While APICS 2018 in Chicago may be over, we are just getting started. Sunday, we introduced the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

ASCM is the new global leader in supply chain organization transformation, innovation and leadership. Built on the foundation of APICS, this is an all-encompassing supply chain management organization and a leader on end-to-end supply chain. With ASCM, we want to propel the supply chain field forward and transform how organizations do business.

As they have always done, APICS certifications and training will demonstrate a commitment to global supply chain excellence ­– achieved one person at a time. But ASCM will offer more. We will drive innovation in the field with new products, services and partnerships that empower companies to further optimize their supply chains, secure their competitive advantages and positively impact their bottom lines.

Look at some of the new plans for ASCM:

• The new ASCM Supply Chain Operations Reference for Enterprises (SCOR-E) certification is the first and only corporate supply chain certification. Its focus is a comprehensive evaluation of supply chains across three important dimensions: ethics, economics and ecology. SCOR-E empowers organizations to evaluate their supply chains, improve results and be more competitive in today’s global business world.
• ASCM Global Alliances are customized relationships with other organizations that expand our products and services. Some of ASCM’s first Global Alliances are with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), Accenture, Deloitte and PwC. Each partnership is dynamic and unique. For example, the Global Alliance with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will help build an alliance that will help build sustainable supply chains, that positively impact underserved communities in Africa — improving delivery of food, medicine and other critical supplies.
• ASCM Thought Leadership Collaborations are meant to enhance and complement current ASCM and APICS products and services. These include the American Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Guangdong Procurement and Supply Chain Association, Loyola University Chicago and UI Labs.
• Expanded learning opportunities in the ASCM Learning Center will cover multiple aspects of supply chain — including procurement, driving demand and leadership development — and offer professionals end-to-end learning and development opportunities online and on-demand as well as in person.

Growth ahead

At ASCM, we’ve transformed our business to help transform yours. We want to empower both the people who elevate supply chains and the companies that utilize them to make a difference in the world. Connect with ASCM and find out more at ascm.org.