Blog
Welcome to the ASCM Michigan East Blog! Read exclusive supply chain insight from professionals and leaders within the supply chain community. ASCM Michigan East is on a mission to help both professionals and students--everything we do centers on inspiring and growing Supply Chain Professionals at all levels of their careers.
How to Scale Your Business Despite Supply Problems
Thousands of business owners have had to deal with supply problems, on top of other COVID-19 concerns. Limited production of raw materials due to pandemic restrictions has impacted everyone from car manufacturers to grocery stores. Now that the pandemic is finally starting to wane, it is becoming easier to access goods for customers. But the return to pre-pandemic supply levels will likely take some time. Supply chain management collaboratives like ASCM Michigan East offer businesses a diverse platform with practical resources to help streamline supply chain management efforts amidst COVID-19
Long Term Supply Chain Trends Coming out of COVID-19
Is your supply chain suffering from anticipated part shortages?
APICS Greater Detroit supports supply chain professionals with the information and education they need to remain competitive in today's world.
Late last week, Alex McLenon from WDET reported that a global shortage of small electronic parts, referred to as “semiconductors” or “microchips,” could pose a threat to Detroit's auto industry recovery in 2021.
Post Pandemic Supply Chain Preparation
Has your supply chain become more resilient to global risk over the past year?
APICS Greater Detroit supports supply chain professionals with the information and education they need to remain competitive in today's world.
THE COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities and risks in supply chains. In some cases, it has caused companies to take a hard look at their processes and their business models. In others, it has opened new opportunities for innovation, growth, and competitive advantage in the post pandemic world.
Food Banks Innovate Distribution During Pandemic
Food Banks around the country have had to innovate their distribution to meet the surge in demand during COVID-19.
APICS Greater Detroit supports supply chain professionals with the information and education they need to remain competitive in today's world.
Even before the pandemic, food insecurity was a growing problem in the United States. The pandemic has only exacerbated the situation, and according to Feeding America more than 50 million Americans will face food insecurity by the end of 2020.
The surge in demand has required innovative strategies to get the food in the hands of those who need it most, including here in Southeastern Michigan.
Ford Receives Manufacturing Leadership Council 2020 Award
Are you looking for solutions to connect digital tools with real-world facilities?
APICS Greater Detroit supports supply chain professionals with the information and education they need to remain competitive in today's world.
Recently the Manufacturing Leadership Council recognized Ford Motor Company's work in developing a framework that makes manufacturing processes more efficient by connecting digital tools with real-world facilities.
USPS Impact on Supply Chains
Have your deliveries or shipments been delayed by United States Postal Service (USPS)?
At the last APICS Greater Detroit Supply Chain Connect forum in October, the group discussed the impacts on USPS resulting in revenue losses , delivery footprint and relationship with Amazon.
USPS plays an important role in the supply chain, especially for many small businesses. Below we'll look at some of their current challenges and mitigation strategies for the upcoming peak season.
Supply Chain and the Circular Economy
Is your supply chain sustainable?
Sustainable supply chains are a critical component to a circular economy. What's a circular economy? A circular economy is the idea of keeping materials in use for as long as possible in order to eliminate waste.
APICS Greater Detroit supports supply chain professionals with the information and education they need to remain competitive in today's world.
Three Reasons To Consider Michigan Post COVID-19
Are you considering mitigating supply chain risk by onshore or near-shoring solutions or moving production closer to your customer base?
Supply and Demand Chain Executive recently shared three reasons summarized below why companies should consider Michigan as they re-evaluate their supply chains.
APICS Greater Detroit knows the power of the Michigan market and supports supply chain professionals with the information and education they need to remain competitive in today's world
Gartner's 3 Main Concerns Supply Chain Leaders Need to be Aware Of
Is your workforce structure appropriate for an increasingly digitized world?
Gartner recently shared that 40% of the CEOs surveyed pre-COVID were already substantially or completely changing their organizational structures. They also suggested that it's the responsibility of supply chain leaders to make sure that their organizational design is appropriate for an increasingly digitized world.
