Emerging SCM Roles- Supply Chain Business Analyst

July 26, 2023

An emerging Supply Chain Management (SCM) role has not yet been fully developed and defined but is anticipated to become more critical in the future. Supply chain business analysts are one such role.

A supply chain business analyst is an individual who analyzes the flow of goods and services within a company's supply chain. This can include determining what products are needed, how much inventory should be kept on hand, and how much it will cost to produce them.

Many companies have begun hiring supply chain business analysts as they realize how important it is to have someone who can effectively manage their businesses' supply chains.

What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply chain management (SCM) is the process of managing supply and demand in a company. SCM professionals work with a company's suppliers, customers, internal departments, and other stakeholders to ensure that products are delivered on time and reasonably priced. Companies across all industries rely on SCM to ensure that they have enough products available at the right time, so every organization must understand how SCM works.

Who is a Supply Chain Business Analyst?

A supply chain business analyst is an employee who analyzes data from supply chains to help companies make better business decisions. These analysts may work within their own organization or for an outside company that provides services such as analytics or consulting. Supply chain business analysts must have strong analytical skills and be able to use data efficiently to help organizations improve their SCM processes.

Supply chain business analysts are experts in the customer lifecycle, from identifying new customers to improving their experience with the company. The supply chain business analyst works with marketing, sales, and customer service teams to coordinate their efforts and ensure the optimal customer experience. The supply chain business analyst also helps develop strategies that optimize costs and increase revenue.

Become a Certified Business Analyst
Become a Certified Business Analyst

Skills needed to become a supply chain business analyst

To become a supply chain business analyst, you must be able to understand how to collect data from different sources and how those data points relate to one another. 

Supply chain business analysts require various tools and techniques to provide the best possible service to their clients.

  1. The first tool is a knowledge of the supply chain process, from manufacturing all the way through to delivery. A true supply chain business analyst will know how each step in this process affects the others and how it impacts the final cost of goods sold (COGS).
  2. Second, a supply chain business analyst needs to be able to create visual representations of data. This can include charts, graphs, and more complex visualizations such as dashboards and interactive maps.
  3. Third, a supply chain business analyst needs to have strong communication skills. They will often be required to prepare presentations for senior management or even board members; therefore, they need to be able to clearly explain complex concepts in simple language so that everyone can understand what they are talking about.
  4. Fourth, a supply chain business analyst needs excellent analytical skills to make sense of all the data they collect during their research phase and then turn it into actionable insights that can help inform strategic decisions within their organization (or client's organization).

It is essential that you know about various software programs used by businesses today, such as Microsoft Excel and Tableau Software, because this software will use them in conducting your research on the company’s current supply chain processes.

You will also need excellent Data analysis and reporting skills, strong interpersonal skills, Knowledge of various business processes, and some knowledge of statistical modelling techniques such as regression analysis or linear programming (LP).

Tools and techniques required of a supply chain business analyst 

Supply chain business analysts use various tools and techniques to make sure their supply chain is running like clockwork.

The first tool that a supply chain business analyst will use is a computer. They will use their computer to manage the data from the company's supply chain data, which includes sales, production, inventory, and any other information that is relevant to the business's operations.

Supply chain business analysts also use software programs such as Microsoft Excel to analyze this data and make recommendations for improvement.

In addition to using computers and software programs, supply chain business analysts may also use other tools such as spreadsheets or databases. Supply chain business analysts can use these tools to track information about customers and vendors. The supply chain business analyst can use them to compile reports on the progress of the company's operations over time.

Conclusion 

Supply chain business analysts are in high demand. Their expertise is sought after by organizations of all sizes, and they can command a high salary.

In this article, we've looked at the role of the supply chain business analyst and discussed how their skills are valuable in the modern world. 

As you can see, a lot is going on in this field. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a supply chain business analyst, or if you just want to get ahead of the curve and learn about new opportunities in this area, now is definitely the time to start exploring!

Latest Articles

All Articles

Top 5 Soft Skills You Can Transfer Into Business Analysis

This article will show you top 5 soft skills you can transfer into business analysis and help you to grow in your career. This is very crucial.

Business Analysis

How to write a winning business analysis resume in 5 easy steps

This article will show you how to write a winning business analysis resume in 5 easy steps. This steps are crucial to help you land your dream job.

Business Analysis

5 ways to balance your busy schedule with a business analysis course

There are five ways to balance your busy schedule with a business analysis course. This crucial especially if you are starting a business or looking to migrate.

Business Analysis