The automotive industry is constantly evolving

With the automotive industry evolving, supply chain and logistics leaders need to adapt to the changes to ensure success. Here are some key pieces of advice we have gained from global automotive supply chain and logistics leaders for the leaders of the future:

1. Embrace Change

The VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world demands supply chain and logistics leaders to be adaptable to new energy, new products, and new technologies.

2. Focus on Supply Chain Resilience

Supply chain needs to be flexible, resilient, sustainable, and reliable. Logistics is a people’s business, so even if automation, AI, and digitalization are implemented, the human element cannot be ignored.

3. Develop Curiosity

Curiosity is a key trait for supply chain and logistics leaders. They should learn by doing, rather than just relying on PowerPoint presentations. Working in logistics provides an excellent opportunity to experience different cultures and languages.

4. Be Sustainable

Supply chain and logistics leaders can change the world by implementing sustainability measures. Logistics should be more present in daily life, and this can be achieved by promoting the importance of logistics to the wider public.

5. Stay Up to Date with Technology

Digitalization, automation, and real-time tracking are essential for the future of logistics. Logistics leaders should develop and monitor their understanding of new technologies, digitalization techniques, and data management.

6. Focus on Leadership Development

Leadership skills are essential for supply chain and logistics leaders. They should seek training, courses, and tools to work with the younger workforce that is emerging.

7. Understand the Industry

Supply chain leaders should understand every step, link, and component in the supply chain, from internal processes to logistics service providers. This understanding will enable them to solve any challenge that comes their way.

8. Be Agile

The future requires agility, which doesn’t always align with commercial interests. Supply chain leaders should be quick to adapt to changes and not rely too much on all-in-one solutions or control towers.

9. Think Globally

Supply chain leaders should think globally and embrace diversity, both in terms of people and where and how they work. They should also balance between managing people and embracing new technology.

10. Expect the Unexpected

Supply chain leaders should build resilient supply chains to overcome unexpected events. The VUCA environment will continue, so they need to stay on their toes.

11. Focus on Data Quality

Supply chain can work like clockwork, but it requires master data quality, process discipline, and data management. This will eliminate politics and lead to intangible benefits.

If you would like to discuss any of these points in our next ‘In Conversation with’ interview, contact Louis at louis@lconnect.co.uk.