Logistics and Supply Chain Management Specialisations
Planning and Product Design
The supply chain management system begins with a proposal and synthesised production plan that satisfies consumer demand. Interns will observe how the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process is derived and how the branding of a product comes to life. Professionals in this stage of supply chain must reflect on performance feedback to create actionable strategies that affect the other components of supply chain management such as evaluating industry-specific metrics to meet enterprise goals.
Purchasing and Sourcing
Supply chain management interns situated in the purchasing department handle raw material required as input for manufacturing customer orders. Skills developed in this area of the industry include communication, negotiation and creativity. Assessments of the supplier which are selected and contracted, are needed to monitor key processes in the phases of ordering, inventory management, financial planning and the overall maintenance of relationships.
Manufacturing and Operations
In the operations function of the company, interns can recognise how raw materials are transformed into refined products. Continuous monitoring and quality control are assessed to measure product output and worker productivity, allowing the business to make appropriate adjustments to improve efficiency and profitability.
Logistics: Raw materials, resources, machine capital and finished product are moved to warehouses and storage while checked for quantity accuracy and quality maintenance. Logistics and supply chain management interns in this area may be exposed to first-hand experience and activities in liaison. This may include communication with various service providers to outsource logistical needs, ease delivery processes, acquire specialist handling and expand overall business-reach.
Customer Service
The feedback loop is crucial to the continuous improvement of the business. Customer service is provided hand-in-hand with the sale of products to enhance quality assurance. This dictates the materials and products needed to be fulfilled by the production facility, within the considerations of ethical and regulatory concerns. Logistics and supply chain management interns in this field will observe how metrics monitor the company’s efficiency in creating product appeal to consumers within societal obligations and offering measures of responsive grievances.
Inbound Logistics
This field is managed by logistical managers who oversee and manage supplier relationships, raw materials, resource cost negotiations and product distribution channels. Material management is needed to control incoming tools, raw materials and goods made for operational processes and manufacturing facilities. In the field of logistics and supply chain management, interns may find themselves observing tactics employed for client-management, effective communication and strategic thinking.
Outbound Logistics
Outbound logistics managers focus on the storage and transportation of end products to vendors at the end of the supply chain. Interns in this area may find themselves observing the warehousing techniques essential for stock and storage upkeep, and the logistical concerns surrounding a streamlined flow of materials. Candidates will do so by referring to their theories and knowledge attained in their studies, taking into consideration quantities and transport chains needed for competitive and advantageous upkeep.