APICS Greater Detroit supports supply chain professionals with the information and education they need to remain competitive in today's world.
Avoiding Supply Chain Chokepoints
Does your supply chain suffer from chokepoints?
For those of us who've driven into the city of Detroit during rush hour, we know there are many chokepoints along the way that can delay the commute.
In supply chain management, a chokepoint refers to any step in a process where a single point of failure can jeopardize the entire supply chain.
APICS Greater Detroit supports supply chain professionals with the information and education they need to remain competitive in today's world.
The Association Supply Chain Management (ASCM) shared five fixes to supply chain chokepoints. Read more in our latest blog post below.
BorgWarner Supply Chain Manager Receives Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award
Last week, the Manufacturing Institute held their eighth annual STEP Ahead Awards recognizing women in science, technology, engineering and production careers who exemplify leadership within their companies. The Institute’s STEP Ahead Awards gives women across the country a platform to showcase the incredible opportunities the industry has to offer, whether they are running the company, designing the next big product, or testing innovations on the shop floor.
BorgWarner Supply Chain Manager Kelly Zhu Receives Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award.
Four Steps to Superior Supplier Management
Is your supplier management effort an inclusive activity?
Last week the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) hosted their annual Connect conference virtually. The agenda was full of great supply chain education and the opportunity to network with professionals from all over world. A highlight from day 1 included best-in-class supply chain education and best practices shared by experts.
Michelle Lombard, CPIM, director of supply chain and production planning at SeaSpine, shared her thoughts on how to deliver superior supplier relationship management, starting with involving others in the process.
Logistics Trends After COVID-19
Have you seen a demand for faster delivery options by your customers?
Per RedwoodLogistics, during the COVID-19 quarantine, most people have been doing all of their shopping online. Even groceries and medications are being shipped, within a few miles of a consumer’s home. Since customers can’t get that instant gratification of going to a store, they’re even more eager to have fast delivery to their home. One of several key trends that will remain after COVID-19 is that there will be an even larger demand for faster delivery options.
Industry 4.0 Impacts on Supply Chains
Are you leveraging digital solutions to manage your supply chain?
Per McKinsey & Company, industry leaders are leveraging Industry 4.0 solutions as an approach to increase end-to-end supply-chain transparency and many are fast-tracking automation programs to stem worker shortages arising from COVID-19.
Supply Chain and Food Insecurity
Did your supply chain experience a disconnect between supply and demand during the pandemic?
Yemisi Bolumole, Ph.D., CLTD-F, an associate professor of supply chain management at the Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University, recently shared an example of where this happened recently with food supply chains during COVID-19.
Cybersecurity is a Supply Chain Problem
Is your supply chain protected from hackers?
Recently the National Defense Magazine shared that lone wolf hackers, rogue nation-states and cybercrime syndicates are in a position to disrupt the global supply chain. “Cybersecurity really is a supply chain problem” that encompasses the telecom carriers that are used by businesses, the hardware and software that supports organizational workflow, and the cloud assets that so many organizations are leveraging today,
Supply Chain Careers are In Demand
Are you looking for a career that is challenging, rewarding and in demand?
Supply chain professionals we support tend to be very happy with their careers. In fact, per the Association Supply Chain Management's 2020 Supply Chain Salary and Career report, "Overall, surveyed supply chain professionals are happy with their careers. On a scale from 1-10, 70% gave a rating of 8 or higher. Nearly all professionals (88%) have a positive outlook of their career." SupplyChain Game Changer also shared their top reasons why supply chain is such a great career path summarized below!
Manufacturing Skill Gap Still Exists Emerging from Pandemic
Is your company still struggling to look for skilled workers as we emerge from the pandemic?
Per the National Association Manufacturers' Outlook Survey 2nd Quarter 2020, 50.5% of manufacturing leaders still anticipate that difficulties in attracting and retaining employees will continue to be a challenge over the next 12 to 18 months once the COVID-19 crisis abates. APICS Greater Detroit can help you close your skill gaps with globally recognized supply chain certification training staring this September!
