KnoWerX Education (India) Pvt. Ltd. (KnoWerX) offers several certification programs to individuals who are looking for furthering their career growth or wanting to get in to new functional areas. An attempt has been made here to answer some of the common queries. Which certification programs are offered by KnoWerX? KnoWerX offers several certification programs from (1) APICS The Association for Operations Management, USA (APICS), and, (2) American Society of Transportation and Logistics, USA (AST&L). The certification programs offered are: APICS o CSCP Certified Supply Chain Professional o BSCM Basics in Supply Chain management o CPIM Certified in Production and Inventory Management o CFPIM Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management AST&L o PLS Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management o CTL Certified in transportation and Logistics o DLP Distinguished Logistics Professional How do KnoWerX certification programs compare to MBA? Most MBA (or equivalent) programs are academic in nature. These programs usually teach you why and what. KnoWerX programs are practical in nature and teach you how to. So, both programs are complimentary to each other. Why and what programs find more favour in academics and research. How to programs have direct application and appeal in the industry and therefore find more favour in industry. How do KnoWerX certification programs differ from other professional certification programs? Some of the certification programs are also good but some other available in the market, either in similar domains or in other domains like project management, accounting, sales, etc. merely teach you frameworks and do not cover specific business processes. Therefore, individuals do not feel more equipped even after completing such certification programs and industry does not see the difference between a certified and a non-certified individual. Whereas KnoWerX certification programs makes you more knowledgeable, more confidant, more respected, more in demand and result in more tangible career benefits. A recent research study by Dr. Hau Lee, Chairman, SCM World, and Kevin OMarah, Faculty Member, SCM World reveal that 87% respondents placed APICS a #1 association for certification preference for talent management and skills development. Please click on http://www.scmworld.com/?page=CSCO_Report_2011 to download the report and check out the study result on page 38. The respondents have put APICS as an association in the same league as Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as top universities (page 37). How do KnoWerX certification body of knowledge compare to SAP/ERP body of knowledge? SAP/ERP software automates business processes of industry. KnoWerX certifications also provide business process knowledge. So, both bodies of knowledge are very similar. The SAP/ERP training programs that are available in the market usually only cover the software navigation and usage. The knowledge of business processes is assumed to be there with individuals. That is where knowledge gained with KnoWerX certification programs helps individuals in better understanding of SAP/ERP systems and quickly master SAP/ERP processes, resulting in tangible career benefits. What is the key difference between APICS and AST&L certification programs? While both, APICS and AST&L, programs fall under the broad area of supply chain management, APICS certifications are more tilted towards materials management, whereas, AST&L certifications are more tilted Which_Certification_Is_Right_For_You_120524 Page 1 of 12
towards transportation and logistics management. Our recommendation is to acquire complete knowledge, both, from materials management angle and from the transportation and logistics management angle. The sequencing is an individuals choice. What are the factors that must be considered? There are several factors one must consider before you decide which certification program is most suitable for you. Some of the factors are mentioned below:
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to get your knowledge validated and/or to fill in
the gaps, if any, check out the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches the knowledge that you have.
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to grow further in your current function and/or to
keep yourself current with changes occurring in the field, check out the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches your current function / field.
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to understand and apply new knowledge in your
new job / profession, check out the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches your new job / profession.
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to change your current field and get into a new
field, e.g. SAP/ERP, check out the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches your new field that you are aspiring to get into. If you want to get into SAP/ERP field, choose the certification program that closely matches the module of SAP/ERP that you are aspiring to get into. The following is a suggested list: SAP/ERP Module Business Intelligence Controlling & Costing Customer Relationship Management Customer Service Management Financial Accounting Human Resource Management Logistics Execution Materials Management Plant Maintenance Product Life-Cycle Management Production Planning & Control Project Management Retail Management Sales & Distribution Management Strategic Enterprise Management Supplier Relationship Management Supply Chain Management Certificate BSCM, CSCP BSCM CSCP CSCP BSCM BSCM PLS, CTL BSCM, CPIM BSCM, CPIM CSCP BSCM, CPIM BSCM CSCP BSCM, CPIM, PLS, CTL BSCM, CSCP CSCP BSCM, CPIM, CSCP
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If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to learn the language of your customers, check out
the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches your customers business.
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to comply with your customers or companys
which certification program is in greatest demand and which offers more pay.
Consider the time commitment required for each certification program versus the time you can commit.
Certification programs have between 1 to 6 exams. Exams are conducted once in a quarter. Usually, you can study for a maximum of two exams at a time.
Take into account the availability of study materials with KnoWerX, in the book stores, in your
companys/institutes library, with your friends and colleagues, etc. If you must procure new set of study materials, add the cost to the total cost of the certification program.
Also take into account which certification programs your friends and colleagues are considering doing.
