Alpana Chaturvedi, CEO of MyLogistics Gurukul, elaborates on the importance of training and skill development within the logistics industry.
The global logistics industry was valued at 8.4 trillion euros in 2021 and is expected to exceed 13.7 trillion euros by 2027, underscoring the need for a skilled workforce to manage this growth. The voluminous increase in job opportunities in E Commerce, Quick Commerce, Warehousing, and other verticals of Logistics spells out the importance of skilled workforce as the industry is poised for growth.
The Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 of making India into a developed nation and recognizing the Indian youth as key drivers of change and progress also hinges on training and skilling being enablers to turn this vision into reality.
Training and skill development are pivotal in driving growth withing the logistics industry. Here are seven key points that highlight the significance:
Enhancing Operational Efficiency: Well-trained employees ensure efficiency in operations by effecting timely deliveries, reducing errors, and managing the flow of information, and documentation, managing inventory and understanding best practices to reduce wastage of time and saving cost too. These actions will contribute to customer satisfaction and directly impact growth of business.
Enhanced Customer Service: Being trained in providing excellent customer service will ensure customer loyalty. Training in how to resolve customer queries, timely response and assuring service recovery are key skills that could be learnt and application of same will ensure retention of old customers, building of new ones and hence increase in business.
Adapting to Technological advancement: With logistics sectors embracing technology and using Artificial Intelligence, Automation and other tools and technology, it is necessary to build a workforce that is adept to use these for more efficient working. Hence training is necessary not only to be future ready but to stay relevant. This will also help keep pace with the usage of technology by other stakeholders.
Addressing Skills Shortages: Identifying areas of improvement and addressing skill gaps through training will help the workforce to be multi skilled and also a happier and more satisfied workforce that will be willing to go extra miles for the growth of the company since the organization has invested in their personal growth. It will reduce attrition and companies will have access to talent imperative for expansion of business. A stable workforce fosters a cohesive and conducive environment.
Ensuring Regulatory Compliance: Regular trainings will keep employees informed about compliance requirements, mitigating risks and associated costs. It will also keep them informed of newly introduced, modified and updated regulations that are constantly taking place.
Boosting Innovation: A skilled workforce is more likely to contribute towards more innovative ideas for improving processes, thinking out of the box and setting up more efficient practices. New and improved service offerings will also help to drive growth of businesses.
Supporting sustainable practices: Educating employees about sustainable logistics practices like reducing wastes, conserving water and electricity, supporting environmental practices- through green initiatives, eliminating paper wastage, reducing energy usage and meeting corporate demands by corporate responsibilities will help with new market responsibilities and growth.
Training and Skilling plays a critical role in addressing current challenges in the industry, helps in fostering growth and become crucial enablers for the advancement of the industry.
