chain management is necessary for every business because supply chains can break down and delay production when not managed properly. This causes internal stress and loss of revenue in the company.

As the complexity of the global supply chains has been expanding in recent years, there has been a high demand for supply chain consultants. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed several complexities and vulnerabilities in supply chains. Resultantly, companies are now looking for consultants to redesign and strengthen their supply chain strategies. With the advancement of technology like AI and data analytics, companies leverage these tools to improve operations. Keep reading to know the roles and salaries of SCM consultants.

What is a Supply Chain Consultant?

A supply chain consultant is an expert providing guidance and expertise in improving supply chain efficiency and effectiveness. These experts analyze the existing supply chain processes, mark areas of improvement, and explore strategies to enhance the company’s performance. The responsibilities of a supply chain consultant encompass numerous responsibilities and require a detailed understanding of supply chain principles and practices.

Effective supply chain management is essential for every business company to achieve operational excellence and gain a competitive edge. Here’s why effective supply chain management is important for businesses:

• Supply chain process optimization saves cost in business operations through streamlining operations, reducing inventory levels, and improving transportation efficiency.
• A well-managed supply chain boosts timely product delivery and services to customers by fulfilling their orders, reducing lead times, and enhancing communication.
• Businesses respond quickly to changing market demands, improving forecasting accuracy, implementing flexible production processes, and establishing supplier relationships.

Skills and Qualifications for a Supply Chain Consultant

• To become a supply chain consultant, you should pass 10+2 with commerce subjects having business with at least 66% aggregate marks.
• Then, get a bachelor’s degree with at least 55% marks in aggregate with subject specialization in operation management, logistics, or supply chain from a well-recognized university with accreditation.
• Several supply chain consultants focus on manufacturing, transportation, retail, or government projects.
• Additionally, students or working professionals can advance their careers through an online MBA or PGCP in logistics or supply chain management from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).

Below are some of the skills required for a supply chain consultant:

Communication Skills	Customer interactionsPresentations EmailsReporting
Analytical Skills	Data analysis and assessment Statistics Warehouse management and ERP, WMS, TMSExcel spreadsheets
Problem-Solving Skills	Synthesizing data and informationRisk mitigation Flexible and adaptive mindset
Supply Chain Logistics Skills	Production planningProcurementLogisticsQuality managementWarehousingInventory managementVendor and supplier relationships
Collaboration Skills	Working with cross-functional teams and stakeholdersBuild relationships

Role of Consultants in Supply Chain Management

To ensure smooth and efficient operations, different companies rely on the expertise of supply chain consultants. Let’s discuss their roles in supply chain management:

• They evaluate the flow of materials, information, and finances across the supply chain network through comprehensive analysis.
• Supply chain consultants redesign the supply chain networks, improve inventory management practices, and implement advanced technologies through collaboration between suppliers and customers.
• Consultants are responsible for establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the supply chain processes through monitoring metrics.
• They analyze data trends to make informed decisions regarding supply chain efficiency.

Career Opportunities and Growth in Supply Chain Sector

If you are considering a lucrative career in the supply chain sector, below are the insights into the career prospects for supply chain consultants and growth prospects:

Supply Chain Consultant roles in the Supply Chain Sector

Role	Responsibilities
Supply Chain Consultant	Analyze and improve supply chain process.Identify bottlenecks, develops strategies for optimization, and reduce cost.
Logistics Manager	Oversee the movement of goods and materials to customers.Manage transportation, warehousing, and order fulfilment.
Procurement Specialist	Source and purchase goods and services for an organization.Negotiate contracts, evaluate suppliers, and ensure timely delivery.
Inventory Analyst	Monitor and analyze inventory levels.Ensure optimal stock levels, forecast demand, and track inventory metrics.
Operations Manager	Oversee the overall functioning of the supply chain.Coordinate with different departments, manage resources, and implement strategies.

Source

Salary Ranges in Supply Chain Sector

Given below is the chart of different roles in the sector along with supply chain consultant salary in India:

Role	Salary (INR)
Operations Manager	7 LPA
Supply Chain Consultant	13 LPA
Logistics Manager	6.5 LPA
Procurement Specialist	5.3 LPA
Inventory Analyst	5.8 LPA
Supply Chain Manager	13.3 LPA
Deputy Manager – Supply Chain	10 LPA

Source

Tools and Technologies

Supply chain management can be greatly benefited by the use of latest technologies. Following are some ways in which technology improves the functioning of supply chain:

Artificial Intelligence

A business can make its supply chain more efficient by harnessing the power of AI to better manage its inventory, forecast demand, optimize transportation, automate warehouse operations, and provide better customer service. Tracking the movement of goods and shipments across the world have become easier due to the application of AI and automation at every stage of the supply chain.

Benefits of Automation

• Warehouse management system provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, facilitates order fulfillment, and optimizes warehouse layout and storage. 
• Transportation management system performs route planning, carrier selection, load optimization, and freight tracking. 
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) eliminates manual data entry by speeding up the flow of information between supply chain partners. 

Software Tools

• Infor SCM is a software built on ERP and data analytics, which helps in connecting real-time with suppliers and consumers by synchronizing their efforts
• E2OPen provides tools to forecast and manages all the drop-shipping, inventory, invoicing, and cost management.
• Oracle SCM manages finances and operations with its intelligent track and trace technology for the products and also provides deep insights into the performance of supply chain.

Why choose MAHE to become the ultimate Supply Chain Expert?

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers PGCP in Logistics & Supply Chain Management (SCM), which helps working professionals gather knowledge and skills in the dynamic field of supply chain management. MAHE’s curriculum includes supply chain strategy, procurement management, inventory optimization, transportation planning, etc.

MAHE is the best choice for becoming a supply chain expert because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and expertise. The institution has highly experienced professionals with a detailed understanding of the intricacies of supply chain management. We provide practical insights on software tools and guidance to students, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

Moreover, we have strong industry connections and collaborations, providing students with ample opportunities for internships and placements in leading companies. They are offered various roles like supply chain manager, demand planner, purchasing manager, transportation analyst, etc. The PGCP course is around INR 1,00,000 for 12 months (two semesters).

Conclusion

In conclusion, studying supply chain management from Online Manipal offers a unique and valuable opportunity for all aspiring professionals. Graduates from MAHE are well-prepared to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunity within the dynamic field with a focus on innovation, technology, and sustainability. So, are you ready to step into the world of supply chain management? Enroll in the course today and advance your career to the path of professional development.