3 Ways a CPIM Certification Catapults Your Career Trajectory
Are you looking for training to improve your supply chain management skills?
As the world changes and technology rapidly evolves, people require access to goods and services at an unprecedented level. As a result, global supply chains become more complex and the demand for agile, knowledgeable supply chain professionals grows.
Reshoring of Supply Chains
Are you considering reshoring your supply chain due to the pandemic?
Per Thomas recent survey, 64% of manufacturers report they are likely to bring manufacturing production and sourcing back to North America. Metro Detroit Business Leaders Create North America Reshoring Initiative and MIT supply chain professors share their thoughts on reshoring trends.
USMCA Impacts on Michigan Industry
Is your supply chain impacted by USMCA that went into effect on July 1st?
USMCA replaced NAFTA and went into effect on July 1st. Per Mark A. Morgan, the acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, enforcing USMCA means prosperity for Michigan.
How will the Pandemic Change Automotive Supply Chains?
Has your company considered long term changes to your supply chain as a result of COVID-19?
We are excited to share this week's blog written by a guest author, Danni Tachoir, an automotive supply chain professional. Danni shares her thoughts on how the pandemic will reshape the supply chain for automotive and associated risks.
Packaging Trends Beyond COVID-19
How should packaging providers address both sustainability and hygiene concerns alongside cost, performance, and convenience requirements post pandemic?
Next week we are looking forward to hearing from Camille Chism of Indigo Packaging and Consulting, LLC at our Supply Chain Community Connect speaking to the topic of e-commerce packaging and how it is affecting the supply chain.
As we think about packaging effects on the supply chain, McKinsey & Company recently shared how packaging megatrends are expected to evolve post COVID-19.
Gartner 2020 Top Supply Chain Spotlight: Johnson & Johnson
Are you continuously seeking innovation in your supply chain?
Last week, at our Supply Chain Community Connect that we co-host with CSCMP Detroit, we reviewed highlights from Gartner's 2020 Supply Chain Top 25 results recently announced.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) was ranked number 3 on Gartner's list, climbing 5 spots in 2020. Per Gartner, J&J's success is due to their embrace of supply chain innovation. J&J acknowledges in the video shared here how they leveraged the APICS body of knowledge to help drive innovation.
Getting a Handle on Reducing Supplier Packaging Costs
Could you use help identifying ways to save costs when it comes to your supplier packaging?
APICS Greater Detroit is proud to share insights on this important topic guest written by William Crane, CSCP, CEO of IndustryStar. Per the 2020 Q2 National Association for Manufacturers Survey, a weaker economy and increased costs are primary concerns of today's manufacturers. William outlines below the importance of an inbound packaging optimization initiative to help reduce packaging costs by as much as 20% in as little at seven days.
Human Trafficking in the Supply Chain
Did you know manufacturing is the third largest risk area for forced labor?
Last week in our Supply Chain Community Connect we heard from Alyssa Rollins, Executive VP APICS Greater Detroit, on the Michigan human trafficking task force and important information regarding human trafficking in supply chains.
How to Build an Ethical Supply Chain for Your Business
Looking for suggestions on ensuring an ethical supply chain?
APICS Greater Detroit mission is to serve our local supply chain community with information and education needed to be successful in our ever changing world.
We are pleased to present this article written by Derek Goodman, founder of Inbizability, on how to build an ethical supply chain for your business.
Supply Chain Horizon - Top Trends
What do the experts say about the top trends in supply chain?
We hosted Dr. Judith Whipple, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Faculty Director of the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management Program at Michigan State University (MSU).
Dr. Whipple shared about the future of integrated supply chains. We share highlights from her presentation on what's on the supply chain horizon in this post.
Restarting Your Supply Chain Amid Pandemic
Is your business planning a restart due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Many companies in the greater Detroit area have been impacted by the global pandemic and are looking to resume or increase operations.
