Logistics & Automation and Logistics Forum highlight the importance of logistics talent in today’s time of change and uncertainty

To this end, for the second year in a row they are developing a space dedicated 100% to talent at LOGTALENT, the 2023 edition of Logistics & Automation.

Logistics is constantly facing new challenges that are becoming increasingly complex, challenges such as the management of increasingly complex global supply chains, changes in demand and customer expectations, the need for logistics to be increasingly sustainable and responsible with its environment, generational change and immigration problems, among many others that are and will be appearing.

In this context of permanent change and maximum uncertainty, each company and sector faces, in addition to the general challenges, its own specific challenges, but in general there is one aspect that is common to all of them: it is essential to have trained and updated professionals to face these challenges and guarantee success in logistics management.

One of the main challenges facing the logistics sector today is the shortage of qualified personnel. As companies seek to optimise their operations and/or digitise their processes and expand internationally, the need for logistics experts becomes increasingly crucial. However, finding professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge can be difficult today. If we add to this situation the progressive ageing of the working population in Europe, and consequently in Spain, the problem becomes more acute throughout the productive economy in general, and in logistics in particular. In the logistics sector alone, it is estimated that more than 500,000 people will be needed in the next 15 years, according to a study carried out by Caixa Bank and Foro de Logística in 2022. There is no doubt that Talent is the “new oil” in today’s society.

The effect of this shortage of talent can be minimised with sectoral and business measures that, on the one hand, attract young people to Logistics, and on the other hand, promote diversity, mainly by facilitating the incorporation of women and encouraging the inclusion of groups with other physical and cognitive abilities. This will undoubtedly improve the image and reputation of the logistics sector.

Another important challenge is the adaptation to technological developments. Modern logistics relies heavily on automated systems, artificial intelligence and data analysis. This requires logistics professionals to be up-to-date with the latest trends and to be able to efficiently use the available technological tools. Making the digital transition a success is one of the great challenges facing the logistics sector, as its survival depends on it, and people are the greatest guarantee of success.

In addition, managing logistics talent means dealing with staff turnover. The demanding and dynamic nature of logistics work can lead to a high turnover rate, making it difficult to retain talent. Companies must implement effective strategies to attract, recruit, train and motivate their logistics team in order to gain their loyalty and commitment to the development of their business.

Finally, logistics is facing a green transition of unimaginable limits, which involves finding ways to reduce carbon emissions, optimising routes to minimise environmental impacts and promoting ethical practices throughout the supply chain. Addressing this transition also requires professionals, talent, in short, who are trained and above all aware of the need and importance of environmental issues in their activity.

In short, logistics talent faces challenges such as the shortage of qualified personnel, adapting to technological advances, managing staff turnover, integrating women and excluded groups, and adapting to environmental needs. Overcoming these challenges is essential to ensure an efficient and competitive supply chain in the global market.

For all these reasons, Logistics Forum and LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION are once again committed to creating a specific space within the Madrid trade fair dedicated to “logistics talent”, LOGTALENT. A space where all these issues will be addressed in depth with CEOs and directors of major companies, experts in human resources, recruitment and training, logistics and operations managers, centres and universities, foundations with a social objective, in short, all those entities and people who can provide an overview of the situation, but above all solutions. We look forward to seeing you.

Gabino Diego Díaz

Founder and CEO of Foro de Logística