When more number of people are studying together in a group, the preparation is better, study materials (and therefore the costs) can be shared and it is more fun.
Consider the financial commitment that is required for each certification program versus the budget you
have. If your company is going to sponsor the fees, consider the list of approved certification programs in your company. The current exam fees are given below: Certificate No. of exams Total exam fees (APICS members)
`51,340 `17,180 `85,900
Other fee
APICS CSCP APICS BSCM APICS CPIM APICS CFPIM AST&L PLS AST&L CTL AST&L DLP
1 1 5 0 1 6 0
US$20
`27,920 `81,720 `31,050 `90,900 `34,540 `1,01,160
Take into account the prerequisites, eligibility and dependence of certification programs listed further in
the same document. Are there any dependence, pre-requisites, etc. amongst various certificates? Organization Certification No. of Dependence Prerequisites / Eligibility Program Exams APICS CSCP 1 None Eligibility approval must be obtained from APICS in advance. Any one of the criteria must be met: (1) APICS CFPIM, APICS CPIM, APICS CIRM, C.P.M. plus two years of related work experience, (2) Bachelors degree plus two years of related work experience, or, (3) Five years of related work experience.
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1 5 0
AST&L
PLS CTL
1 6
None None but exam waivers possible for those who completed CSCP, CPIM and/or PLS CTL
None. None. Submit evidence of (1) APICS CPIM exams passed, (2) Presentations, (3) Published works, (4) Classroom instruction, (5) Volunteer and practitioner activities. Conditions apply. A bachelors degree or three years of professional experience. A bachelors degree or three years of professional experience.
DLP
This membership requires a recommendation to the AST&L Board of Directors by an active AST&L member. The Board determines approval following a review of the nominees credentials including two letters of recommendation. Individuals with over twenty years experience can be recommended to the Board for consideration.
A Quick Comparison:
BSCM*
Target Management Level Supply Chain Primary Focus Supply Chain Secondary Focus Everyone / Entry Level
CPIM
Junior to Middle Materials Management Focus
CSCP
Middle to Senior
PLS
Junior to Middle
CTL
Middle to Senior
Transportation and Logistics Focus Basic Logistics and Supply Chain Strategy All Aspects of Transportation and Logistics Management
External Integration, SCM Models, CRM, SRM, Use of IT (1) CFPIM, CPIM, CIRM, C.P.M. plus two years of related work experience, or, (2) Bachelors degree plus two years of related work experience, or, (3) Five years of related work experience
Eligibility Requirements
None
None
Number of Exams
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* BSCM = Basics of Supply Chain Management, is a foundation module of CPIM. A separate certificate is awarded for passing BSCM.
For further help, write to: bengaluru@knowerx.com delhi@knowerx.com kolkata@knowerx.com nagpur@knowerx.com pune@knowerx.com +91(22)425 66 461 +91(22)425 66 463 +91(22)425 66 466 +91(22)425 66 467 +91(22)425 66 469 chennai@knowerx.com hyderabad@knowerx.com mumbai@knowerx.com nasik@knowerx.com +91(22)425 66 462 +91(22)425 66 465 +91(22)425 66 464 +91(22)425 66 468
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Course Content
APICS CSCP Certified Supply Chain Professional
This program is recognized worldwide as the premier supply chain management education and certification program. This takes a broad view of operations, extending beyond internal operations to encompass the entire supply chainfrom supplier, through the company, to the end consumer. The program provides professionals with the knowledge necessary to understand and manage the integration and coordination of end-to-end supply chain activities. The program is divided in three modules in one comprehensive exam: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management (SCM) Supply Chain Management Concepts Supply Chain Alignment with Business Strategy Supply Chain Design and Improvement Considerations Inventory Management Logistics Fundamentals Market Segmentation Demand Planning Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Concepts Supply Management Concepts Supply Chain Strategy, Design and Compliance
Sustainability
Risk Management Globalization Logistics Managing the Supply Chain Technology Influencing and Prioritizing Demand Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Inventory Planning and Control
Implementation and Operations Supply Chain Dynamics Managing Supply from Internal Sources Managing Supply from External Sources Implementation of Demand Plans Continuous Improvement
The Basics of Supply Chain Management (Basics) exam covers the basic concepts in managing the complete flow of materials in a supply chain from suppliers to customers. The Basics module introduces supply chain concepts and emphasizes basic terminology, but it also covers relationships among activities in the supply chain. Knowledge of the material in this module is assumed as a prerequisite for the other APICS CPIM modules, which cover similar topics but in much greater depth. The Basics module examines four major areas: o Business-wide concepts for satisfying customer expectations o Determining and managing customer demand o Managing the transformation processes used to satisfy customer demand o Managing the supply activity supporting transformation processes
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An in-depth understanding of the topics of demand management, sales and operations planning, and master scheduling is covered. The Master Planning of Resources module examines both supply and demand planning for mid- to long-term independent demand. Both priority planning and capacity planning issues are addressed. The Master Planning of Resources module examines three major areas: o Demand management, the function of recognizing all demands for goods and services to support the marketplace o Sales and operations planning, a process that brings together all the plans for the business (e.g., sales, marketing, product development, manufacturing, sourcing, finance) o Master scheduling, the process of generating, reviewing, and updating the master production schedule to keep it consistent with the production plan o Distribution planning, encompasses the planning of distribution networks and replenishments in the distribution environment.
