Join supply chain organizations to meet and network with peers

upply chain organizations range from international groups to state wide or local organizations. They are a collaborative of professionals just like you, with one goal in mind: to advance the supply chain industry.

I recommend: The Association for Operations Management (APICS) is the leading body of knowledge in operations management. Members come from various backgrounds, such as inventory, production, supply chain, purchasing, materials management and logistics. APICS provides certifications, resources and networking opportunities such as workshops. Register online. The Supply-Chain Council (SCC) is an organization for supply chain professionals whose diagnostic, methodology and benchmarking tools help hundreds of organizations make big changes in supply chain processes. SCC offers several events to members.

Expect to pay annual dues to belong to supply chain organizations

Chain organizations' dues usually range depending on the membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment your company is willing to give.

I recommend: The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) is a group for professionals involved in supply chain management. CSCMP provides career development, networking and educational opportunities to more than 9,000 members. Membership dues will run you a few hundred dollars. Download an application online. The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) is a supply chain management organization comprised of professionals dedicated to enhancing education, managements and the art and science of logistics technology. Memberships include regular, corporate, student, young logistician and retired member.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining supply chain associations

When you join supply chain management associations, you become a more productive and effective employee. You get access to many career development tools such as magazines, business reports, a career center, courses, expert seminars and subscriptions to publications. These resources allow you to advance your skills, increase your knowledge, optimize your performance and position your career.

I recommend: The Procurement And Supply-chain Benchmarking Association (PASBA) is a supply chain organization that conducts studies to find ways to improve the overall operations of supply chain processes. Members get a say in the benchmarking projects, as well as consortium studies and networking opportunities. Sign up for eBenchmarking, an online educational newsletter. Join Collaborative Planning, Forecasting & Replenishment Committee (CPFR) to develop business guidelines for various scenarios. To join the committee, you have to be a member of VICS, Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions.