SUPPLY chain management has never been more critical than it is today, in an increasingly global, challenging, complex and dynamic business environment.
That’s the view of MJ Schoemaker, President of SAPICS, the professional body for supply chain management in South Africa, who said 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,” Schoemaker said.
She added that the organisation is spearheading a 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.
“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. Many of these can
can be viewed on the SAPICS YouTube channel , she said.
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 said 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.”
2022 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 said.
For more information or to register visit the conference website.
