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Build End-to-End Planning Excellence

Supply Chain Planning Certificate

The ASCM Supply Chain Planning Certificate equips you with the skills to connect every critical planning function across an organization. You’ll learn how to anticipate market shifts, minimize disruptions, and drive faster, more accurate production and delivery. 

By completing this program, you will understand how to:

  • Synchronize planning processes across all levels of the business to improve accuracy and minimize supply chain disruptions.
  • Integrate essential planning functions, including strategic business planning, demand planning, and Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP).
  • Manage tactical operations by mastering the inputs and processes for Master Production Scheduling (MPS), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and capacity management.
  • Execute production and purchasing activities effectively using advanced scheduling techniques, bottleneck management, and ethical sourcing trends.
  • Optimize distribution and logistics through strategic channel network design, warehouse capacity planning, and transportation management.
  • Leverage digital technologies and competency models to support synchronized planning and drive innovation within the digital supply chain

Who Should Earn the Supply Chain Planning Certificate?

The ASCM Supply Chain Planning Certificate is for professionals ready to drive organizational value through synchronized planning. This program helps you develop the expertise to seamlessly integrate strategic, tactical, and operational goals while gaining career-ready mastery of digital supply chain technologies and advanced scheduling.

This program is ideal for:

  • Early-career professionals seeking a strong foundation in planning concepts and best practices, such as MPC models, MRP, and master scheduling.
  • Experienced professionals looking to refresh fundamentals and expand into strategic planning roles by mastering S&OP, business planning hierarchy, and operations strategy.
  • Supply chain, operations, finance, or logistics professionals who collaborate with planning teams and need to understand financial statements, demand planning, and channel network design.
  • Anyone committed to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving supply chain environment by learning the Digital Capabilities Model (DCM) and sustainability frameworks. 
Who Should Earn the Supply Chain Planning Certificate?

Top Three Reasons to Get Started

Build Skills

Build Skills

Build the in‑demand synchronized planning skills that elevate you from functional silos to strategic, future‑ready impact.  

Build Credibility

Build Credibility

Build the strategic expertise and credibility that set you apart and make employers take notice. 

Advance Faster

Advance Faster

Advance faster and stay ahead of industry disruption by rapidly upskilling and proving your growth with a recognized, career‑boosting credential. 

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Program Curriculum

The Supply Chain Planning Certificate is organized into six high-impact modules that focus on practical application and business outcomes—so you can immediately apply what you learn on the job. 

What is Synchronized Planning?

What is Synchronized Planning?

Learn the fundamentals of the Manufacturing Planning and Control (MPC) model and the importance of vertical and horizontal alignment across the business. This module introduces the Digital Capabilities Model (DCM) and the technologies that drive modern, synchronized supply chains. 

Strategic Planning—Business Planning

Strategic Planning—Business Planning

Explore how to develop a high-level business strategy by considering market variables, financial statements, and planning horizons. Key topics include the synchronized business planning hierarchy, operations strategy, and the ASCM Sustainability Framework. 

Strategic Planning—Demand Planning and S&OP

Strategic Planning—Demand Planning and S&OP

Master the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align demand forecasts with supply capabilities. You will learn how to manage the sales funnel, interpret the five steps of the S&OP cycle, and utilize historical data for more accurate demand planning. 

Tactical Planning—Master Scheduling/MRP/Capacity Management

Tactical Planning—Master Scheduling/MRP/Capacity Management

Dive into the core of tactical execution by learning how to create a Master Production Schedule (MPS) and manage Material Requirements Planning (MRP). This module covers inputs, grids, and bill of materials, alongside methods for measuring and managing capacity. 

Operations Execution—Purchasing and Production Activity Control, APS

Operations Execution—Purchasing and Production Activity Control, APS

Focus on the "doing" phase of the supply chain, covering the purchasing cycle, supplier selection, and production control. You will also explore the Theory of Constraints, bottleneck management, and Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) Operations Execution—Purchasing and Production Activity Control, APS 

Distribution and Logistics Planning

Distribution and Logistics Planning

Understand how to design an efficient channel network and develop robust transportation and warehouse strategies. Topics include inventory replenishment systems (Push vs. Pull), Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP), and the role of ERP systems in logistics 

How the Planning Certificate Program Works

 

The self-paced program includes 20 hours of online learning and a comprehensive final exam. Available in English, Spanish, and French, it features flashcards, videos, practice questions, and more to reinforce your understanding.

Upon completion, you will earn: 

  • An ASCM Supply Chain Planning Certificate

  • A digital badge to showcase on LinkedIn and email 

  • 20 certification maintenance points towards applicable APICS certifications. 

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Please note: ASCM members maintain ongoing access to their digital badges as long as their membership remains active. Non-members can access earned badges for one year after receiving a certificate or certification. All learners receive access to their digital certificates, regardless of membership status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is planning in supply chain? Read More

Planning is the process of coordinating all parts of a business—from initial strategy to final delivery—to ensure that products are produced and delivered accurately and efficiently. It involves synchronizing various levels, including strategic business goals, demand forecasting, master scheduling, and operations execution, to minimize disruptions and align resources with market needs.  

What skills are needed for planning professionals?  Read More

Modern planning professionals need a mix of technical and strategic expertise. Key skills include:

  • Synchronization: The ability to align cross-functional processes like Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP).
  • Tactical Execution: Proficiency in Master Production Scheduling (MPS), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and capacity management.
  • Digital Fluency: Understanding how to leverage digital technologies and the Digital Capabilities Model (DCM) to support the supply chain.
  • Analytics: Using historical data and market variables to develop accurate demand plans and business strategies.

What’s the difference between the ASCM Planning Certificate and the APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) credential?  Read More

The ASCM Supply Chain Planning Certificate is a self-paced, 20-hour foundational program designed to introduce essential planning fundamentals and explain how to integrate all planning functions within a company. It is ideal for those looking to quickly upskill or gain a broad understanding of synchronized planning.

In contrast, the APICS CPIM is a comprehensive, world-recognized professional certification that requires more intensive study and covers in-depth mastery of internal operations, inventory management, and detailed scheduling required for career-long professional certification.

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