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JOB DUTIES  

Logistics Analysts use analytical and quantitative methods to understand and predict logistics processes.  They are responsible for the entire life cycle of a product - when it is purchased, how it is to be distributed, within the factory and after the manufacturing of the product.  They are responsible for assembling data, analyzing performance, identifying problems and developing recommendations that support the cost effective movement of materials supplying the industrial establishment and the movement of products to the customer. 

Logistics Analysts may:             

Analyze mathematical modeling using software programs to assist managerial decision making             

Calculate risks and perform "what if" analyses with multiple conditions and scenarios

Work with sales, operations, and other departments to develop concepts to support corporate strategy

Prepare presentations, agendas and frequent reports on value generation and performance metrics

Analyze inbound supply plans and costs by mode of transportation, product and location

Calculate and analyze volume, weight, and frequency to determine the most cost efficient transportation mode of parts coming to a plant

Develop materials and flow charts to support effective guidelines for inbound logistics 

Study problems and develop solutions for snags in the inbound supply chain by implementing logistics designs

Negotiate contracts with supplier companies or freight companies

Review contract compliance of carriers such as trucking companies, rail systems, or air carriers

Coordinate schedules for deliveries and other activities     

Track assets, modifications, phase-out activities, and disposal of systems

Plan purchases of material handling equipment for efficient warehousing

Understand the flow of products and information among nations, cultures and regulatory situations in a global economy

Prepare documents related to customs clearance, banking and export documentation for importing and exporting goods

Analyze global or domestic factors related to currency, culture, embargoes, politics, rates and tariffs

Understand and use ISO (International Organization for Standardization) requirements

Use inventory management to control company costs

Develop and implement computer systems for logistics and materials importation

Arrange for disposal or recycling of materials from the manufacturing process

Click here  to watch a brief video on Logistics Analysts!

Tools, equipment, work aids, and materials used by Logistics Analysts may include:

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

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OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

019.167-010 LOGISTICIANS OR LOGISTICS ENGINEERS direct and coordinate program activities designed to provide sub-contractors, management and customers with logistics technology that ensures effective and economical support concerned for manufacturing or servicing or products, systems or equipment.

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Logistic Analysts are employed by carriers, manufacturers, logistic service providers or other supply chain organizations.   They must have strong quantitative and analytical skills and be familiar with production planning such as JIT-"just-in time," which reduces warehouse costs because parts arrive - just-in time - for manufacturing or MRP- Materials Requirements Planning - another system of inventory management.  They must have a broad range of computer skills-database, spreadsheet, statistics applications and logistics software packages.   MS Office Suite, Excel, and Lotus spreadsheets are almost always required.   Expertise in ERP -Enterprise Resource Planning software or such as SAP, BAAN or other Supply Change Management Software Certifications is frequently required by companies when they are advertising jobs for logistics personnel.  The advent of RFID--radio frequency identification coding, frequently called "bar coding", has meant much more accurate tracking of supplies and products.  RFID has also helped with inventory of products within retail stores and in warehouses. The U.S. Department of Defense is requiring RFID tags for certain classes of shipments and the large retailer Wal-mart is also requiring its suppliers to use RFID.  These tags provide easy access to information about equipment from a remote location.  The RFID information is vast and must also interact with receiving computer systems and system architecture.   Logistics Analysts must be familiar with the software and hardware for RFID systems.

Logistic Analysts must understand contracts and tariffs and be self starters.  They must have high-level communication skills and be drivers of change within the organization.  Ability to handle people is important in this job. Many people begin their careers in logistics as analysts.   There they learn the complexity of moving goods through the supply chain and how to monitor current processes and develop improvements.  The Logistics Analyst must have excellent project management skills and exceptional writing and presentation skills. After critical analysis of the problems, analysts develop reports and present findings to management or to clients.

Career paths may vary for this job.  Some analysts come from within the organization.  Others start after bachelor degrees right out of college.  Those with master's degrees may become associate consultants. The key is to be able to use critical reasoning and math skills and to work well with the company teams.  Analysts must be comfortable with travel and with deadlines. 

In the global economy there is need for International Logistics Analysts.   Fluency in a foreign language may be a required skill.  Knowledge of international commerce, banking issues, customs regulations, and sales and payment terms and the appreciation of difference cultures are critical for international logistics.

Companies may require certification.  There are several associations that offer certifications.  Click here  f or a list of organizations that offer certifications for Logistics Analysts.

You Should Prefer

• Communicating ideas or information to other people

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic
   
• Influence others in their judgments about ideas or things

• Perceive details in written materials or tables

• Plan, direct, and control the activities of others

• Perform effectively under stress
   
• Communicate both orally and in writing

• Make decisions based on personal judgment

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve: 

Perform statistical modeling, analysis and reporting of logistics and depot operational volumes, moves and costs.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Reading manuals which describe importation and exportation requirements.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce: 

Write letters to supplier companies regarding delays in shipments.          

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to determine the least expensive way for your company to have just-in-time deliveries for the manufacturing of parts.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) typically in Business Administration, Accounting or Logistics or Industrial Engineering, or a Master's in Business Administration, Operations Management, or Logistics (five to six years of study beyond high school).  The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

Courses and programs under the heading of Logistics may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

170 TRANSPORTATION & DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT

Programs in Logistics Management provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment planning, managing, and operating systems to acquire and transport materials and convey people to desired destinations according to schedule. Individuals who teach distributive education at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Industrial Management

Advanced Studies in Global Logistics

Transportation & Distribution Systems

Integrated Supply Management

Business Logistics

National Transportation Plans & Policies

Management of Logistics

Purchasing Management

Operations and Sourcing Management

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Information on careers in logistics can be found for various services at the following websites:

For training in logistics consider the U.S. Army Quartermaster Center and School  in Ft. Lee, Virginia, and the Defense Logistics Agency  in various locations. Click on careers in the military.com to see the types of Transportation, Logistics and Supply personnel in the military. Also click on the following link -- http://www.acq.osd.mil/log/sci/education.htm -- to see both on-line courses in Supply Chain Integration and universities offering programs in supply chain management.

E-Learning Courses and Programs              

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

 School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

internships

volunteer work with an employer in its logistics department

The most common method of becoming a Logistics Analyst is to apply directly to companies.  Assistance in locating a job may be obtained from college placement offices. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services. 

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Nationally, in mid 2009, Logistic Analysts earned:

In the Great Lakes States including Michigan, Logistics Analysts earned (mid 2009):

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally in 2006, there were about 83,400 persons employed in Logistics.  Employment of Logistics Analysts is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016.  The industry distribution is as follows:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

According to government data, there were more than 5,600 Logistics Analysts employed in Michigan in 2008.  Michigan is the state with the highest concentration of workers in logistics.  There are many job listings for this type of employment in civilian and in military capacity.  Many people who receive training in the military for logistics frequently use their logistics expertise to secure civilian employment.  There are also many civilian jobs in the logistics area of federal government.

Globalization has been a factor in the growth of this occupation since it has increased the amount of shipments to the U.S. from foreign manufacturers.  Logistics analysts with foreign language skills may be sought after by employers doing business in foreign countries.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth