I have some queries regarding APICS-CSCP certification...
I am working in a software company in Chennai.... Currently i have 1.9 months experience....I would like to get into supply chain management...
I worked in SCM project for 1 year.... So i know a bit about SCM functionalities.... That project created an interest for SCM....
Am i eligible to appear for APICS-CSCP certification exam???
I saw APICS website that people should have 2 years relevant experience in SCM to be eligible.... Can you please advise me on this???
Is it possible for me to get a job in SCM by doing these certifications alone???
I would like to get into SCM by any cost....Can you pls suggest me some ways to get into SCM???
Your suggestions would be a great help for me and highly appreciated.....
Thanks in advance....
Regards,
Syed.
============
From APICS Site
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
APICS The Association for Operations Management Certification Program
Certified Supply Chain Professional
The APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) is the first globally recognized comprehensive certification program designed for supply chain management professionals. The APICS CSCP designation is the first and only global supply chain credential accepted by the world’s top manufacturers.
By earning the APICS CSCP designation you:
Validate your ability to create and execute supply chain strategies that meet customer needs and increase profits
Increase your professional value to employers
The APICS CSCP program addresses the entire supply chain—extending past your internal operations—from your suppliers, through your company, to your end customers.
Is APICS CSCP Right for You? Earning an APICS certification can take you from a qualified candidate to a sought-after expert. Around the world, APICS certification designees are recognized, promoted, hired, and paid more.
Especially in today's growing and changing supply chain management field, to maintain your competitive edge, you must continuously increase your knowledge, skills, and expertise. Stay competitive with the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional certification.
What is the APICS CSCP?
The APICS CSCP brings your company's entire value chain into perspective. By giving you a truly end-to-end view of the supply chain, you become the expert, not just within your organization's walls—you become the global expert.
From manufacturing to service, in business and consumer markets, the increasingly important role of effective supply chain management affects all organizations. Customer expectations are high—with the APICS CSCP, you can ensure that your company not only meets, but exceeds them.
Who are APICS CSCP Designees?
• Professionals seeking in-depth knowledge and understanding of their entire supply chain.
• Employees hoping to boost productivity and collaboration.
• Innovators promoting global supply chain management.
• Managers working to affect lead time, inventory, productivity, and the bottom line.
• Hard workers trying to move forward in their careers.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My Answer to your question:
I think you have 1year 9months experience.
One year in SCM project.
A project experience and practical domain experience differs.
Project experience under guidance of a project manager, along with other senior colleagues you worked in more of a comfort Zone.
You know how to create a purchase order in the system in an AC room, but the pain behind identifying the vendor, getting the prices, negotiating the terms, getting approved, placing order, follow-up to get it on time, delivery at the right place, getting inspected, approval, goods receipt note preparation, actual issue, accounting, invoice verification, payment etc has to be experienced in practical.
Knowing concept is one thing, applying it in different situations is altogether it is different.
It is not difficult, but one has to experience to know it better and better it further.
Flight navigation you know, you can work in a simulator your self but when it comes to actual flying ………..
You know what I mean to say.
This is the reason any professional course stipulate some practical experience before taking up the course.
When you worked in a factory in SCM area, you will better appreciate what course is talking about.
You can relate subject to your applicability, you will ask more yourself why like this? Why not like this? Otherwise you accept what it says, you read, get thru the certification.
The actual difference you find when you want to apply.
Your will is what is most important. SCM jobs are very hard, tiresome.
Unless you enjoy what you do it is difficult path. A passion for SCM is required in this profession.
As already you are in the job, please do concentrate more on to SCM projects, get involved, move around the factories, what is happening in your projects and practically in the ship floor, relate why we are doing what we are doing for example a purchase request comes from shop floor, enquiry generated by a purchase executive, cost analysis done by a cost accountant, final order authorized by a GM. It may be completely different in another industry.
According to the need of the factory or project you are in you try and translate in to the system.
Where as if you are person involved in SCM you design and implement the system how a document has to flow, how a purchase has to take place. You advice the project personnel how you would like the software to behave in a given situation, the project person exactly do what you want which is called customization.
Getting into SCM is not difficult. But only SCM job may not pay you as much SCM with Software implementation experience can.
So stick on to the job you are in, try and do this course. If you got admission fine, otherwise better to wait and do after gaining more experience.
Meanwhile I suggest you to see the website of IIMM (Indian Institute of Materials Management).
There are some courses which may interest you, this qualification plus software project experience will definitely place you in better position than only getting in SCM.