Resources for Educators

ATE Prepares Technicians for What's Next - Community College Daily
The innovative programs that Advanced Technological Education projects and centers are developing to handle the many things coming fast – artificial intelligence, the internet of things, virtual reality, drones, career competencies, diversity, equity and inclusion – were the focus of sessions throughout the three-day virtual 28th Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Principal Investigators’ Conference. It was co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Read full story

A Guide to Cobots & 6 Trends Impacting Industrial Collaborative Robots - Waypoint Robotics
Robotics technologies are increasing by leaps and bounds in terms of their capabilities, expanding their potential and utility. Historically, functional limitations have meant that companies needed to limit robots to work in just one area of their operation. Recent advancements in robotics are making flexibility both possible and increasingly important. Leading the charge in the push for multipurpose solutions are what is known as collaborative robots. Read full story

10 Game Changers for the Next Decade for Supply Chains - MHI Solutions
The events of the past several months have made it very clear how difficult it can be to predict what supply chains will look like in one year, let alone 10 years from now. Despite the unknowns, however, there are some technologies and trends that will be shaping the sup-ply chain as we move through the next decade. Read full story

20 Communities That Are Ideal for Warehousing and Distribution Centers - Global Trade
E-commerce growth has been driving up the demand for even more distribution facilities and larger warehouses all over the country, though some areas are feeling it more than others. This Global Trade article lists 20 communities that are ideal for warehousing and distribution centers. Read full story

"Training program aims to ease shortage of 'automation' techs," - DC Velocity
According to the non-profit Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), the pandemic-fueled spike in e-commerce sales is driving investment in automated fulfillment systems, creating a shortage of technicians to install, maintain, support, operate, and upgrade the equipment. Read full story

MSSC announces new Certified Technician-Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA) certification system.
MSSC alerted its community to its newest nationally portable, industry-led, training and certification system, the Certified Technician-Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA). It was released publicly in August 2020 during the MSSC Virtual Summit. Watch the launch video.

More than half of US companies are ‘planning to increase automation investments due to Covid-19’
More than half of US companies are increasingly open to invest in automation to survive changing market conditions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a recent study by Honeywell Intelligrated. Read the story

A new MHI Roadmap Series publication, Transformation Age:
Shaping Your Future, covers a wide range of topics, including anticipated advances in smart technologies and digital decisioning tools, market influencers, global factors, ways workplace changes and new consumer expectations will revolutionize industries, and even how the new space economy will become a topic of growing importance. Read the report

Is your automation technician certified?
Learn about a national certification for automation techs that includes three distinct certifications: basic equipment maintenance, equipment repair and network repair. Read full article in Modern Materials Handling

Delivering Automation at UPS
Tune in to hear David Ayala, Western Region Buildings and Systems Engineering Training Manager at UPS, talk about the company’s move to automation. Ayala talks about the changes he’s seen over the years and covers the types of skills news hires need.
Listen to the podcast

eTextbook – Introduction to the Automated Warehouse is a foundational text for the 21st century supply chain technician. Interactive and engaging content acquaints the reader with skillsets they need to succeed in an automated warehouse or distribution center. It is designed to support the Intro to Automated Warehousing course that is described in the SCA Model Program of Study. The book covers important topics about modern warehouses and distribution centers that students need to know. A supplementary instructor’s manual provides sample syllabi, textbook problem solutions and supplementary exercises.

Our eTextbook surveys the equipment that is found in distribution centers and warehouses. The book was authored by industry professionals to describe the tools to support that equipment, safety issues and communication methods in the workplace. Instructors are invited to adopt this as a primary textbook that students may also download at no charge.

Instructor’s Manual – Introduction to the Automated Warehouse: Request a copy

Lab Manual – Introduction to the Automated Warehouse: To obtain a copy of the lab manual, please request it from Bob Sompolski at somplski@oakton.edu.

Model Program of Study – Examine a model program of study designed to deliver the skill sets supply chain technicians need to successfully enter the field. This model was developed by NCSCA in collaboration with its Industry Leadership Team.

High School & College In-Class Career Awareness Module: lesson plan, PowerPoint presentation, and videos that introduce supply chain technologies, materials handling, and automation as career topics.

Middle School Classroom Awareness Module: lesson plan, interactive activities, and videos that introduce supply chain technologies, materials handling, and automation as career topics.

Course Outlines (Riverside Community College District) – Explore the coursework required for specialization in a variety of different fields associated with a career in Supply Chain Automation; examine instructional content for each of the courses listed in the Model Program of Study; and view a sample course outline. Faculty, deans, and curriculum committees will benefit from this outline that allows educators to map the course content in the model program of study to the content in existing courses. In doing so, educators will be able to in identify overlaps or gaps so that they can add or modify curriculum in their own programs. Please note that these are sample outlines and that instructional hours and credits awarded may be different at each school.

• Intro to Automated Warehousing
• Introduction to Mechanics and Mechanical Applications
• AC/DC Electronics Circuits
• Microprocessors and Microcontrollers
• Technical Communications
• Technical Mathematics
• OSHA for General Industry
• Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems
• Introduction to Welding and Cutting Processes
• Programmable Logic Controllers and Variable Frequency Drives
• Introduction to Networking
• Internet of Things and Cybersecurity
• Robotics

Video Library This collection of videos related to supply chain automation, materials handling, and logistics topics introduces students to applied technologies and career information.

NCSCA Webinar Resources Find resources shared during NCSCA webinars that may inform your instructional practices.

Supply Chain-Related Certifications, NCSCA, May 2013 – This is a list of industry-recognized certifications that are pursuable by students as part of career readiness and preparation for work in the field of supply chain automation.

Career Awareness – These two interactive modules introduce the career of a supply chain technician and answer questions about job skills, requirements, opportunities, and wages. The modules were developed for educators to use with their students in career exploration exercises for Supply Chain careers. Exposure to career information helps students understand the jobs available in this growing field and increases interest in the career opportunities available for technicians.

High School & College In-Class Career Awareness Module: lesson plan, PowerPoint presentation, and videos that introduce supply chain technologies, materials handling, and automation as career topics.

Middle School Classroom Awareness Module: lesson plan, interactive activities, and videos that introduce supply chain technologies, materials handling, and automation as career topics.

Find a College – The colleges in this list offer educational programs that prepare students for careers as Supply Chain Technicians. To have your college added to this list, email Beverly Hilderbrand.

Digital Learning Library – a library of resources related to supply chain technology education from the Wisconsin Technical College System

Case Studies – The NCSCA has compiled a number of case studies that are helpful teaching tools to generate thoughtful discussion and share real-world applications of supply chain technology.

Labor Market Data – Understanding the labor market at the national or state level can help faculty counselors, academic deans, or grant writers demonstrate the need for a program or grant award supporting a new program area. Use this resource tonderstand labor market trends, wages, and growth rates of occupations in the supply chain industry.

Advanced Technological Education Program – With an emphasis on 2-year colleges, the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program focuses on the education of technicians for the high technology fields that drive our nation's economy.