Logistics analyst

Description

Logistics analysts streamline product manufacturing, transportation, storage and distribution. They assess production and supply chain problems to determine economically efficient solutions. They assists company managers in decision-making processes and direct programs designed to provide subcontractors, managers and customers with logistic technology.

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to logistics analyst:

distribution consultant
logistics and supply chain analyst
logistics consultant
distribution and logistics consultant
distribution analyst
distribution and logistics analyst
logistics and distribution analyst
analyst of logistics
supply chain analyst
supply chain consultant

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as logistics analyst. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Logistics analyst is a Skill level 4 occupation.

Logistics analyst career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to logistics analyst.

logistics engineer
logistics and distribution manager
aviation communications and frequency coordination manager
business economics researcher
intermodal logistics manager

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of logistics analyst. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of logistics analyst with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of logistics analyst.

Theory of constraints: Know the theory of constraints (TOC) and pursue maximum efficiency of equipment, in order to increase output of the supply chain and company profit.
Green logistics: Know about green logistics, in which significant efforts are made to minimise the ecological impact of logistics activities.
Supply chain management: The flow of goods in the supply chain, movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of logistics analyst.

Work in an economically efficient manner: Perform work processes as efficiently as possible, avoiding the waste of materials, time, and energy as much as possible.
Maintain logistics databases: Maintain databases accessible to users in the logistics and storage sub-sector.
Support development of annual budget: Support the development of the annual budget by producing base data as defined by the operations budget process.
Perform system analysis: Execute system analyses and calculate to what extent changes could affect outcomes.
Understand supply chain improvements in relation to profit gains: Interpret how the supply chain improvements will impact company profits. Intensify the improvement in those processes that will streamline the supply chain most effectively while generating most profit.
Use methods of logistical data analysis: Read and interpret supply chain and transportation data. Analyse the reliability and availability of findings by using methods such as data mining, data modelling and cost-benefit analysis.
Enhance production workflow: Enhance the product workflow by analysing and developing logistics plans that impact production as well as distribution.
Detect bottlenecks: Identify bottlenecks in the supply chain.
Maintain freight rate databases: Develop and maintain freight rate databases for use by supply chain departments in order to determine and adopt the most cost-efficient modes of transportation.
Analyse supply chain strategies: Examine an organisation’s planning details of production, their expected output units, quality, quantity, cost, time available and labour requirements. Provide suggestions in order to improve products, service quality and reduce costs.
Review distribution management procedures: Develop and review distribution procedures in order to minimise expenditures and maximise customer satisfaction.
Analyse supply chain trends: Analyse and make predictions about trends and evolutions in supply chain operations in relation to technology, efficiency systems, types of products shipped, and logistical requirements for shipments, in order to remain at the forefront of supply chain methodologies.
Analyse transport business networks: Analyse various transport business networks in order to organise the most efficient setting of modes of transport. Analyse those networks that aim to achieve lowest costs and maximum efficiency.
Use specific data analysis software: Use specific software for data analysis, including statistics, spreadsheets, and databases. Explore possibilities in order to make reports to managers, superiors, or clients.
Manage logistics pricing systems: Manage logistics pricing systems; ensure that prices adequately reflect costs.
Consider economic criteria in decision making: Develop proposals and take appropriate decisions taking into account economic criteria.
Develop efficiency plans for logistics operations: Elaborate and implement plans in order to increase efficiency and reduce waste during logistics operations.
Liaise with logistics management teams: Communicate with logistics management in order to optimise service levels; optimise the supply chain while keeping expenditures at a minimum.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of logistics analyst. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Evolution of economic forecasts: The ecological and economical changes in society and the way these factors evolved during the past, present and future economic forecasts.
Online analytical processing: The online tools which analyse, aggregate and present multi-dimensional data enabling users to interactively and selectively extract and view data from specific points of view.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of logistics analyst. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Perform data analysis: Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
Execute analytical mathematical calculations: Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
Think analytically: Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Show confidence: Demonstrate degrees of maturity by fully understanding one’s own qualities and abilities which can serve as sources of confidence in different situations.
Perform ict troubleshooting: Identify problems with servers, desktops, printers, networks, and remote access, and perform actions which solve the problems.
Have computer literacy: Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
Assess risk factors: Determine the influence of economical, political and cultural risk factors and additional issues.
Communicate analytical insights: Obtain analytical insights and share them with relevant teams, in order to enable them to optimise supply chain (SC) operations and planning.
Plan self-organisation: Identify the necessary tasks and prioritise them in order to develop an individual schedule and perform the work in an autonomous way, ensuring that the requirements are met.

ISCO group and title

2141 – Industrial and production engineers

 

 


 

 

References
  1. Logistics analyst – ESCO
Last updated on August 8, 2022