We have compiled a list of related websites of professional associations, educational organizations and colleagues that you may find helpful. These are all people and organizations whom we know, respect and trust.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
APICS: The Association for Operational Management is the professional society that is closest to Sales & Operations Planning, and it holds a strong and growing position in overall Supply Chain Management, It has several excellent certification programs, including the recently introduced CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional). Bob and Tom together have over 70 years of APICS membership, and are strong supporters of the association. We speak frequently at APICS events, at both the national and chapter level.
EDUCATION:
The Institute of Business Forecasting is widely regarded as a premier provider of information on a very difficult process: sales forecasting and demand management. In addition, the IBF is now active in related fields: Sales & Operations Planning and Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR). The IBF publishes the Journal of Business Forecasting targeted for practitioners, and also offers a certification in Business Forecasting, supported by education and training sessions.
As a Distinguished Fellow with the The Center for Operational Excellence at Ohio State , Tom feels very good about how the Center has developed over the years. The growth has occured in both the number of companies served and in the range of services provided. Member companies have found that affiliation with the Center provides significant benefits.
Center for Operational Excellence
OTHER PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES:
Bill Belt is an American who's lived in France for many years; as such he's fluent in French as well as English. Bill has a fine track record of making companies successful with Executive S&OP as well as the ERP/MRP II processes. He's also very active in Lean Manufacturing.
Phil Heenan is a colleague from "down under" whom we've known for nearly 20 years. He was a key player in a number of highly successful implementations of S&OP. Phil is a leader in Australasia APICS and has a consulting company that specializes in Class A Sales & Operations Planning.
Danie Vermelen, based in Auckland, heads up Smart Chain Consultants and the Kaizen Institute of New Zealand. As such,he is active in consuling for supply chain managemet including S&OP and in continuous improvement processes. Danie has been a leader in the establishment of the Council of Supply Chain Management (CDCMP) in New Zealand.
Kaizen Institute of New Zealand
Michael Webb, President of Sales Performance Consultants, Inc., specializes in helping companies that are struggling with unreliable marketing and selling processes. His approach recognizes that, in many respects, the sales process is not dissimilar from production. Michael is a leader in applying Lean and Six Sigma to sales and marketing.