Until COVID hit in 2020, the supply chain generally operated as a below-the-waterline function. Like a duck swimming, the economy seemed to cruise along effortlessly while the duck’s legs (the supply chain) paddled feverishly.
Without logistics professionals, the world as we know it would cease to function. From procurement to demand planning, transportation, warehousing, and distribution, nothing gets to where it is supposed to go without the entirety of the supply chain workforce behind it. COVID and recent complications have shone a light on the professionalism in our field and the critical role that the supply chain plays in all of our daily lives.
As the logistics profession has evolved, so have the requirements for and expectations of today’s professional. Now, they find themselves in an environment where the interconnectedness and precision of the supply chain drive the need to have multiple specializations and knowledge of the field as a whole versus having just one area of expertise.
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) is one association that is dedicated to advancing research and the expertise of each member across all disciplines. CSCMP’s founders saw the need for an organization within the field that would not only serve as a platform for networking but also provide training and certification programs.
One certification that CSCMP offers is SCPro. This multilevel course is the only certification that requires understanding of all aspects of the end-to-end supply chain. It confirms the ability of participants to assess challenges and effectively implement improvements through real-world case studies and projects. SCPro Certification is recognized by many of the world’s largest corporations and highest educational institutions as the most comprehensive program available in this field.
As a highly respected organization, CSCMP is also widely recognized as the leader in research that advances the supply chain profession. The Research Strategies Committee takes on leading-edge projects that are beneficial to supply chain professionals and the advancement of the industry. Depending on the project, CSCMP’s research teams use primary analysis, secondary sources, survey methods, or a combination of all of these, to produce some of the most comprehensive and unbiased research coming out of nonacademic sources in our industry.
Recently, CSCMP has amplified the importance of the supply chain and helped advance the careers of individuals by leveraging a broader media presence and our outsized voice representing our 9,000-plus members. CSCMP is working towards our goal of providing member resources that increase and enhance current industry knowledge and help members build connections with other leaders. We are also seeking to better promote our efforts. For example, Elijah Ray, chief commercial officer of Sunland Logistics Solutions, and his committee are working to refine our go-to-market strategy and raise awareness of CSCMP among those less familiar with our organization. Their work includes pinpointing our audience and adjusting our value proposition, branding, and marketing.
With 60 years under our belt, CSCMP remains at the forefront of providing supply chain knowledge and expertise. A vital component has been ensuring that members are well equipped to deal with the supply chain challenges of the times, especially when it comes to events such as COVID. As we all know, it is only a matter of time until another disruption will occur. With CSCMP’s help, members will advance their careers, leadership skills, professional network, and skillset for handling whatever comes next.
