These can be categorised into the following areas;
Understanding Core Concepts: It's essential to clearly differentiate between logistics (focusing on transportation and storage of goods) and supply chain management (the broader end-to-end process from raw materials to customer delivery). Demonstrating a solid grasp of these foundational elements is key.
Emphasising Continuous Learning and Problem-Solving: Highlight your commitment to staying updated on industry trends through reputable sources and your experience in employing modern warehouse management systems (WMS) and strategies to optimize inventory levels and reduce costs. Your ability to adapt and solve complex supply chain inefficiencies using analytical and strategic thinking is crucial.
Global Trends, Technology, and Compliance: Discuss the impact of globalisation, technology advancements, and the importance of sustainability in the supply chain. Additionally, emphasise your understanding of international regulations and the significance of supply chain visibility to ensure compliance, manage risks, and enhance customer satisfaction.
The Common Questions asked by Employers
1. Can You Explain the Difference Between Logistics and Supply Chain Management?
This question tests your understanding of the basics. Supply chain management encompasses the end-to-end process involved in producing and delivering a product, starting from raw materials all the way to the customer. Logistics is a subset of this process, focusing specifically on the transportation and storage of goods.
2. How Do You Stay Updated with the Latest Trends in Supply Chain Management?
Employers ask this to gauge your commitment to continuous learning. Mention specific journals, websites, and industry reports you follow, such as The Journal of Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Management Review, and Harvard Business Review. Additionally, discuss any professional groups or online forums you participate in.
3. What Is Your Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)?
Detail your familiarity with any WMS software you've used, such as Oracle WMS, SAP Extended Warehouse Management, or Manhattan Associates. Discuss the specific functionalities you've utilised, like inventory tracking, picking and packing processes, or labour management, and the outcomes these features helped achieve.
4. How Would You Optimise Inventory Levels to Balance Costs and Availability?
This question explores your problem-solving skills. Explain the concepts of Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory, safety stock levels, and Economic Order Quantity (EOQ). Describe how you'd use forecasting methods and inventory management tools to minimise holding costs while ensuring product availability.
5. Can You Describe a Time When You Identified and Solved a Supply Chain Inefficiency?
Share a specific example, highlighting your analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Discuss how you identified the issue, the steps you took to investigate, the solutions you implemented, and the results. Quantify your success in terms of reduced costs, time saved, or increased customer satisfaction.
6. How Do Global Trends Affect Supply Chain Management?
Discuss the impact of globalisation, technology, and sustainability on supply chains. Mention how global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the importance of agility and digital transformation in maintaining resilient supply chains. Also, talk about the role of sustainable practices in meeting consumer demand and complying with regulatory requirements.
7. What Is Your Experience with Supplier Relationship Management?
Describe your approach to managing vendor relationships, including communication strategies, negotiation techniques, and performance monitoring. Highlight how effective supplier management can lead to improved product quality, cost savings, and innovative collaboration.
8. What Strategies Would You Use to Reduce Transportation Costs?
Talk about optimising shipping routes, consolidating shipments, negotiating carrier rates, and utilising different modes of transportation. Also, discuss the importance of analytics and technology, such as Transportation Management Systems (TMS), in identifying inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
9. How Would You Ensure Supply Chain Compliance with International Regulations?
Mention staying abreast of laws and standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Explain how you'd implement compliance checks, audit suppliers, and provide training to ensure adherence across the supply chain.
10. Can You Explain the Significance of Supply Chain Visibility?
Emphasise how visibility enables better decision-making, risk management, and customer satisfaction. Describe the use of technology, such as blockchain and IoT devices, to track products and information flows in real time, enhancing transparency and responsiveness.
