5 Facts about the Logistics Specialist with Federal Diploma of Higher Education

Continuing education, further training in logistics conveys knowledge in procurement, production, warehousing, distribution and disposal logistics. The aim is to design logistics processes economically, efficiently and as smoothly as possible.

This optimization process takes place in a structured manner along the entire value chain:

1. Procurement and purchasingas a logistics specialist
   • Needs analysis:Precise planning of the required raw materials and components.
   • Supplier management:Selection and evaluation of suppliers.
   • Target:Risk minimization combined with high flexibility of supply sources.
2. Production logistics
   • Process optimization:Avoidance of bottlenecks and downtimes in production.
   • Automation:Integration of digital technologies for more efficient control.
   • Target:Smooth transformation of raw materials into finished products.
3. Warehouse logistics and inventory managementas a logistics specialist
   • Structural optimization:Use of lean management methods (e.g. 5S, CIP) to reduce waste.
   • Use of technology:Optimized warehouse management through warehouse management systems (WMS) and modern conveyor technology.
   • Target:Reduction in storage costs with optimum availability of items.
4. Distribution and transportation
   • Route planning:Determination of the fastest and most cost-efficient transportation routes.
   • Collaboration:Use of strategic partnerships and cross-docking procedures.
   • Target:Maximum customer satisfaction through punctual and error-free delivery.
5. Disposal and returns logistics(Reverse Supply Chain) as a logistics specialist
   • Circular economy:Efficient return of packaging or defective goods.
   • Target:Sustainability, resource conservation and damage limitation.

Only those who can demonstrate several years of professional experience in a logistics field are admitted to the Federal Professional Examination in Logistics. This continuing education, further training is therefore aimed specifically at professionals who wish to expand their specialist and management skills.
 

Admission requirements in detail for continuing education, further training as a logistics specialist

Depending on your previous training, you will need to demonstrate the following periods of practical experience in one of the logistics areas (procurement, production, warehouse, distribution or disposal):

• With Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (VET Diploma), Vocational Baccalaureate or Specialized Baccalaureate:At least3 yearsProfessional experience since completing training.
• With Federal VET Certificate (Federal VET Certificate):At least5 yearsProfessional experience since completing training.
• Without basic education (lateral entrants):At least8 yearsProfessional experience.
• With another Federal Diploma of Higher Education:Often also possible (will be checked individually).

Logistics specialists often take on coordinating tasks or management responsibility. This is why topics such as process management, employee management, communication and project work are also part of the training content.

• Process management: The engine of efficiency as a logistics specialist
  In logistics, all material and information flows along the supply chain (procurement, production, storage, distribution, disposal) must be coordinated smoothly.
  • Analytical thinking:You identify weak points in the operating process and derive economic and ecological optimization measures from them.
  • Methodological competence:You use common methods such as Lean Management, Six Sigma or Kaizen (CIP) to shorten throughput times and reduce costs.
  • Interface coordination:You work closely with modern ERP systems and analysis tools to calculate inventories and minimize error rates.
• Leadership: motivating and managing people as a logistics specialist
  Logistics processes are implemented by people. As a manager in lower to middle management (e.g. team leader), you are responsible for operational performance:
  • Team leadership and motivation:You support your employees, deploy them in a strength-oriented manner and ensure a productive working environment.
  • Communication and conflict management:As a communicative interface, you act as an intermediary between the logistics manager, customers, suppliers and the employees carrying out the work.
• Specialist knowledge: The methodical foundation as a logistics specialist
  Process and management expertise only unfolds its full effect on the basis of solid industry knowledge. This includes
  • Knowledge of warehouse logistics, transportation and goods flows
  • Understanding of business contexts and key performance indicators (KPIs)
  • Mastering project management techniques,to successfully implement innovations (such as digitalization or new warehouse structures).

Graduates of continuing education, further training as a logistics specialist work in industrial, commercial, production or service companies as well as with freight forwarders and logistics service providers. Today, logistics skills are in demand in almost all sectors.

Continuing education, further training as a logistics specialist at a glance

• Duration:Usually 2 to 3 semesters (part-time, evenings/Saturdays).
• Conclusion:Federal PET Diploma (continuing education and training / tertiary level B).
• Costs:Approx. CHF 13,500 (often subsidized; the federal government covers 50% of the costs after passing the exam, up to a maximum of CHF 9,500).

Typical areas of employment as a logistics specialist (industries)

• Industry & Production:Procurement of raw materials and control of the material flow.
• Retail & e-commerce:Optimization of storage systems, packaging and outgoing goods.
• Transportation & forwarding:Dispatching, route planning and monitoring the transport chain.

The Federal Professional Examination for Logistics Specialists has been in existence for many years and is well established in the industry. The Federal Diploma of Higher Education documents both theoretical knowledge and practical experience and can open doors to further management or specialist functions.

Course & contents
The part-time continuing education, further training for logistics specialists usually lasts 3 semesters (approx. 1.5 years) and covers practical topics:

• Procurement, production, warehouse, distribution and disposal logistics
• Profitability, supply chain management and process optimization
• Leadership and project management

Career prospects & salary as a logistics specialist

• Responsibility:You take on the management of small teams or projects.
• Salary:The average gross salary for logistics specialists in Switzerland is around CHF 62,400 per year, with experienced professionals earning significantly more.
• Further development:The specialist certificate is the ideal basis for higher qualifications, such as Supply Chain Manager.