In a world where goods, people and data move ever faster, working in logistics means becoming protagonists of change. Today, the sector is a strategic hub of the global economy. Suffice it to say that every product, before arriving on the shelves or in our homes, has travelled along a supply chain designed, managed and optimised by increasingly in-demand professionals.

But what, concretely, are the skills required to work in logistics? What technical knowledge, soft skills and digital tools are needed to start (and grow) in this field? In recent years, the logistics sector has seen a profound evolution, transforming itself into a logistics 4.0no longer just warehouses and transport, but Artificial intelligence, sustainability, traceability and big data management. Companies large and small are now looking for profiles capable of managing complex flows, planning resources, optimising performance and reducing waste.

Whoever enters the world of logistics must acquire a solid technical basis in the warehouse and stock managementi.e. knowing how to use tools such as WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) to organise storage, optimise space and monitor inventory levels in real time; in the transport planningtherefore know the different means (road, rail, ship, air), customs regulations, costs and delivery times; be familiar with ERP software, IoT systems e machine learning to automate processes, predict delays and analyse performance; know the rules of security at work, handling of dangerous goods, technical documentation and quality certification.

Working in logistics: soft skills and career opportunities

Logistics is made up of interconnections and quick decisions. For this, the transversal competences are essential. These include:

  • Problem solving: face unforeseen events (a delay, a breakdown, an error in dispatch) promptly and lucidly;
  • Teamwork and communicationBeing able to work in a team, managing shifts, different roles and external suppliers;
  • Stress managementLogistics can be hectic, especially at critical times (such as Christmas peaks or extraordinary events);
  • Flexibility and adaptabilityloads, routes, software can change every day: mental agility is crucial.

Today, training for working in logistics means opening a door to a complex system of people, technologies, decisions and continuous movement. The professional possibilities are numerous and constantly evolving. You can start with operational roles, such as thewarehouse logistics officer, a figure who is in charge of the physical flow of goods, organisation of space and stock control. A role that requires precision, familiarity with management software and a good overview.

Those who have developed a more analytical spirit may instead turn towards the planning and flow analysiswhere data become allies in optimising time and costs, preventing criticalities and managing complexity. In these cases, we speak of roles such as distribution planner o supply chain technicianprofessions that combine technical and strategic skills.

The transport manager, on the other hand, who coordinates vehicles, routes and deliveries, balancing logistical needs, regulatory constraints and environmental sustainability is a key management figure, especially in companies operating on a large scale or internationally.

With the advancement of technology and the focus on sustainability, new figures are emerging such as the green logistics specialistcapable of rethinking processes from an ecological perspective, and the logistic data analystwhich transforms large volumes of data into operational solutions.

The first step to working in logistics is choose a concrete training pathwork-oriented and with real contacts in the industry. The path of theITS Move Academy in Logistics and Sustainable Mobilityfor example, is structured to create experts capable of planning, managing and controlling the flow of vehicles, goods and people by governing IT, logistics and legislative aspects with a strong focus on environmental, economic, organisational, social and safety sustainability issues.

Author of the article

ITS MOVE - Editor