The logistics sector is beset with serious problems that are undermining its ability to reach its potential. In my experience and my interactions with the logistics sector over all these years, the one underlining theme that keeps emerging is the poor quality of the manpower available. This is probably one of the most acute problems that have been weighing down the logistics sector, stifling its growth. The situation has reached such extreme that the sector is struggling to carry out its activities with any semblance of efficiency.
The workforce in the logistics sector comprises mostly of unskilled people with low educational qualification. It has from its earliest days been unable to attract highly qualified and talented people in to its fold. The sector has somehow been less attractive or glamorous for people to make their career in. This has something to do with the nature of work involved in logistics which is considered to be a menial job not requiring much skill and with no growth path.
Due to various reasons the logistics sector has been unable to evolve its work culture in keeping with the rapidly changing times.The players themselves have not had the strong will to bring about the changes required by rapidly advancing times. And of course there is also the lack of support by the Government in the development of the sector. All these factors added together have led the sector to a point where it finds itself struggling to attract talent and losing even the existing employees to more glamorous or high paying jobs.
How can this trend be reversed, is the rhetorical question being raised by the logistics sector. Though nothing significant has been done over the years to improve the situation, recently I have come across efforts being undertaken by certain groups within the sector in India to find some working solutions for the problem. Several associations of the sector in Mumbai and other parts of India have started training programs to educate their employees and equip them with better knowledge of the industry. This is one of the several initiatives undertaken to improve the quality of the employees in the sector and improve the overall standard.
There are more such ways in which the sector can propagate knowledge and increase awareness of their members. Seminars with interactive sessions can be conducted where people from the sector can put forth their problems and discuss common solutions. The various associations of the logistics fraternity can come together to provide insights about leading industry practices and trends, as well as facilitate networking and knowledge-exchange opportunities. Industry experts can be roped in to share their knowledge with people in a common forum where the attendees can also share knowledge and experience with each other. This can bring about more camaraderie among the members of the logistics community and create a deep rooted sense of belonging and pride while raising the standard and efficiency for the sector.
Only a concerted and joint effort from all stake holders in the sector can bring about a positive and long lasting change. Logistics sector is growing at fast pace and is deemed to be the sunshine industry of the near future. If companies wish to make the best of the opportunities that may come their way they have add the overall interests of the sector to their own self interest and work hand-in-hand with everyone to overhaul the sector to make it more attractive and promising to the best of talent. Empowering the sector with knowledge will go a long way in propelling it to greater heights.
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