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7 Books Every Logistics and Supply Chain Expert Needs to Read

Joe DeSilvestri

November 20, 2021

Logisticians and supply chain managers are amongst the most influential workers in the world.

The importance of supply chain managers and logisticians is often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in delivering goods.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, logisticians, and supply chain managers’ importance is more pronounced than ever before.

The world needs more trained professionals to provide for the growing demand for safe, effective product delivery.

If you’re in the supply chain field and want to grow to meet these rising demands, here are 7 books you should read.

The Most Powerful Idea in the World by William Rosen

The Most Powerful Idea in the World by William Rosen

You’ll love Rosen’s book, The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry, and Invention if you’re passionate about inventing and innovating the production line.

Rosen writes about the conception of the steam engine at the peak of the industrial revolution.

What does an 18th-century train have to do with you?

Rosen’s book shows that allowing people to profit from their own ideas gives way for the spontaneous generation of new inventions.

By granting entrepreneurs the new opportunity of gaining profit on their inventions, the British nation pushed the world into the next age.

It’s the perfect example of how efficient supply chain management can work wonders in the inspiration and production of cutting-edge technology.

Reading this book will give you a better understanding of how a straightforward idea can tip the production scales.

Changing How the World Does Business by Roger Frock

Changing How the World Does Business by Roger Frock 

When FedEx announced that it would create a program for overnight shipping, the whole world took a turn.

As a supply chain expert, you may not always realize your power in the business world. This story of FedEx will put the power in your own hands with the apparent revolution of express shipping.

Roger Frock explains the importance of worker logistics in an ultra-efficient supply chain. Without crucial experts like you, FedEx never has broken through the barrier of overnight shipping.

One of the primary challenges of overnight shipping is cost-efficiency.

Fred Smith, the CEO and founder of FedEx grappled with the practicality of express shipping.

At some points in FedEx’s history, Smith and his team had to pinch pennies to make ends meet.

If you’re looking for an inspirational tale, read Roger Frock’s Changing How the World Works.

Want to take your supply chain management to the next level? Alba Wheels Up will make sure your shipping and documentation details are processed correctly.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Cargo Insurance

Ninety Percent of Everything by Rose George

Ninety Percent of Everything by Rose George

If you’re a current or aspiring supply chain expert, Rose George’s, Ninety Percent of Everything is a no-brainer.

Leap directly into the nitty-gritty of the packing, transporting, and delivering of products around the world.

Chances are, as a master logistician, people don’t appreciate your skills and expertise.

Rose George traveled thousands of miles to bring you the ins and outs of the shipping industry.

Reading George’s book will change your perspective on the importance of your job. Without people like you, our world would not be able to function.

Your job makes 90% of all global activities possible!

Longitude The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel

Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel 

Dava Sobel tells the compelling story of John Harrison.

Harrison was the chronometer developer, a vital sea invention that allowed voyagers to calculate their longitude while at sea.

The chronometer’s development was essential to sea trade because it allowed sailors to know precisely where they were in the ocean. Before this development, sea traders were forced to use compasses to guestimate their location.

If you’re interested in increasing your current expertise in the field of the shipping industry’s origins, this is the book for you!

The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas Friedman

The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas Friedman

Thomas Friedman’s informative book, The Lexus and the Olive Tree, will tell you everything that you need to know about globalized trade in the modern world.

According to Friedman, globalization is not all good. Some times and environments are negatively impacted by globalized economics.

The book also focuses on the symbols of global trade. Trade experts like you need to know the cultures and principles of modern, globalized economics.

If you believe that modern trade is changing the world as we know it, this is the book for you.

The Innovators How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution by Walter Isaacson

The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution by Walter Isaacson

One of the most significant technological revolutions of our lifetime is unquestionably the internet.

But how exactly did the internet get founded, and who invented it?

The answer might not be what you expect it to be.

Walter Isaacson explores the modern web’s uncanny conception in his book, The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution.

What does this have to do with broadening your knowledge as a logistician or supply chain expert?

Isaacson’s book deals with the most recent and cutting-edge supply chain industry: digital technology.

Read this book if you’re curious about furthering your education in the business world’s technological sector.

The End of Cheap China by Shaun Rein

If you’re a current logistician or supply chain expert, you know just how important China is to global economics.

The rate of raw goods production in China is unmatched globally.

You’re also probably acutely aware of how inexpensive, and low-quality products from China tend to be.

In his immersive case study, Shuan Rein discusses how western culture has given production power to China.

He explains that many western businesses rely on cheap Chinese labor to sustain their production and distribution.

Is this true for your business or workplace?

Read Rein’s book if you’re interested in how China’s market will affect your field of expertise in the future.

Conclusion

Your continual education is essential for the health and well-being of all national economies. Without logisticians and supply chain managers, there is no free-trade.

Pick one of these 7 books and start reading them now to get even better at your craft.

The economic world is developing and adapting to the COVID-19 crisis. You need to keep yourself educated and continue learning!

Does your business need better supply chain management? Alba has you covered. Get In Touch with us today so we can help you with your supply chain business.