What does a logistics associate do?

A demand planner specializes in conducting research and analysis to develop forecast models that will help determine a supply chain's demands. They are also responsible for monitoring the inventory of products, maintaining knowledge and awareness on the latest trends, producing progress reports and presentations, establishing demand plans, and detecting any changes in the forecast, reporting them to management right away. Furthermore, as a demand planner, it is essential to coordinate with everyone in the team, all while adhering to the company's policies and standards.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a logistics associate are more likely to require skills like "standard operating procedure," "cycle counts," "physical inventory," and "shipping receiving." On the other hand, a job as a demand planner requires skills like "supply chain," "logistics," "strong analytical," and "continuous improvement." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

A supply planner is primarily in charge of maintaining a company's inventory of supplies, ensuring all are sufficient and efficient. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring and counting the inventory, maintaining accurate records, reviewing receipts and other documentation, anticipating product demands, and liaising with vendors and suppliers. Should there be any supply emergencies or issues, one must visit manufacturers or suppliers. There may also be instances where one has to lift products and propose changes in the inventory processes.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that logistics associate responsibilities requires skills like "standard operating procedure," "cycle counts," "physical inventory," and "shipping receiving." But a supply planner might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "supply chain," "logistics," "demand planning," and "continuous improvement."

The job of supply chain planners, or logisticians, is to plan, develop, and schedule project management tools in support of an organization's operations. They are responsible for managing and monitoring inventories, forecasting production and sales levels, and tracking response time and delivery performance. Other duties include analyzing the levels of finished products, developing and monitoring production plans, and generating reports. Supply chain planners are also responsible for supervising other team members and ensuring that customer service best practices are followed.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a logistics associate is likely to be skilled in "standard operating procedure," "cycle counts," "physical inventory," and "pallet jack," while a typical supply chain planner is skilled in "supply chain," "supply chain planning," "logistics," and "continuous improvement."

A planning specialist is responsible for monitoring the project management procedures of an organization's operations, ensuring that the team meets budget goals and deadline deliverables. Planning specialists coordinate with suppliers and other third-party vendors for materials needed in the operations, as well as inspecting the efficiency and performance of equipment to prevent delays. They also manage the team's adherence to production schedule, task delegations, and output deliveries. A planning specialist must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing progress reports and performing other related administrative duties.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between logistics associates and planning specialists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a logistics associate might have more use for skills like "standard operating procedure," "cycle counts," "physical inventory," and "shipping receiving." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of planning specialists require skills like "logistics," "project management," "data analysis," and "continuous improvement. "