SAPICS - The Association for Operations Management of Southern Africa - comprises professional members from across the spectrum of South African industry. Since its foundation in 1966, SAPICS has become a leading provider of knowledge in supply chain management, production and operations in South Africa. The association is closely affiliated to APICS The Association for Operations Management in the United States. Reflecting its commitment to addressing the skills gap in the supply chain profession, and offering its education programmes as widely as possible, SAPICS (The Association for Operations Management of Southern Africa) has appointed a franchisee in KwaZulu-Natal.

KwaZulu-Natal based companies and professionals in the supply chain and operations field can expect to reap the benefits of this new association between the franchise, Durban-based IRM Supply Chain Services (formerly IRM Assignments), and SAPICS. Comments owner Douglas Nel: “IRM has a long association with SAPICS, and is a well-established SAPICS AEP (Authorised Education Provider). We are very excited about the franchise, which will see us forging an even closer association that will really benefit the 'local' supply chain community.”

He elaborates: “This franchise now provides the KwaZulu-Natal supply chain profession with an ideal platform from which we can participate in events that facilitate the sharing of industry related challenges, solutions and changing business ideologies in line with global practices. This degree of knowledge-sharing and collaboration has previously only been available to the supply chain community in the Gauteng and Western Cape regions, and represents an exciting opportunity for KwaZulu-Natal-based companies and supply chain professionals.

“The franchise will also bring previously out-of-town events to the local communities through this association,” Nel adds. “In addition, it provides an informal forum for businesses to share information and knowledge on issues, challenges and changes in our profession.”

IRM Supply Chain Services offers a comprehensive range of supply chain-related services, from the provision of education and training, to consulting on organisational supply chain blueprints, workflows and business models to integrate globally-accepted best practises. IRM also offers supply chain specific recruitment services.

“We are currently busy with a re-branding exercise, and hope to have a new 'face' to present to the market shortly, as SAPICS's new franchise in KwaZulu-Natal,” Nel concludes.

SAPICS is the South African custodian of two internationally accredited certification programmes - Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). The association’s education offerings are aimed at advancing industry's ability to succeed in a changing and increasingly competitive market place and also include a listing of local educational programs.

The Annual SAPICS Conference and Exhibition is the premier educational and networking event in Africa for Supply Chain management professionals.

The 32nd Annual SAPICS Conference and Exhibition will be held at Sun City from 25 to 27 July 2010.