Dispatchers ensure timely delivery of materials for manufacturing or servicing products. They liaise with suppliers, track shipments, and report any issues. Different industries require different skills, but all positions require strong computer and telephone skills. Dispatchers may work in various environments and report to purchasing managers or directors.
Shippers are responsible for ensuring that all things necessary for manufacturing or servicing the products are shipped to a company on the proper dates. Without dispatchers, shipments could be delayed or dropped, preventing work from getting done. This can be costly for the company. Dispatchers are skilled at keeping in touch with suppliers and managing delivery times. Most dispatcher positions require at least a high school diploma and strong computer skills.
Material shippers are responsible for keeping shipments of production materials. For example, a company that manufactures leather bags uses leather parts, metal or plastic clasps and zippers, and packaging. The material dispatcher regularly checks with supervisors to determine when new assembly materials should arrive. He or she liaises with material suppliers to ensure materials are shipped on schedule. If a problem arises, such as the supplier running out of material, the shipper is responsible for reporting this to the supervisor and assisting in locating materials elsewhere and shipping them on time.
Those with industrial dispatcher jobs may work in areas that require experience with petroleum, chemicals, and other industrial elements. Many industrial dispatcher positions require a minimum of a four-year college degree in an industrial degree. Work environments for industrial dispatchers include refineries around the world. The movement of materials to the refinery is a concern of the shipper. The development of tracking systems and reports is the responsibility of the shipper.
Purchasing departments also include shipping jobs. Like shippers in the materials and industrial areas, a purchasing shipper is responsible for tracking and ensuring prompt shipment of required materials. While materials and industrial shippers work with the manufacturing side of the company, a purchasing shipper works with the department actually purchasing the materials needed.
Regardless of the field, each shipper is responsible for basic tracking of all shipments. The difference in jobs is the industry or department the dispatcher jobs are offered in. All positions require strong computer and telephone skills.
Dispatcher jobs sometimes require travel. Work environments can include anything from an office to a shipyard. Employees working in the dispatcher position report to purchasing managers, purchasing directors, and others who are in the chain of command regarding product manufacturing.
In addition to tracking shipments of regularly used materials, shippers must track other shipments. New office furniture, company vehicles, and custom building signs must also be submitted. Ensuring that they are delivered on time is the responsibility of the employees working in the dispatcher.
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