A logistician’s responsibilities include supply chain management, material transportation and storage, and transportation management. A logistician is a trained professional who has completed specialized training and a certification program in the field of material movement. This professional designation is administered a number of international certification organizations. The International Society of Logistics and the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport are two of them.
The majority of logisticians work for large shipping companies or international distribution firms. They are in charge of organizing, scheduling, and managing material distribution. As manufacturing firms shifted to just-in-time delivery in the mid-1980s, this career grew quickly. As a result of the change, large volumes of materials had to be scheduled and managed all over the world, with delivery falling into a very narrow window. With the advancement of computer technology, more companies are able to take advantage of this cost-cutting measure.
As a logistician, people who can work with details, enjoy scheduling, and are natural problem solvers report the most satisfaction. You will interact with parts suppliers, transportation companies, and clients in this position. It is critical to be able to interact with others while communicating clearly and effectively.
A logistician’s top priority is to manage the supply chain. The supply chain encompasses every step of the manufacturing process, from material procurement to production and distribution to various locations. The logistician is in charge of the process’s timeliness, cost, and efficiency.
Organizing transportation entails coordinating the efforts of the shipper and the supply firm, as well as the selection and scheduling of the transportation company and, if necessary, the completion of customs documentation. These shipments are typically very large and may require specialized containers, unique transportation solutions, or hazardous materials.
Although most businesses prefer just-in-time delivery, storage facilities must be available. Depending on the material, the schedule, and the most cost-effective solution, this can be long- or short-term storage. Depending on the material and intended use, different types of storage are required.
Working with the shipping company to choose the best mode of transportation, the cost of that mode, and the route taken are all part of transportation management. This is a crucial consideration for large shipments of valuable materials traveling around the world, as weather, politics, and other factors must all be taken into account.