I have recently made a career switch, or in other words an opportunity came knocking my way, and after a bit of thought, I decided to go for it. My career seemed to have come to a point where I was stuck, and I was finding it hard to break the Production / Plant Manager Barrier.
I come from a hard core manufacturing background, resource management, as related to direct productivity on the shop floor. I recently accepted an offer for a Supply Chain management position with a MNC based in USA having mfg. facilities in Canada as well. For me its a sort of a entry level position, at present this is a middle management role, reporting to the Supply chain manager who reports to the CEO. If everything goes as planned, I will be taking over the responsibilites from the Supply Chain Manager, in due time.
I have good exposure to MRP systems, SAP and JDE, as an end user, and also some direct experience with inventory management, but only the part that was necessary in my manufacturing leadership positions.
I would like to get some input regarding the Supply Chain management process, what courses / certifications should I plan to do in order to strengthen my skills.
I would also like to get in touch with people here, who have experience and can provide some guidline about how to establish myself in this new role.
Thanks
Re: Supply chain management
apics.org
Re: Supply chain management
APICS would definitely be a good starting point to look into for updating your credentials in SCM.
Additionally, I would advise considering certifications and endorsements offered through the ASQ (http://www.asq.org/) and the ISM (http://www.ism.ws/)
In Canada, you will find a good list of courses and training programs on the SCL (http://www.sclcanada.org/) website.
What industry vertical are you in?
I have some SCM related experience in the Automotive and High-Tech sectors – mainly in integrated resource management and ERP system implementation consulting. For the last three years, I have been teaching SCM courses at the BBA and MBA levels. Let me know if there’s any specific information that you’re looking for.
Re: Supply chain management
Thanks
Will look into ASQ's offerings
and also the APICS certification
Umer - Almost my whole career has been within the Electrical Power Equipment manufacturing, specializing in Distribution and Power Transformers, Power Factor improvement plants, Large Induction Motors and Switchgear.
For the past 2 years in Canada, I have been working within the Sheet Metal industry.
Re: Supply chain management
Umar
I sent you a PM
Re: Supply chain management
APICS... the certification will give u all the basic concepts u need to know.
Having said that, every supply chain is different... tell us more about ur direct responsibilities and the nature of supply chain... and where ur located in the whole chain... central warehouse? distribution centres?... are u more towards the procurement side or the distribution side... do u guys have forecasting procedures in place...? inventory management processes/policies?
your background is definitely relevant to ur current position and i think ur transition should be a smooth one...
I work for a supply chain and business management consultancy... would be happy to answer questions whenever I can.