Dispatcher-logistic: features, advantages and disadvantages of the profession, education, place of work
Logistics Manager - This is a specialist who is engaged in the implementation of transportation. In the course of his daily professional activities, this employee organizes the process of sending goods. At the same time, his tasks include saving time and money. Today in our article we will talk about the features of this profession, the advantages and disadvantages of work, as well as the responsibilities of dispatchers-logisticians.
Features
Logistics Manager - This is a sought-after specialist in the modern labor market. He is engaged control and management of the movement of various goods. Worker activities are carried out remotely. Logistics dispatchers are involved in various spheres of human activity: in the field of procurement, distribution and marketing of goods, in transport, storage, information and many others.
To date no large company can operate without such a professional. This primarily relates to firms that carry out trading activities. If the scale of transportation is quite large, then the company organizes specialized logistics departments.
It is important to note the fact that this sphere has been developing in our country quite recently - about 15 years. Accordingly, there are few trained specialists; therefore, experienced employees are highly valued by employers.
Advantages and disadvantages
The profession of a dispatcher and logistics has a number of individual traits and characteristics that are important to familiarize yourself with before you decide to connect your life with this career path.
It’s worth starting with the benefits.
- High demand. Logistics is actively developing in our country. Accordingly, specialists are required not only in the capital and large cities, but also in regions and provinces. There are not enough trained logisticians on the labor market, which is why many employers are recruiting people without work experience.
- Wage. The material remuneration for the work of logistics employees is quite high. In this regard, many young people are interested in such work.
- Starting position can be obtained without education. As mentioned earlier, Russia lacks logistics dispatchers. In connection with these, some employers are recruiting people without education. However, keep in mind that in the course of work and for promotion on the career ladder you still have to graduate from a specialized educational institution.
- Variety of work activities. Despite the fact that in the course of its work, the dispatcher-logist performs a number of routine tasks, the specialist’s work is very diverse. A professional works not only permanently in the office, but also performs a number of on-site functions.
Regardless of the fact that the work of the dispatcher-logistist is characterized by a large number of advantages, many young people do not want to receive this specialty. This is due to the presence of disadvantages of the profession.
- High level of responsibility. The work of the dispatcher-logist is associated with great responsibility. If, in the course of fulfilling his duties, a specialist makes even a small mistake, then the company may suffer from large material losses.
- Career Challenges. Full-fledged logistics departments operate only at large enterprises, and independent firms can work in small firms. Thus, the process of promotion along the career ladder is significantly complicated.
As you can see, the professional activities of the logistics manager are characterized by both pluses and minuses. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with all the characteristics before embarking on a training or starting a professional activity.
Responsibilities
The job description of the logistics manager includes a number of functions that a specialist performs daily:
- formation and processing of incoming applications;
- formation of a base of customers and carriers;
- analysis of the current state of the market;
- control over the transportation;
- work with documents and record keeping;
- route development;
- organization of transportation financing, etc.
At the same time, depending on the specifics of the work, on the specific place of work and on the requirements of the employer, the responsibilities of the dispatcher-logistician can be changed and supplemented.
Skills and abilities
In order to provide quality service to customers, the dispatcher-logistician must have a number of key skills. Among them:
- business negotiation skills;
- strategic thinking;
- knowledge of the types and types of transport;
- the ability to build routes and knowledge of the principles of logistics;
- the ability to use modern information technology in the implementation of their professional activities;
- knowledge of such programs as SAP, Axapta;
- knowledge of one or several foreign languages (at least - knowledge of English), etc.
Education
In order to become a logistics manager, you must go through specialized training. To do this, after the 11th grade, you need to go to university in the appropriate direction of training. At the same time, it is recommended to give preference to prestigious metropolitan universities that are respected among employers. Such training will take a large amount of time - from 4 to 6 years.
Besides, It is recommended to take advanced training courses. Among employers, taking courses abroad is especially appreciated. In addition, in order to keep abreast of the latest trends, you need to regularly attend master classes and trainings.
Place of work
Most of the logistics managers work in transport companies or in enterprises that specialize in freight transportation. In addition, there are such positions in warehouse organizations and in sales departments.
A university graduate receives a trainee position in one of these companies, and then moves up the career ladder. In addition, there is the option of organizing your own business.