At our Supply Chain Connect forum this past week, Matt Stekier, Senior Manager - Supply Chain & Operations Improvement at Plante Moran, shared their insights on five steps to restart your supply chain amid the COVID-19 disruption summarized below.
5 Capabilities to Create Resilient Supply Chains
Is your supply chain resilient to changes?
At APICS Greater Detroit an important part of our mission is to ensure the supply chain community has the information needed to be successful in our ever changing world.
Certainly disruptions due to pandemics such as COVID-19, geopolitical events and climate related disasters are increasing in frequency and magnitude.
Bain & Company global consultants recently shared five capabilities leaders are investing in to create resilient supply chains summarized below.
Advice for Supply Chain Graduates in 2020
Are you a senior graduating this spring with a supply chain degree?
At APICS Greater Detroit an important part of our mission is to serve the next generation of supply chain leaders. We've heard from many supply chain students looking for assistance as they graduate during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
At our Supply Chain Connect Forum this past week, several resources were shared to assist students as they begin their careers. We've summarized these resources and our advice in our latest blog.
Supply Chain Technology and Coronavirus
Is your company adopting new technology such as digital platforms or robotics due to Coronavirus impacts?
Last week APICS Greater Detroit hosted our Supply Chain Community Connect and Domenic Leo, Regional Manager for Geek+, shared about robotic solutions companies are turning to increase pick efficiency, worker ergonomics, etc.
Many companies are stepping up investments aimed at simplifying and speeding up their supply chain operations from robotics to digital platforms.
Tactics for Plant Management During COVID19
Are you a manufacturer looking for information on ways to keep your plant safe during COVID19? Two of Detroit's big three automakers announced over the weekend they would begin recalling some factory workers back to their respective plants as Michigan businesses seek to start reopening amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
We've summarized three guiding principles shared by McKinsey & Company on keeping workers safe through the Coronavirus crisis.
Pros & Cons of Working from Home - Insights from our WFH Survey
APICS Greater Detroit recently conducted a survey on the pros and cons of working from home. What's working? What's not working?
We've summarized your thoughts below and included some tactics to help you manage your time and employees as we all work through this moment. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We are here to support you and help you navigate the ever changing world of supply chain through education and networking.
Mohamed Rashdan Shares #WhyAPICS is Important to Him
APICS Greater Detroit members continue to share #WhyApics is important to them. Mohamed Rashdan, Operations Manager for FedEx and Logistics, Materials and Supply Chain Management major at Eastern Michigan University shares shares his Reasons for joining APICS.
Supply Chain Professionals in Detroit Share About Quarantine Life
Are you looking for support as a supply chain professional during the COVID-19 pandemic? Last week APICS Greater Detroit, CSCMP, and friends roundtable came together in the first Supply Chain Connect open forum to connect, share and discuss ideas as we all navigate through these challenging times. We've summarized the ideas and tools that can be leveraged for learning, business management, and surviving the quarantine life.
Guide to ASCM Membership & Changes to APICS Certifications During COVID-19
Has your job or APICS certification education been impacted by COVID-19?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, APICS Greater Detroit continues to support supply chain professionals. We want to ensure you are aware of important Association Supply Chain Management (ASCM) membership benefits and APICS certification programs to assist you during these times.
Michigan Companies Step Up to Help During COVID-19
Michigan companies are stepping up to help support the fight against COVID-19 with medical supplies, hand sanitizer and more.
At APICS Greater Detroit we support local supply chain professionals with the education and information they need to be successful in today's ever changing world.
Thanks to the many companies for their efforts to help fight against COVID-19!
COVID19 Supply Chain Impacts and Resources
Are you looking for more information, resources and support on COVID19?
At APICS Greater Detroit we support local supply chain professionals with the education and information they need to be successful in today's ever changing world.
In the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic we might have been alone, but now more than ever we can work together to overcome this. The supply chain community is strong and we're here to support one another!
Managing Supply Chain Risk Due to Coronavirus
3/9/20
Has your supply chain been impacted by the coronavirus or other geopolitical events?
