Logistics Analysts

Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Examples

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.

Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $44K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $57K
Median Salary: $76K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $98K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $122K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Maintain databases of logistics information.

Communicate with or monitor service providers, such as ocean carriers, air freight forwarders, global consolidators, customs brokers, or trucking companies.

Remotely monitor the flow of vehicles or inventory, using Web-based logistics information systems to track vehicles or containers.

Reorganize shipping schedules to consolidate loads, maximize vehicle usage, or limit the movement of empty vehicles or containers.

Track product flow from origin to final delivery.

Interpret data on logistics elements, such as availability, maintainability, reliability, supply chain management, strategic sourcing or distribution, supplier management, or transportation.

Recommend improvements to existing or planned logistics processes.

Apply analytic methods or tools to understand, predict, or control logistics operations or processes.

Contact potential vendors to determine material availability.

Prepare reports on logistics performance measures.

Enter logistics-related data into databases.

Analyze logistics data, using methods such as data mining, data modeling, or cost or benefit analysis.

Maintain logistics records in accordance with corporate policies.

Monitor inventory transactions at warehouse facilities to assess receiving, storage, shipping, or inventory integrity.

Provide ongoing analyses in areas such as transportation costs, parts procurement, back orders, or delivery processes.

Confer with logistics management teams to determine ways to optimize service levels, maintain supply-chain efficiency, or minimize cost.

Contact carriers for rates or schedules.

Manage systems to ensure that pricing structures adequately reflect logistics costing.

Develop or maintain payment systems to ensure accuracy of vendor payments.

Compute reporting metrics, such as on-time delivery rates, order fulfillment rates, or inventory turns.

Develop or maintain freight rate databases for use by supply chain departments to determine the most economical modes of transportation.

Identify opportunities for inventory reductions.

Review procedures, such as distribution or inventory management, to ensure maximum efficiency or minimum cost.

Develop or maintain models for logistics uses, such as cost estimating or demand forecasting.

Monitor industry standards, trends, or practices to identify developments in logistics planning or execution.

Route or reroute drivers in real time with remote route navigation software, satellite linkup systems, or global positioning systems (GPS) to improve operational efficiencies.

Write or revise standard operating procedures for logistics processes.

Determine packaging requirements.

Enter carbon-output or environmental-impact data into spreadsheets or environmental management or auditing software programs.

Compare locations or environmental policies of carriers or suppliers to make transportation decisions with lower environmental impact.

Arrange for sale or lease of excess storage or transport capacity to minimize losses or inefficiencies associated with empty space.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Tableau
Data base reporting software
SAP Crystal Reports
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Development environment software
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Oracle Hyperion
Financial analysis software
Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
Graphics or photo imaging software
Microsoft Visio
Inventory management software
Inventory control software
Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
Oracle E-Business Suite Logistics
Object or component oriented development software
Advanced business application programming ABAP
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Pattern design software
Flow chart software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Communications Devices and Accessories
Multi-line telephone systems
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Laptop computers
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Photocopiers
Top 10 Knowledge Required
English Language
84%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics
78%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Transportation
77%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Mathematics
73%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Administration and Management
70%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Customer and Personal Service
69%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Education and Training
63%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Clerical
61%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Geography
61%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Production and Processing
61%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
80%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
80%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening
78%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Complex Problem Solving
78%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Monitoring
75%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking
75%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Systems Analysis
75%
Importance

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Systems Evaluation
75%
Importance

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Judgment and Decision Making
73%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Writing
68%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Top 10 Abilities
Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Near Vision
78%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Written Comprehension
78%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Deductive Reasoning
75%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
75%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Information Ordering
75%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Speech Recognition
75%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Mathematical Reasoning
73%
Importance

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Problem Sensitivity
73%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
91%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Analyzing Data or Information
89%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Getting Information
89%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
88%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
86%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Processing Information
86%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
85%
Importance

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
82%
Importance

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
80%
Importance

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
80%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Detailed Work Activities

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.

Analyze industry trends.

Maintain data in information systems or databases.

Develop business or financial information systems.

Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.

Obtain information about goods or services.

Monitor organizational processes.

Monitor inventories of products or materials.

Establish organizational guidelines or policies.

Prepare financial documents.

Advise others on logistics topics.

Analyze logistics processes.

Prepare operational reports.

Coordinate logistics or other business operations.

Apply mathematical models of financial or business conditions.

Develop financial analysis methods.

Discuss business strategies, practices, or policies with managers.

Calculate data to inform organizational operations.

Evaluate logistics methods to reduce environmental impact.

Execute sales or other financial transactions.

Work Context
Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

Education
Majors   based on the broader career Logisticians
Major
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Interests
Conventional
86%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Enterprising
62%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Investigative
48%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Realistic
39%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Artistic
19%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
19%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Analytical Thinking
89%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Integrity
89%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Dependability
88%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Attention to Detail
87%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Achievement/Effort
84%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Adaptability/Flexibility
83%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Cooperation
83%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Persistence
80%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Stress Tolerance
80%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Initiative
79%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Work Values
Achievement
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Independence
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Recognition
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Working Conditions
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Relationships
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Support
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.