Filling the Void in the Manufacturing supply chain

From the July-August 2017 edition of Supply Chain Management Review.

July-August 2017

A few years ago, a Harvard Business Review cover posed the question: What’s the secret to winning in the global economy? The answer: Talent.

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Lest there be any doubt, women are going to be an important asset in the manufacturing supply chain going forward. That is among the conclusions of more than 600 survey responses from women professionals in the manufacturing industry, along with nearly 20 manufacturing executive interviews, conducted by the Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte and APICS.

The insights contained in this survey point to how companies can effectively recruit, retain and advance talented women in manufacturing, and illustrates ways that women in manufacturing are making an impact in the industry through programs like STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead.

The supply chain implications are clear industry experts says. “This study is an important step in understanding how we as an industry can make supply chain careers more attractive to women,” said Abe Eshkenazi, APICS chief executive officer. “At APICS, we are dedicated to workforce development initiatives that address the supply chain talent gap. Ensuring that more women join the manufacturing workforce and find a path to success is a key part of the solution.”

The study confirms why it's important to increase the number of women in the worldwide manufacturing workforce and that many players in the global marketplace are missing a critical talent pool, which could aid in closing the skills gap. Some key highlights from the study include:

• nearly three fourths (70%) of women indicate they would stay IN manufacturing if they were to start their career today;
• some of the most important employment characteristics for women in manufacturing include opportunities for challenging and interesting assignments, attractive pay and work-life balance; and
• the most impactful programs to help retain women in manufacturing include formal and informal mentorship programs, flexible work practices and increasing the visibility of key leaders who serve as role models.

The study also examines the positive effect of STEP Ahead, reporting insights from former honorees and emerging leaders who indicate STEP Ahead has helped raise the visibility of opportunities for women in the industry, manufacturing opportunities in the community and opportunities for women within their companies. The STEP Ahead honorees and emerging leaders number an estimated 300,000 individuals—from peers in the industry to school age children—as a result of their active industry engagement. For instance:

• nearly 90% indicate that they are engaged with individuals to raise the visibility of the industry;
• 92% are engaged in efforts in the development of women; and
• 70% are engaged with K-12 system to encourage young girls and boys to consider careers in manufacturing.

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