Having a plan to manage risks that can impact your supply chain has become essential to be successful in our global economy. Harvard Business Review author James B. Rice, Jr. recently shared advice summarized in our latest blog on preparing your supply chain for the coronavirus.
CSCP Success Story - Value of Supply Chain Knowledge for All Professionals
3/3/20
Has your company considered cross-training various departments on supply chain?
Many individuals and companies have benefited from a better overall understanding of supply chain principles and terminology. We've summarized one such example from a recent APICS Success Story where Finance Manager Kuban Chetty, CSCP, shares how CSCP training enabled him to be more effective in his role.
Part 2 - How Supply Chain Pros at Automotive Suppliers Accelerate Program Launches
2/25/20
Want to help your team to be more successful? APICS Greater Detroit is proud to share this two-part blog guest written by William Crane, CSCP, CEO of IndustryStar. Part 1 shared last week discussed assembling your team and crafting a winning game plan.
Part 2 looks at adjusting to what the defense gives you, tracking your stats to continuously improve and pursuing program launch excellence.
Part 1 - How Supply Chain Pros at Automotive Suppliers Accelerate Program Launches
2/18/20
Have you ever been a part of a really successful team? APICS Greater Detroit is proud to share this two-part blog guest written by William Crane, CSCP, CEO of IndustryStar. Part 1: Assemble Your Team and Craft Winning Game Plan.
As supply chain leaders, we can relate to the immense effort that goes into sequential wins in the March Madness tournament to our positive milestone outcomes during a successful new program launch.
Keep Digging and Keep Learning!
2/11/20
Are you still learning in your career? Are you continuously seeking new opportunities to keep your skills fresh? APICS Greater Detroit hosted Linas Polteraitis, Adient's VP of Global Commodity Procurement last week at a sold out event where he shared valuable information on strategic procurement strategies.
Linas also reinforced the importance for supply chain and purchasing professionals to keep digging and keep learning! Read More...
Preparing for Supply Chain Disruptors
2/3/20
Has your supply chain been impacted by disruptions such as the coronavirus or geopolitical changes? The Wall Street Journal shared last week, "As the spread of the new coronavirus in China causes more factory shutdowns, the effect on global industrial supply chains could linger for years."
Career Development Key to Keeping Quality Workers
1/28/20
Is your company struggling to retain quality workers? Many industries are feeling the challenge of a retiring Boomer generation and low levels of unemployment. Per HRMorning.com, "Prospective employees see career development as among the most important reasons to sign with —and stay with — with your organization."
The Value of ASCM Membership for Supply Chain Professionals
1/21/20
Are you a supply chain professional in the Greater Detroit area looking to advance in your career? Learn about the value of membership in the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) as part of your career management strategy.
The Evolving State of Procurement Culture, Identity, and Technology
1/14/20
Research and advisory firm Levvel Research shared key findings around the evolving state of procurement culture, identity and technology in their 2019 Procurement Insight Report.
APICS Greater Detroit 2019 Year in Review!
1/9/20
APICS Greater Detroit is proud to continue to serve the Detroit area Supply Chain Community.
We are ambitious, smart, and passionate about operations and supply chain management. We invite you to take a look back at 2019 with us at highlights from our educational events, certification classes, community support and more!
Industry Leaders Respond as USMCA Moves Forward
12/17/2019
Has your supply chain been impacted by trade uncertainties?
Last week progress was made on the proposed new United States-Mexico-Canada trade Agreement (USMCA). Learn about USMCA and what key industry leaders saying.
Advice on How To Attract Millennials to Your Organization
12/10/2019
Is your company having a hard time closing the skill gap? Would you benefit from being able to hire more millennial aged employees?
Attracting and retaining skilled Millennial workers is a key strategy for companies to be successful in the coming years.
Supply Chains and Blockchain: Real World Examples
12/3/2019
Is your company using blockchain technology? Could your supply chain benefit from it? At APICS Greater Detroit we are passionate about serving our local supply chain community. We do this by supporting professionals with the information and education needed to stay competitive in today's ever changing world.
