CSCMP Rolls Out Program To Test Industry Knowledge [Transport Topics]

PHILADELPHIA - The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals launched a new certification program designed to help companies evaluate talent by providing a way to test individuals on their knowledge of the industry and leadership capabilities.

CSCMP President Rick Blasgen said fhe program, called SCPro, was developed because companies are finding it increasingly difficult to hire professionals with a broad set of skills needed to manage complex global supply chains.

"We wanted something that brings education and training together," Blasgen said. "And it had to De something that is relevant in Mumbai and Kansas City."

The three-level SCPro certification differs from other programs in that it will test for knowledge across multiple specialties and require candidates to analyze and implement real-world supply chain improvement projects, Blasgen said.

Candidates with four years of relevant work experience or a bachelor's degree are eligible for a Level One designation by receiving a passing grade on a 160-question examination.

Level Two candidates must have seven years of relevant experience or a bachelor's degree and three years of experience. Individuals must analyze a real-world case study and come up with ideas for improvements in areas such as risk management, process integration, network design, supply chain strategy and sustainability.

Candidates for Level Three designation must have nine years of experience or a combination of a degree and five years experience. They will have to create and implement a plan that generates results, such as increased return on investment or improved cycle times, for an employer.

An academic adviser serves as a mentor, and die candidate is evaluated by a panel of three supply chain experts.

Judith Schieve, manager of certification programs for CSCMP, said the first group of 100 candidates for SCPro Level One designation will be tested this month, with the first certifications to be issued in January.

The cost of going through the program is expected to be about $1,500 per person, she said.

A number of companies announced new products and services at the CSCMP Annual Conference:

* RedPrairie Corp., Atlanta, launched On-Demand Supply Chain, a cloud-based service that allows customers to access warehouse and transportation management software systems through the Internet on a pay-as-you-go basis.

James Le Tart, director of marketing, said the new business unit combines die services of two companies recendy acquired by RedPrairie -WMS supplier SmartTurn and Shippers Commonwealth.

* The Eminent Group, Horsham, Pa., said it will offer RapidOTM, a tool designed to speed installation of Oracle Transportation Management software for transportation planning and execution activities.

"The expense and time required to implement Oracle Transportation Management can present barriers for some companies," said CEO Kathy Moore. "Using templates, default parameters, fast data loading and industry leading business practices, Eminent can offer clients OTM benefits in a matter of weeks."

* Ceva Logistics, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands, announced an extension of a freight-management contract with Seadrill, an offshore deepwater drilling company, to include freight forwarding and supply chain logistics services for rigs operating in West Africa and the South Pacific.

CEO John Patrullo said Ceva has set a goal of increasing the amount of business it does with existing customers, such as Seadrill, and to boost the company's share of the ocean forwarding business.

"We want to be in the top 5 ocean forwarders within three years," Patrullo said.

In September, Ceva expanded its less-than-container load service with the addition of a new service from Hamburg, Germany to New York.

By Daniel P. Bearth

Staff Writer