Supply chain management has never been more critical than it is today, in an increasingly global, challenging, complex and dynamic business environment. 

“Global supply chains have faced unprecedented challenges amid the COVID-19 crisis, and the effects will be felt for some time. Right now, we need effective, streamlined supply chains, managed by skilled, qualified supply chain professionals, simply to ensure that products reach consumers. Organisations with optimised supply chains will have a competitive advantage and will be equipped to play a role in building thriving economies,” comments MJ Schoemaker, president of SAPICS (The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management). 

She notes that supply chain management is a constantly evolving and changing profession. “Now, more than ever, we are in unchartered waters, and it is vital for all supply chain practitioners to keep updating their skills sets and knowledge and honing their expertise.”

Fit-for-purpose education

As The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management, SAPICS ensures that supply chain professionals are equipped with fit-for-purpose education, training, knowledge and know-how. SAPICS is spearheading the drive to professionalise the supply chain management profession in Africa and this process is now well underway, with the first designations to be awarded soon. “We have six professionals who will now hold the professional designation of Supply Chain Management Advanced Practitioner,” Schoemaker reveals.

“By professionally designating individuals, SAPICS will increase supply chain management competence, knowledge and skills, and industry professionals will have prescribed values and ethics to uphold. Until now, the supply chain field has been unregulated in terms of levels of competence, skills and ethics. The ongoing professional development required to maintain designations will ensure that African supply chain management keeps pace with global best practice.”

In 2021, SAPICS hosted and co-hosted 86 events geared towards sharing knowledge, advancing and professionalising supply chain management. 

SAPICS YouTube Channel

“If you missed any of these, don’t despair because many of the SAPICS webinars, courses and Community Connect sessions can be viewed at any time on the SAPICS YouTube channel,” explains Schoemaker. To subscribe to the SAPICS YouTube channel, go to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQtlz-2ZEy-C8KlBk5OzZAA

Compelling topics explored in webinars and available on the SAPICS YouTube channel include the viability of automation in South Africa, considering the country’s high unemployment rate; the changing face of warehousing – locally and globally; COVID-19 vaccine distribution challenges; and the circular supply chain.

Schoemaker says that belonging to a professional association like SAPICS is crucial for businesses and individuals. “SAPICS offers a platform for our members to achieve personal growth and professional development. Membership gives them access to fellow professionals that they can network with, share knowledge with and learn from. There are regional networking and social events and site visits, as well as member-only webinars. Members enjoy discounted registration fees for events like the annual SAPICS Conference, the leading event in Africa for supply chain professionals, and discounts on courses, workshops and education programmes. SAPICS members earn two points per year towards an International Certification Maintenance Plan.”

To find out more about SAPICS membership, visit: https://www.sapics.org/general/register_member_type.asp

2022 SAPICS Conference

The 2022 SAPICS Conference takes place from 12 to 15 June 2022 at Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, under the theme “Purpose Driven Supply Chains”. “There will be some online elements; but we are hoping that the supply chain community will be able to gather in person again to learn, network and share knowledge at the 44th annual SAPICS Conference,” Schoemaker says.

Discounted “Early Bird Registration” for the event is being offered until 31 March 2022. Delegates who book their place before this will get a substantial discount on their conference registration fees. “Recognising the financial challenges facing many organisations right now, SAPICS has gone back in time for this year’s conference, and delegates will notice that the registration fees are the same as they were in 2018,” Schoemaker concludes.

For more information or to register for the 2022 SAPICS Conference, call 011 023 6701, email info@SAPICS.org.za or visit the SAPICS Conference website https://conference.SAPICS.org