Learn about what Blockchain is and how it's being leveraged today in supply chains across industries including food, automotive and pharmaceutical.
Highlights from StockX VP Supply Chain Presentation & Dinner at Slalom Detroit
11/27/2019
APICS Greater Detroit hosted a fun and educational evening last week at the Slalom Consulting offices with special guest speaker, Tim McCurdy, StockX's VP of Supply Chain!
Tim shared how StockX turns Supply Chain traditional Sales and Operations Planning on it's head.
Detroit's Global Logistics Leadership & APICS Enhanced CLTD Certification
11/19/2019
Detroit is the 6th largest metro in the nation for export products to more than 230 countries. EVERY day more than 11,000 trucks carrying goods worth more than $600 million use the Detroit & Port Huron border crossings.
The Detroit area is a global leader in logistics and APICS Detroit is offering an enhanced Certified in Logistics, Transportation & Distribution instructor-led course this January to support these efforts.
Detroit Based StockX Wins Awards for Retail Innovation
11/12/2019
Have you heard about Detroit based billion dollar startup StockX? StockX is the world’s first stock market for things – a live ‘bid/ask’ marketplace.
APICS Greater Detroit is excited to host Tim McCurdy, StockX's VP Supply Chain on November 20th to hear about this fast growing local company.
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) 2019 Conference Highlights
11/5/2019
Were you able to attend this year's ASCM national supply chain conference in Las Vegas? If not, we've summarized a few of the highlights for you!
Impact of 5G on Supply Chains & Logistics
10/29/2019
Do you have a plan to deploy 5G in 2020?
In a recent survey from Gartner, 66% of organizations plan to deploy 5G by 2020. Per SupplyChainDive, "As the 5G mobile broadband standard begins to roll out in cities across the world, supply chain and logistics managers who don't have a strategy already may be behind the curve."
Global Supply Chains and Trade Tariffs
10/21/2019
Are you concerned about the recent changes in global tariffs? Many Detroit area businesses have been impacted by changes in trade tariffs. Recently the Detroit News shared how increases in tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum have created an uncertain trade environment for small manufacturers in Michigan, who are concerned about the impact on their bottom lines.
Last week, the Trump administration confirmed tariffs on $7.5 billion of EU goods went into effect Friday. Read below for some tips from Global Trade Magazine on ways to prepare your business for tariff changes.
Inability to Attract & Retain A Quality Workforce Remains Top Challenge for Manufacturers per NAM Q3 Survey
10/14/2019
Per the National Association for Manufacturers (NAM) Q3 Manufacturers Outlook Survey, the greatest challenge facing manufacturers of all sizes continues to be finding a qualified workforce.
This week we share how CPIM training helped James Tilton, Director of Materials for Draper, Inc. broaden his skills and grow in his career.
EMU APICS Student Chapter 33rd Year Earning Platinum Status!
10/7/2019
The Eastern Michigan APICS Student Chapter has earned PLATINUM status once again from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).
Congratulations to the hard working students of the EMU APICS Student Chapter for their efforts in maintaining Platinum status for 33 years!
Passing a Certification Exam: Advice from Jill Hays, CSCP, CPIM, CLTD
9/30/2019
Are you ready to take your APICS certification exam? Are you looking for advice to ensure a passing grade? Jill Hays, CSCP, CPIM, CLTD, current President of APICS Greater Detroit Chapter, shares below her advice on passing certification exams.
APICS Greater Detroit - Jill Hays Shares #WhyAPICS is Important to Her
9/24/2019
APICS Greater Detroit members continue to share their #WhyApics stories on how APICS has helped them in their careers. Jill Hays, CSCP, CPIM, CLTD, Inventory Optimization Manager at Adient and current President of APICS Greater Detroit shares her #WhyApics.
APICS Greater Detroit thanks Jill for her many years of service to and now leadership of the APICS Greater Detroit chapter.
