CAREER ADVICE 

Supplying the Demand

We’ve seen the Internet change the way businesses promote sales and the way people buy things. EBAY, other on-line auctions and specialty web sites such as Volkswagen’s site to sell their Beetles are examples of how people buy products.  We don’t even have to leave the comfort of our home. 

But, there is a part of business that has not changed—products are manufactured in one location and buyers still need to be able to receive the products they have purchased.  That part is the physical movement of raw materials and components to the manufacturers and also the movement of goods from the manufacturer to the consumer.  Moving the goods is accomplished through a complex distribution network system, or supply chain.  Getting the goods moved through the supply chain—the delivery of goods—can account for as much as 20 percent of the price you pay for an item.

Virtually all business activity involves a complex network of people, equipment and other resources working together to supply goods and services to consumers and businesses.  As we look at the greater Cedar Rapids area, one must not overlook the fact that there is an enormous amount of products moving in and out of the region both domestically within the United States and internationally.

How is all this movement of goods accomplished?  This movement of goods requires the expertise of a person known as a Supply Chain Manager, sometimes also known as a Logistics Manager.  The Supply Chain Manager must be skilled at understanding how railroad, trucking, ocean and air carriers operate.  Specific laws govern each of these transportation modes and understanding how to comply is essential.  Complying with government-regulated safety laws and export/import regulations is mandatory.  The Supply Chain Manager must also be aware of special laws that regulate the movement of hazardous or regulated materials.   Experience in working with all of these issues is very important to being successful in this career.  Teamwork, listening, math, communication, negotiation and reading skills are all necessary for success.

Mr. Dan Curran is Facilities Manager for Worley Distribution Systems Inc (DSI).  Worley is a Cedar Rapids based warehousing and logistics solutions company.  Worley DSI provides exclusive warehousing and logistics services for Procter & Gamble’s Iowa City production network.  Worley handles inbound goods deployed from other Procter & Gamble’s production facilities as well as the Iowa City produced products.  The warehouse and distribution center network challenges are to balance the flow of products to deliver the “World Class” products that Procter & Gamble produce in the same condition to the consumer as they were when they are produced. 

Whether you target Transportation, Computer Science, Radio Frequency (RF) Technology, Business Administration, Management, International Law, Customer Service, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Safety, or Security Services, the Logistics field has opportunities for you.  I find the career path I’ve taken to be challenging, intensely rewarding, and continually changing.

You might wonder how to prepare for this exciting career.  Mr. Curran recommends that a well-rounded background of work experience is beneficial to success, although discipline specific education is equally valuable.  He worked on the railroad for more than 20 years in operations where he had the responsibility for segments of railroad operations.  This experience moved his career path into marketing and customer service.  While involved in customer service with the railroads, he worked very closely with customers all over North America to help them develop realistic operating layouts and service plans.  Since joining Worley DSI, Curran has continued to build on his base of customer-focused, service-oriented relationships. He has worked in many countries in Asia and South America to develop relationships with the international business partners.

Mr. Curran says “The bottom line is that the supply chain continues to change and challenges all involved in getting products from one location to another.  The application of changing technology provides a person with almost unlimited opportunity in career growth.  Within the supply chain, there are jobs that require a minimum of high school; many require a college degree, work-related experience or advanced academic certification.  The field is growing, the technology is advancing and consumers are becoming more demanding.  I would recommend this as a career path because it is exciting, challenging, rewarding and always changing.”

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