What does a supply planner do?

A logistics specialist is a member of the workforce that handles the logistics procedures in a warehouse or similar establishment. A logistics specialist primarily functions in processing orders, preparing goods, receiving shipments, and even shipping deliveries, ensuring that all transactions are within the allotted schedule. Furthermore, they are in charge of overseeing that all shipments are aligned with the expected quality and quantity, maintaining an accurate record of inventory, producing reports, and coordinating with other members of the team. All while adhering to the policies and standards of the company.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between supply planners and logistics specialist. For instance, supply planner responsibilities require skills such as "supply chain," "logistics," "demand planning," and "continuous improvement." Whereas a logistics specialist is skilled in "customer service," "shipping receiving," "logistics support," and "management system." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Procurement analysts procure favorable contracts by acting as liaisons between suppliers and their employers. They are hired by organizations that rely on supply chain management to analyze and evaluate potential suppliers, prepare reports about monthly supply costs, and negotiate contracts. With good critical thinking skills, these procurement analysts who are also known as purchasing analysts, evaluate vendors and suppliers based on the speed of delivery, quality, and price. They use quantitative methods to support fact-based decision-making to become competitive and to ensure cost-efficiency and high quality of the products and services.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, supply planner responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "demand planning," "continuous improvement," and "supply plan." Meanwhile, a procurement analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "data analysis," "procurement policies," and "price analysis." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

A procurement agent develops profitable measures to save the client money and ensure the quality of goods supplied. Procurement agents obtain the purchased items through suppliers, monitor them, and expedite the orders. They oversee the activities and performance of the suppliers for compliance. Their duties include the verification of item receipts, resolving shipment-related problems, and authorizing purchase payments through documentation. The necessary skills for this job include being accomplished, decisive, and strong communication skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from supply planner resumes include skills like "demand planning," "supply plan," "master data," and "customer demand," whereas a procurement agent is more likely to list skills in "customer service," "project management," "supplier management," and "supplier selection. "

A purchasing agent's general task is keeping purchase records and making sure that there won't be any discrepancies with the handling of orders. The purchasing agent should be responsible for the order processing and payment collection. Purchasing agents should also be proficient in interpreting and evaluating data, researching on best marketing sources and alternatives, issuing required documentation for suppliers, as well as managing customer queries as needed. Being a purchasing agent requires critical-thinking skills in assessing concerns and providing solutions should there be any possible negotiation conflicts.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between supply planners and purchasing agents, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a supply planner might have more use for skills like "supply chain," "demand planning," "continuous improvement," and "supply plan." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of purchasing agents require skills like "customer service," "delivery dates," "rfq," and "inventory management. "