ASCM 2019 Conference Women in Supply Chain Panel
9/20/2019
Is your supply chain team diverse? Do you struggle to attract and retain diverse candidates?
APICS Greater Detroit chapter members recently had the opportunity to hear from an expert panel at the ASCM national 2019 conference on the topic of women in supply chain and championing diversity and inclusion within your enterprise.
Strategies for a Sustainable Supply Chain
9/10/19
Is your supply chain sustainable? Are you looking for more information on strategies to improve in this area?
At APICS Greater Detroit our mission is to foster the advancement of end-to-end supply chain management through the sharing of best practices through our expert body of knowledge, innovative research and systems for our local supply chain community. Here we share strategies for supply chain sustainability used by a Detroit area global automotive manufacturer.
2nd Annual Southeast MI Golf Outing Highlights
9/3/19
On August 16th, APICS Greater Detroit Chapter, ISM and CSCMP teamed up to host the 2nd annual Southeast MI golf outing!
A great time was had by all participants!
Improving Supply Chain Performance During Times of Uncertainty
8/27/19
Are you concerned about global uncertainties impacting your supply chain?
Looking for opportunities to improve performance and reduce costs are great strategies to combat global uncertainties.
ASCM recently shared a case study on how one company was able to heighten their supply chain performance leveraging ASCM educational tools.
Resume Development Tips for Supply Chain Students
8/20/19
Are you a Supply Chain student currently looking for opportunities to improve your resume?
At APICS Greater Detroit, an important part of our mission is to support Supply Chain STUDENTS. We do this by partnering with Eastern Michigan University APICS Student Chapter, encouraging APICS case competitions, connecting students to internship opportunities, resume reviews, mentoring, and more.
A Case for APICS Logistics, Transportation & Distribution Certificate
8/13/19
Are you looking for ways to reduce your logistics, transportation or distribution costs? Per the Q2 2019 National Association for Manufacturers, 56% of respondents were concerned about trade uncertainties and 26% said transportation and logistics costs were a primary business challenge.
Brent Ruth, CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, CTL, Supply Chain Transformation Process Manager at Caterpillar, shares below how the APICS Certified Logistics, Transportion and Distribution (CLTD) helped his company.
How APICS Can Help Manufacturers With "Brain Drain"
8/7/19
Are you concerned about an aging workforce and the loss of institutional and technical knowledge as your teammates retire?
Per a recent study on the aging of the manufacturing workforce published by the Manufacturing Institute, "manufacturing firms are primarily concerned that the aging of the workforce will result in the loss of their older workers’ institutional and technical knowledge. Specifically, 97 percent of firms express at least some concern about brain drain, and almost half of firms indicate that they are 'very concerned' about the issue."
Value of Lifelong Learning for Supply Chain Leaders
7/31/19
As a Supply Chain leader, are you investing in learning for you and your managers?
As manufacturing output levels reach record highs per National Assocation for Manufacturers, exceeding $2.385 in Q1 2019, the value of effective supply chain management continues to be extremely important
Top Benefits of Employee Training
7/24/19
Is your company hiring people new to manufacturing due to low unemployment and lack of skilled workers? Per a recent article by the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the shortage of skilled workers is causing many manufacturers to hire from outside of the industry, bringing in people without manufacturing skills or backgrounds.
APICS Greater Detroit NEW Virtual Certification Prep
7/16/19
Have you struggled to find the time to attend APICS certification classes in the past? At APICS Greater Detroit, we are excited to offer more flexible class options to help you advance in your career and earn a globally recognized certification!
How APICS Helps Close the Skill Gap
7/9/19
Are you struggling to find skilled workers? Per the National Association for Manufacturers (NAM) Manufacturers 2nd Quarter Outlook Survey, 68.8% of respondents cited the inability to find skilled workers as top challenge.
Which APICS Certification is Right for You?
7/2/2019
At APICS Greater Detroit, we get asked this question very often by the supply chain community. Our answer is it depends on your area of focus and where you are headed in your career. Our mission is to inspire and grow supply chain professionals – at all levels of their careers.