Detailed Scheduling and Planning
This covers Detailed Scheduling and Planning module, including inventory management, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, and procurement and supplier planning. The emphasis in this module is on applied- and higher-thinking questions. The Detailed Scheduling and Planning module examines three major areas: o Planning the management of inventory o Planning material requirements to support the master schedule o Planning operations to support the priority plan o Planning procurement and external sources of supply
Execution and Control of Operations
The Execution and Control of Operations module encompasses the principles, approaches, and techniques needed to schedule, control, measure, and evaluate the effectiveness of production operations. Candidates preparing for this exam should review the broad base of production operations including project, batch, line, continuous, and remanufacturing environments addressed in this module. The Execution and Control of Operations module examines the three phases of execution and control: o Prioritizing and sequencing work to be performed o Executing the plans, implementing physical controls, and reporting results of activities performed o Evaluating performance and providing feedback
Strategic Management of Resources
This covers high-level knowledge of strategic planning and implementation and an understanding of how market requirements drive the resources and processes of an organization. The Strategic Management of Resources module examines three major areas: o Understanding the business environment o Developing the operations strategy o Implementing the operations strategy
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Each APICS CPIM exam passed earns points. A score of 320 and above earns higher points.
Presentations
Earn points for any talk given either before an APICS or non-APICS audience, including the APICS International Conference and Exposition presentations, APICS national or regional conference talks, nonAPICS conferences, dinner meetings, or workshop presentations.
Published Works
Eligible works include any article in APICS magazine, Production & Inventory Management Journal, Journal of Operations Management, a chapter submitted for the APICS handbook, or an article in a non-APICS magazine or journal.
Classroom Instruction
Claim one point for each hour of classroom instruction made to an APICS audience or non-APICS audience as long as the content relates to the APICS body of knowledge.
Volunteer and Practitioner Activities
Earn points for officially sanctioned CPIM or CIRM workshops or for contributing to the expansion of the CPIM program by, for example, participating in APICS courseware review.
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Implications of the Virtual Supply Chain Quick Response Logistics Quick Response Production System Dynamics Collaboration Vendor Managed Inventory Managing the Global Pipeline Globalization Global Visibility Global Organization Local to Global Roll-Up Managing Supply Chain Risk Supply Chain Vulnerability Supply Chain Risk Profiles Managing Supply Chain Risk Robust Supply Chains
Supply Chain Integration The Logistics Vision Traditional Organizations The Logistics Organization Logistics as Change Agent Benchmarking The Era of Network Competition New Organizational Paradigm Supply Networks Future Supply Chains Business Transformations Implications of Transformations for Logistics Supply Chain Orchestration 3PL-4PL
AST&L CTL Certified in Transportation and Logistics Required Modules for Certification
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Upon making a proper application and paying the required fee, in lieu of the written test, waiver may be granted by the AST&L for the Logistics Management (LM) module to those candidates who are valid/maintained APICS CPIM/CFPIM designee.
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Supply chain concept; Approaches employed to obtain a competitive advantage through supply chain management; Techniques employed to improve the performance and efficiency of supply chains; Effect of interdependent activities and firms on overall performance and behaviour; Approaches for measuring performance in the supply chain; Strategies for managing the supply chain; Different inventory management approaches employed in the supply chain; An understanding of the trade-offs made in managing supply chain activities; Issues involved in managing supply chain processes; Role of logistics management and its effect on supply chain performance.
Upon making a proper application and paying the required fee, in lieu of the written test, waiver may be granted by the AST&L for the Logistics and Supply Chain Strategy (LSCS) module to those candidates who are valid/maintained AST&L PLS designee.
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For further help, contact: bengaluru@knowerx.com delhi@knowerx.com kolkata@knowerx.com nagpur@knowerx.com pune@knowerx.com +91(22)425 66 461 +91(22)425 66 463 +91(22)425 66 466 +91(22)425 66 467 +91(22)425 66 469 chennai@knowerx.com hyderabad@knowerx.com mumbai@knowerx.com nasik@knowerx.com +91(22)425 66 462 +91(22)425 66 465 +91(22)425 66 464 +91(22)425 66 468
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