Supply chain management groups, or SCM groups, represent a booming industry. Since the 1990s the global economy has exploded, and with it, a new need to coordinate storage and shipping as supplies and product are moved all over the world. Given the complexity of the task, many an organization for supply chain professionals focuses on training members. As such, there are many useful resources to clue members in to the latest technologies and best practices.
Organizations supply chain managers belong to should be recognized throughout the industry and offer information that is worth the cost of dues. Of course, many supply chain associations publish free information online. Supply chain organizations news and trends could include any of the following:
1. Information on meetings, conferences and round tables where members of a SCM council can exchange ideas.
2. Benchmarking tools, so members can compare their performance against industry standards.
3. The latest supply chain models, to help SCM professionals implement an efficient plan for their company.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Sign up for supply chain organizations that publish magazines and journals
Whether or not you choose to join an SCM organization, you can take advantage of publications from these groups to find out about the latest government regulations, technologies and economic conditions that affect the industry. Because there are a wealth of offerings, you can afford to be picky; choose a magazine or journal that caters to your SCM niche.
I recommend: The
Association for Operations Management offers several journals, magazines and e-mail newsletters to members. You can choose to receive information that covers certifications, professional growth or information on chemical industry SCM. The
Institute for Supply Management publishes best practices, industry news and discussion topics for members. It also has a number of downloads and career-building tools.
Join an SCM group that provides a platform for members to share news and trends
Sometimes the best resources for news and trends come from your professional peers. Professional organizations know this, which is why they provide opportunities for members to meet and discuss topics in supply chain management. Though a useful discussion can take place during a casual luncheon, professional groups organize often conferences and round tables to for members to talk in a more formal setting.
I recommend: The
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals holds round tables all over the world where members can meet and share ideas. The
International Society of Logistics publishes its conference workshop topics online; scanning it gives you a good idea of what's hot in SCM.
Stanford's Global Supply Chain Management Forum brings together academics and members from over 25 professional organizations to share ideas.
Read supply chain management associations' training materials
Many SCM groups provide training to members, either online or sometimes in conjunction with a college or university. As part of this mission, groups often publish training materials and research online.
I recommend: The
Warehousing Education and Research Council offers free and low-cost online classes on everything from distribution systems to basic accounting and the latest safety standards. The
Supply-Chain Council lets members download research on supply chains, metrics and other SCM topics.
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