As the leader in supply chain education and certification programs, we set the industry standard. Our certifications are proven to help supply chain professionals earn more throughout their careers. Read on for which certification is the best fit for you!
APICS Greater Detroit Awards Joann Parrinder Instructor of The Year!
6/25/2019
APICS Greater Detroit awards Joann Parrinder Instructor of the Year in 2018/19 based on her exemplary engagement as an APICS Detroit Instructor. Our mission is to inspire and grow supply chain professionals – at all levels of their careers. APICS is the leader in supply chain education and certification programs.
Meet The APICS Greater Detroit Volunteer Board of Directors
6/18/2019
Did you know that APICS Greater Detroit is managed by 100% volunteer Board of Directors? Each year individuals are nominated and elected by active members. Board members hold their position for a period of one year, and meetings take place at least six times a year.
APICS Greater Detroit Networking Event at B. Nektar Meadery
6/12/2019
APICS Greater Detroit, the premier association for supply chain management, hosted a fun networking event and informative tour last week at B. Netkar, the largest meadery in the USA!
How BASF Applied APICS Body of Knowledge for Winning Results
6/7/2019
Are you looking for ways to reduce your costs for labor, internal logistics or order fulfillment cycle times? Do you need to increase your return on supply chain fix assets?
Is Your Supply Chain Prepared to be Disrupted?
5/29/2019
Has your supply chain been impacted over the past year by unexpected weather or global tariff changes? Do you have a plan to mitigate risk for similar future events?
Supply Chain Managers - The Most Important Business Improvement Is An Upgraded Workforce
5/22/2019
Are you looking for ways to be more competitive in your career or as a company? Has your company invested in technology, yet still struggles to deliver differentiated products or services in the marketplace?
Eastern Michigan University APICS Student Chapter - News and Accomplishments
5/15/2019
At APICS Greater Detroit, everything we do centers on inspiring and growing Supply Chain Professionals in the Detroit area – at all levels of their careers. We are on a mission to help both professionals and students.
As part of this effort, we are proud to partner with the Eastern Michigan University Student APICS Chapter and share their update below highlighting their news and accomplishments from this past school year.
APICS Greater Detroit Launches #WhyApics - Alyssa Rollins Shares #WhyAPICS is Important to Her
5/7/2019
APICS Greater Detroit is excited to announce our #WhyApics campaign sharing supply chain professionals’ stories on how APICS has helped them in their careers.
To kick off the effort, we are proud to share our first #WhyApics below from Alyssa Rollins, Interior Buyer at Ford Motor Company and APICS Greater Detroit Board Member.
Addressing the Skill Gap: APICS Greater Detroit Can Help
5/1/2019
Is your company struggling to retain employees? Are you having a hard time finding skilled workers? Per the Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan is now leading the nation in manufacturing job growth, with 190,800 new manufacturing jobs since June 2009!1
This is great economic news, although for many manufacturers, it is creating talent shortages due to a lack of skilled workers. . . .Finding and retaining skilled workers is essential for your company’s growth. Your local APICS Greater Detroit chapter, the premier association for supply chain management, can help and here’s how.
Supply Chains and the Internet of Things (IoT)
4/24/2019
Is your supply chain connected using the Internet of Things (IoT)? Have you considered how sensor technology might be able to help your company minimize risk and improve efficiencies?
The future of IoT is here. Per SupplyChainBrain, "True supply chain integration and full end-to-end shipment visibility - the holy grail for freight shippers - is finally at hand, thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and the IoT."
Sales and Operations Planning: “A Holistic Approach”
4/17/2019
APICS Greater Detroit supply chain professionals got together this month for an interactive discussion with Global Supply Chain Management Executive, Richard Ulrey Jr., CPA, MBA, PhD. He had the following statement to share about our group.
“The APICS Greater Detroit Chapter is an impressive group of supply chain professionals. I enjoyed discussing sales and operations planning with them. Building cross functional teams is a critical component for successful digital transformation projects.” Richard Ulrey, CPA, MBA, PhD