Supply Management – What is the benefit?

The fundamentals of supply management are applicable to all organizations. Through proper alignment and synchronization, businesses of any size can be assured of receiving the best value in their supply management practices. By implementing simple strategies, companies can achieve significant cost savings that improve profitability.

Supply management seems complex to most people who may not realize supply chain management is a part of our business and personal lives every day. Supply management is the process of managing fourteen functional areas to increase value for the customer and improve profitability. The Institute of Supply Management states the fourteen areas include the following: purchasing, sourcing, logistics, quality management, inventory control, material management, transportation, disposal (recycling), warehousing (storage), distribution, receiving, packaging, product/service development, and manufacturing supervision. We use different strategies to ensure we are getting the best value for our money. To achieve the best value, we need to begin with a look at how we serve the customer through an end-to-end supply chain analysis.

Supply management applies to small businesses, even those with 1-3 people, because each business contains several, if not most of the functional areas discussed above. An example of a purchasing strategy for small businesses is the development of a buying group that consolidates purchases to achieve bulk discounts. If a small business wants to purchase copier paper, then he or she should contact other small businesses that also need copier paper. Based on the bulk order of the group, a vendor will provide best value pricing that would not otherwise be achieved with a single order. Best value may include cheapest price, but could also include free delivery to all members of the buying group. I am confident that a business owner would rather have employees working with customers than riding in a truck to pick up paper. In addition to copier paper, small businesses can work together to achieve bulk discounts not only in finished goods, but also in services, such as janitorial or fleet maintenance services.

Group purchasing is one example of the types of cost savings strategies and techniques that can be easily implemented. The first step to implementing an effective supply management program is analyzing the supply chain. According to the Institute of Supply Management, a 2.5% savings in procurement costs equals the same amount of profits as increasing sales by 10%, so when sales are flat, business should consider efficiency within the supply chain as a way to maintain profitability.

Some companies only seek to hire certified professionals or may require certification before higher pay scales or new positions are offered.  Among some of the other benefits of CPSM certification for an employer include:

• CPSM certified employees are more likely to produce quality work which demonstrates proper supply management strategies and a firm understanding of new technology as it relates to the profession.
• CPSM certified employees are more likely to be able to work cooperatively in all facets of supply management.
• CPSM certified professionals are more likely to possess the skills to make positive, accurate, and profitable decisions for companies as a whole.

CPSM certified professionals are always in demand.  There are some employers who will even cover the cost of testing or offer you compensation for your time as an incentive to get their employees to become certified.  There are no employers who could not benefit from hiring of CPSM certified professionals, and if your employer tells you it is insignificant for your career then you should consider the personal benefits of certification.

While each of these benefits is for the greater good of an employment company, there is plenty to be gained on a personal level from CPSM certification.  Certification sets you apart from your peers and can act as a demonstration of your knowledge and passion for your profession. There are several personal benefits that a certified professional in supply management will have:

·         Solidifies the foundation of understanding for professionals in organizational supply management and enable managers to understand the implementations for certain procedures in supply management.

·         Firm understanding of current topics in supply management allows supply managers to implement and successfully create supply strategies for their companies.

·         Certification demonstrates further supply management qualification and communicates to employers that you are a well-qualified individual in the supply management industry.

·         According to the ISM salary survey, professionals who are CPSM certified can earn an average of 23% more annually over an individual who is uncertified.

·         The ability to further your understanding and demonstrate certification demonstrates you are a marketable asset to the supply management industry.

If two people with identical work histories were applying for the same management position in a supply company, the applicant with the CPSM certification listed on their resume is much more likely to be hired.  The same occurs when you promote from within a set group of employees, the one who is certified will be seen as more marketable and valuable to the position over all others.

CPSM certification is beneficial for both the company and the supply management professional.  Now that you have a basic understanding of what the CPSM exam is and how you can benefit from certification it is important to understand how the exam works and what you need to do to get certified.

www.cpsmtraining.com offers the most intense and effective preparation courses for the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) exam offered by the Institute for Supply Management. Focused immersion provides participants with the knowledge to achieve results and pass the exams. For those who participate in the course, the content will immediately achieves cost savings for your organization because the concepts and techniques provide actionable information to improve your sourcing activities. Organizations developing a strategic sourcing program benefit from sending key personnel to this intense course  because the course will bring about cost saving changes in the near term and set the foundation for strategic thinking required for a synchronized supply chain.

Immediate Impact – For those who participate in the course, the content will immediately achieves cost savings for your organization because the concepts and techniques provide actionable information to improve your sourcing activities. Organizations developing a strategic sourcing program benefit from sending key personnel to this intense course because the course will bring about cost saving changes in the near term and set the foundation for strategic thinking required for a synchronized supply chain.

Intense & Effective – Jack Quinn Solutions, LLC offers the most intense and effective preparation courses for the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) exam offered by the Institute for Supply Management. Focused immersion provides participants with the knowledge to achieve results and pass the exams.

One-Stop Shop – Course provides everything you need to prepare and pass the CPSM Exams, to include books, study guides, Web Diagnostic Exams, and a guarantee that is unmatched by any other course provider.

Success is guaranteed – You will achieve success on the CPSM® Exams offered by the Institute for Supply Management because we guarantee that if you do not pass the exams, then we will pay for the second and, if necessary, the third attempts.

The Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) Bootcamp is a 3 day intense and effective course of study for the CPSM exam. This method of studying helps you to achieve your certification a lot quicker. The course provides you with the following equipment to ensure high success rates:

• Books
• Study guides
• Web Diagnostic Exams

This course outlines cost savings for your organization, how to improve your sourcing activities, strategic thinking, logistics and supply chain management.

Why become certified?

Become certified because certification equals results. Persons that acquire CPSM certification earn 23% more than those without certification as well as tell the world that you are a supply chain leader as well as a professional in a core function of every organization.

The Institute for Supply Management states that a 2.5% reduction in procurement costs produces the same amount of profit as a 10% increase in sales. By successfully completing this course you earn the credential that tells everyone you are a Supply Chain Leader that can provide solutions in a time when sales are flat or declining.

Examinations

There are three separate examinations to sit after completing the course which covers different areas of the supply chain. These examinations are offered by the Institute for Supply Management.

If you fail your examinations have no fear, we will pay for your second and third attempts if necessary. Which other organization is so accommodating?  That’s fight none so don’t hesitate to sign up now to secure your future as a supply chain leader.

For more information about the CPSM Certification and CPSM Boot Camp visit www.cpsmtraining.com