Supply Chain Management
Saras Kapoor | Logistics Executive | Toyota TsushoWhat is Supply Chain Management?
A Career in Supply Chain Management is very intriguing. One should first understand What a Career in Supply Chain Management entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in Supply Chain Management. The most authoritative source of information on Supply Chain Management is someone with real experience in it.
With 4 years & 1 month of professional experience, Logistics Executive Saras Kapoor understands Supply Chain Management. Logistics Executive Saras Kapoor outlines Supply Chain Management as:
Supply chain management (SCM) is the broad range of activities required to plan, control and execute a product's flow, from acquiring raw materials and production through distribution to the final customer, in the most streamlined and cost-effective way possible.
How Logistics Executive Saras Kapoor got into Supply Chain Management?
I did BBA from Galgotias University and pursuing JLPTN5 from MIJL. In 2015, I started working at NNR Global Logistics and since 2017, I am working at Toyota Tsusho as Logistics Executive.
Logistics Executive Saras Kapoor's Talk on Supply Chain Management |
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The Journey of a Supply Chain Manager: Insights from Saras Kapoor on Careers in Logistics Saras Kapoor, a dedicated professional in the field of Supply Chain Management, offers a unique glimpse into her career path and the intricacies of the logistics industry. With a solid educational background in Business Administration focused on Supply Chain Management, she brings her expertise to a leading automotive player, Toyota. In this article, we will explore what Supply Chain Management entails, the educational requirements, essential skills, the benefits of the profession, the associated challenges, and an overview of her daily responsibilities. What Is Supply Chain Management? Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a critical aspect of modern business that ensures the efficient flow of goods from suppliers to end customers. It encompasses everything from logistics and procurement to inventory management and distribution. The primary goal is to deliver products on time while maximizing customer satisfaction and maintaining sustainability. As Saras emphasizes, effective SCM minimizes obstacles in the delivery process, allowing for seamless transactions that benefit both suppliers and customers alike. Education Understanding Shipping Eco Terms is essential for anyone entering the field of Supply Chain Management. These terms dictate the responsibilities and obligations of both suppliers and customers, influencing how goods are transported and paid for internationally. Familiarity with acronyms like CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), FOB (Free on Board), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is crucial for ensuring compliance and smooth operations. Knowledge of International Payment Terms is pivotal in managing transactions within the global marketplace. Professionals in SCM must navigate various payment methods, such as Letters of Credit (LC) and DAP (Delivery at Place), to facilitate cross-border transactions effectively. This understanding aids in securing timely payments and maintaining strong relationships with international suppliers. A firm grasp of import and export policies is vital for success in this field. Professionals must familiarize themselves with customs regulations, documentation requirements, and the procedures for clearing goods at seaports and dry ports. This knowledge helps avoid legal complications and delays in the supply chain, ensuring that material handling complies with local and international laws. Economics plays a significant role in Supply Chain Management, influencing how global markets operate and impact material flow. A strong foundation in economic principles is necessary for understanding market dynamics and making informed decisions that can affect supply chain strategies and efficiencies. Saras highlights the importance of having knowledge of business law in Supply Chain Management. This competency is instrumental in navigating compliance and regulatory challenges while engaging with customs agents and company secretaries during daily operations. Understanding legal frameworks can significantly reduce operational flaws and enhance overall project management. Having expertise in sea trade routes and global geographical aspects is another essential element. As trade often involves international shipping, knowledge of shipping routes, timing, and logistics can optimize delivery schedules and minimize delays, ultimately improving service levels. In an increasingly globalized market, knowing a foreign language offers a competitive advantage in Supply Chain Management. Proficiency in languages such as Japanese, Mandarin, or Dutch can facilitate better communication with international partners and stakeholders, thereby enhancing collaboration and opportunities in multinational companies. Saras emphasizes that understanding SAP (Systems Applications and Products) is critical for supply chain professionals. It streamlines processes related to procurement, inventory management, and distribution, making day-to-day tasks more manageable. Familiarity with SAP allows for better data management and operational efficiency, which are crucial in the fast-paced logistics environment. Effective warehouse and distribution management expertise ensures that goods are stored and transported efficiently. Knowledge in this area enhances the ability to coordinate the movement of products through various points in the supply chain while reducing costs and improving service delivery. Skills Strong negotiation skills are paramount in Supply Chain Management. Whether negotiating with vendors