Disruption in the supply chain and logistics industry is becoming increasingly complex, especially for freight forwarders who operate at the intersection of global trade, technology and regulatory frameworks.
This has become the norm in the industry.
But are our employees adapting to these disruptions and developing their skills and competencies to manage them?
It currently is a concerning risk for the employers across the industry to maintain their credibility in the industry if they do not invest in upskilling their employees and assist them in staying relevant and maintaining their own credibility as professionals.
This industry facilitates 90% of South Africa’s international trade and contributes significantly to the economy.
Having credible and professionally certified employees improves the management of the supply chain disruptions, thereby contributing to the efficacy and efficiency of international trade and ensuring money is not lost to the economy.
Some of the most prevalent supply chain disruptions currently identified include:
- Geopolitical instability – trade wars, sanctions, and shifting alliances disrupt traditional routes and regulations.
- Technological disruption – AI, blockchain, and IoT are transforming operations, but legacy systems and high costs hinder adoption.
- Sustainability pressures – stricter environmental regulations and customer demand for green logistics require major operational shifts.
- E-commerce growth – surge in online shopping demands faster, more flexible logistics, especially in last-mile delivery.
- Changing trade dynamics – emerging markets and regional trade agreements that reshape global supply chains.
We have identified how adaptive learning can be a game-changer in helping the industry pre-empt unforeseen disruptions. Adaptive learning within the South African context can be defined as a personalised approach to education that uses technology to tailor learning experiences to everyone’s needs, skills and pace.
It includes the following:
- Personalized pathways – learners get different questions, lessons or activities depending on their strengths and weaknesses.
- Data-driven insights – educators can track progress and identify areas where students need extra support.
- Scalable support – works well in classrooms, online platforms, and corporate training – helping large groups learn more effectively.
In partnership with the industry employer bodies, the following areas have been identified to address the supply chain disruptions and that require development of skills and competencies within the South African context:
- Forwarding control (logistics control)
- Customs brokering – SA Revenue Service and other government agencies (OGA) focus – regulatory environment
- Trade law
- Trade finance: trade finance, understand the building blocks
- Data and supply chain analysis – data analytics and AI (This aspect is critical, in that data available needs to be analysed, interpreted and used to adjust and respond to disruptions in the supply chain.)
- Client relationship – customer service
- Sales – encompassing a regulatory structure
- Cargo handling and warehouse controller
- Insurance and risk controller – including trading landscape
At the Institute for Customs and Freight Forwarding, we can assist employees with their journey to adaptive personalized learning towards professionalization. We can also provide recognition of knowledge and experience gained through their years of working in the industry, as many do not have qualifications or are certified.
Our customs and freight forwarding proficiency evaluation assists with identifying the strengths and weaknesses of individuals, and this supports training providers in personalizing their training for individuals.
For the employers, this leads to the effective spend of training budgets and ensures return on investment with credible, competent and professional employees.
