Last updated on May 7, 2023
Photo by Jacques Dillies on Unsplash
Although India is home to a thriving traditional supply chain, there is much room for growth in unlocking the potential of a digital supply chain. Many businesses in India are realizing the advantages of transitioning from a traditional supply chain to a digital one and are making the appropriate investments. Before diving into the details of unlocking the potential of a digital supply chain in India, let’s define what it is.
A digital supply chain is an interconnected network of information, people, technology, processes, and services that enables a business or organization to create and deliver products or services in the most efficient way possible. A digital supply chain is powered by technology solutions such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Essentially, the goal of a digital supply chain is to improve overall data visibility and transparency. This helps allow businesses to predict and analyze customer demand, streamline production, reduce material waste, and increase customer satisfaction. These advantages can have a huge impact on the bottom line of any business.
Digital supply chain careers in India are expected to be one of the fastest growing job markets in India. There are a wide variety of roles and opportunities, such as strategists, operations analysts, supply chain planners and logistics specialists.
People looking to make the transition into a digital supply chain career, should focus on gaining experience in supply chain processes, understanding and implementing the latest technologies and trends, improving the supply chain’s agility, and developing a strategy for implementation.
Additionally, salaries for digital supply chain roles in India range from 10 Lakhs to 57 Lakhs per annum.
Ravi Kumar Sharma from Kolkata is one of the most successful examples of career transitions into the digital supply chain. He started out his career in IT, with corporate experience of 20 years, and had a strong understanding of the digital landscape. He took a deep dive into digital supply chain and graduated from one of India’s premier technical universities with an M.Tech in Supply Chain Technologies.
Today, Ravi works as a senior logistics specialist in a MNC and leads a team of 25 members across 3 countries. He believes that with continuous learning, expansive research and strong perseverance, a person can make a successful transition into any field.
While transitioning into a digital supply chain career in India can be a rewarding experience, there are a few common challenges that one should consider before making the leap.
Firstly, there is the challenge of acquiring the right skills. Most companies look for candidates who have some experience in digital supply chain technology or concepts. Therefore, it is important to invest in gaining the necessary education and certifications that can help you stand out in the job market.
Another major challenge is the lack of digital supply chain ecosystems in India. Despite the government’s push for digital transformation, the country is lagging behind in creating the right ecosystems that facilitates digital supply chain adoption. As a result, it is important to do extensive research on the supply chain industry and understand the process before attempting a career transition.
Here are some actionable steps that can help you in successfully making the transition into a digital supply chain career in India:
The traditional supply chain process is the foundation for the digital one. Thus, it is important to gain experience in the different processes, concepts and technologies involved in the traditional supply chain before attempting to make the transition. This experience can then be leveraged when transitioning into a digital supply chain.
Finding a mentor is a great way to gain invaluable insights into the digital supply chain processes and industry. your mentor can help you in finding the right opportunities, guide you through the transition process, and provide valuable advice and insights.
It is important to continuously upgrade your skills and knowledge to stay competitive in the digital supply chain industry. Trainings, certifications, and digital courses can help you do just this.
Making a career transition into the digital supply chain in India can be a rewarding experience and can open up a world of opportunity. The most important takeaway is to not be intimidated by the challenge, but to embrace it head-on. Invest in gaining the required experience and education, find a mentor, and continuously upgrade your skills to be successful in the digital supply chain job market.