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For Immediate Release

APICS LAUNCHES NEW INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION
CERTIFIED SUPPLY CHAIN PROFESSIONAL

Alexandria, VA (March 8, 2005) APICS The Association for Operations Management announced today the creation of a new industry certification to meet the rapidly changing educational needs in the field of supply chain management. The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation is designed for professionals interested in increasing their knowledge of supply chain management, those currently working in the field of supply chain management, and for those individuals working with enterprise resources planning (ERP) systems.

“The APICS CSCP designation validates a unique skill set and reflects the expanding role supply chain management plays in today’s increasingly competitive global marketplace,” stated Thomas J. Krupka, CFPIM, Jonah, APICS President. “In the past, companies focused primarily on manufacturing and quality improvements within their four walls to gain a competitive advantage. World-class supply chain management drives a broader view, extending efforts to encompass the entire network of companies throughout the supply chain that work together to meet customer demands. The APICS CSCP designation will equip today’s professionals with the credentials to improve their company’s competitive success and their own professional advancement and earning potential.”

APICS currently administers two internationally recognized certification programs—Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM). Since 1974, 80,000 professionals have earned the CPIM designation and more than 4,000 have earned the CIRM designation. With the addition of the CSCP designation, APICS enhances its validation of the disciplines within operations management, specifically production, inventory, enterprise, and supply chain management.

APICS retained the services of The Holmes Corporation, specialists in the designing, marketing, and distributing of educational products for association certification programs, to develop the CSCP learning system.

The CSCP learning system will consist of a blended learning approach incorporating self-directed study courses, Web-based learning, and classroom-based education offered through colleges and universities, corporations, and the APICS network of local chapters throughout North America.

The CSCP program will be launched in conjunction with the 2005 APICS International Conference and Exposition, October 16-18, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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APICS The Association for Operations Management is the global leader and premier source of the body of knowledge in operations management, including production, inventory, supply chain, materials management, purchasing, and logistics. Since 1957, individuals and companies have relied on APICS for its superior training, internationally recognized certifications, comprehensive resources, and worldwide network of accomplished industry professionals. To learn more about the APICS community, visit www.apics.org.