for better pricing or working with freight forwarders to secure favorable shipping terms, the ability to communicate effectively and advocate for your organization can drive down costs and improve profitability. A comprehensive understanding of material management is critical for ensuring that the right products are available at the right time. Professionals with specialized knowledge in handling specific types of products, especially those with regulatory implications, can significantly improve compliance and operational success. Excellent communication skills are necessary in Supply Chain Management, as professionals often interact with diverse global teams and stakeholders. Effective communication fosters collaboration and helps to navigate the complexities of international logistics, which are essential for project success. The ability to manage vendors is a key component of SCM, requiring individuals to source and maintain relationships with multiple suppliers simultaneously. Balancing these relationships while ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness can contribute to overall efficiency in the supply chain. Time management is critical in ensuring timely delivery and reducing inventory costs. Professionals must be adept at prioritizing tasks and responsibilities to prevent delays that could halt production or disrupt service lines, which is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction. Positives Working within Supply Chain Management provides professionals with the opportunity to engage with a global community. Saras points out that this exposure broadens one's understanding of different cultures and practices around the world, enriching both personal and professional experiences. For travel enthusiasts, a career in Supply Chain Management often involves frequent travel. Staff members routinely visit suppliers and customers, providing not only professional engagement but also personal exploration and understanding of diverse markets. The field of Supply Chain Management is ripe with growth opportunities. As organizations expand and the demand for skilled professionals rises, individuals who demonstrate expertise and adaptability can quickly progress within their careers, including the potential to transition into roles within multinational corporations. Challenges Staying abreast of rapidly changing government policies is a significant challenge faced by supply chain professionals. Frequent shifts in tax structures and trade regulations, like new e-invoicing requirements, necessitate continual learning and adaptation to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness. The complex landscape of customs compliance requires ongoing attention to various products and the legal implications they carry. As Saras notes, an intricate understanding of customs regulations is essential for minimizing risks related to penalties and delays in the supply chain. Trade conflicts, such as those seen recently between major economies like the US and China, can disrupt supply chains significantly. These conflicts often lead to increased duties and supply shortages, necessitating supply chain professionals to be adaptable and proactive in their responses to maintain flow and minimize impact. Environmental concerns present an ongoing challenge for Supply Chain Management professionals. As they work to mitigate the impact of their operations on natural resources, awareness and application of sustainable practices become increasingly vital within their strategies to align with broader societal expectations. A Day Of A typical day for a logistic executive in Supply Chain Management, as described by Saras, begins with early morning preparations at the office, often before 9 a.m. Responding to correspondence, addressing pending calls, and collaborating with colleagues sets the pace for a productive day, which is followed by negotiating with shipping lines and managing vendor relationships. Maintaining proper communication about material status ensures the seamless running of operations, demonstrating the multi-faceted nature of a logistics career. In conclusion, a career in Supply Chain Management offers a dynamic and rewarding path for those looking to immerse themselves in the complexities of global logistics. As demonstrated by professionals like Saras Kapoor, the blend of educational background, essential skills, and real-world experiences equips individuals to thrive in this fast-paced environment. The importance of SCM cannot be overstated, as it directly influences a company's ability to meet consumer demands and succeed in a competitive marketplace. | |
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How to get into
Supply Chain Management?
If you are want to get into Supply Chain Management, start by investing in a Career Plan.
The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Supply Chain Management is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.
Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Supply Chain Management, what education and skills you need to succeed in Supply Chain Management, and what positives and challenges you will face in Supply Chain Management.
Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Supply Chain Management.
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Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.
LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.
Links for this Talk
LifePage Career Talk on Supply Chain Management

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/supply-chain-management

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20190304-0003

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuxX7ef80SE
(Supply Chain Management, Saras Kapoor, Toyota Tsusho, Logistics Executive, Logistics Management, Logistics)
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