APICS joins supply chain certification network

Chicago: The Association for Operations Management (APICS) has joined the new Supply Chain and Logistics Certification Network as a charter member. The network is a group of US-based, non-profit associations that provide certifications for the professional and front-line workforce and organizations in global supply chain and logistics. It’s members represent those working in factories, warehouses, distribution centres and as transporters.

The network’s charter members are: APICS; the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST); the Institute for Supply Management (ISM); the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC); the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). Each association has a nationwide infrastructure for delivering courses and certification assessments.

Network members will work to raise awareness within industry, education and government of the services of these associations, APICS said, noting that network members offer a certification career pathway and “stackable” credentials.

APICS said the network responds to the demand for industry-recognized, national certifications. For example, employers need a skilled workforce to help them adopt advanced technologies and processes that boost productivity and global competitiveness. Meanwhile, the workforce needs to continuously enhance skills. Students and unemployed workers can improve employment prospects by credentialing their knowledge and skills to meet national, industry-defined standards.