New e-learning course covers supply chain optimisation

AS THE forwarding industry moves into the supply chain management era, a new set of skills and expertise has become crucial.
"Forwarders are no longer selling rates but need an understanding of the client's business processes to get an idea of the value propositions it can offer," says Shaun Lake of e-learning company Global Trade Training.
"Our view is that the freight forwarder who can't add value in the chain of inventory movement will ultimately be squeezed out of the industry."
Addressing the dearth of training material available locally, GTT has introduced a two-part e-learning course.
Part one is an orientation programme in which the learner is exposed to the terminology of supply chain optimisation and methods used to analyse the chain.
Part two takes the concept one step further by teaching the learner to apply the methodologies of analysis. They learn to do an analysis, to assess the company's needs, to look at weaknesses in the chain, and to demonstrate how much money can be saved, so that rates are not an issue.
"Supply chain optimisation takes the forwarder out of the rats and mice fight over rates and strengthens the partnership between customer and service provider," says Lake.
The courses are designed for business development specialists, but Lake believes that the sales force also needs to be aware of and understand the concept.
The training is internet-based. The orientation course is designed as a 6-week option, while the second course lasts 10 weeks.
"It's practical all the way, leading the learner through the process of analysing, doing research and formulating opinions."
Mentors from within the industry provide guidance and input.
"One of the goals," says Lake, "is that when they come out of the training, they will be exposed in the real working environment to similar tasks to those already completed."
GTT was set up last year by joint directors Shaun Lake and Charles Dey to provide e-learning training in all aspects of the freight industry.