Cleo, a global leader in Ecosystem Integration software, has unveiled the findings from its second annual Supply Chain Jobs Report. The report analyzes publicly available supply chain job openings, revealing a significant gap between business goals for digital transformation and the actual software and technology skills required in these roles. Despite the growing importance of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data management in modern supply chains, these areas are noticeably underrepresented in job descriptions.
Key Findings from Cleo’s 2024 Supply Chain Jobs Report:
- Lack of Emphasis on Automation and AI:
- Only 6.5% of job openings mention “automation.”
- A mere 1.6% of job openings reference “artificial intelligence” or “AI.”
- Software Knowledge in Demand:
- 54.3% of supply chain jobs require some form of software knowledge.
- ERP Knowledge Underrepresented:
- Just 21.4% of roles require Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) knowledge, a critical technology in supply chain operations.
- Limited Focus on Data Management:
- Only 4.9% of jobs mention data management responsibilities, including terms like “data insights,” “data mining,” and “data-driven decision-making.”
- The Correlation Between Salary and Software Expertise:
- Higher pay is being offered for roles that require advanced software skills, indicating the value companies place on digital fluency.
The findings from Cleo’s report underscore a concerning trend within the supply chain industry. Despite the increasing need for digital-first strategies and advanced software tools, many job openings still prioritize traditional, manual processes. This discrepancy could hinder companies from achieving their digital transformation goals and maintaining long-term profitability. Organizations that fail to prioritize digital skills in job roles risk falling behind in the race for operational efficiency and resilience in the face of supply chain disruptions.
