Supply Chain Monthly
Current News
  
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, producers of consumer products were scrambling to keep up with demand. One supply chain executive told us that according to internal projections, his company could have sold 400% more personal hygiene products over the first six months of the pandemic. But years of cost cutting had eliminated any slack capacity and alienated suppliers. Those sales—and the customers behind them—went instead to more agile competitors that had invested in flexible equipment and built long-term relationships with key supply chain partners. His experience is not unique. Many companies have struggled to keep up with recent market shifts. But despite the missed opportunities and frequent disruptions, very few have taken a structured approach to investing in supply chain agility.
 
Supply chain agility reflects how quickly a company can adjust operations to avoid disruptions while capitalizing on opportunities. In other words, agility enables companies to thrive in uncertain environments. To enhance agility, companies need a structured approach for identifying and funding projects that build internal capabilities and external relationships. Concretely, this means making targeted investments that improve areas such as decision-making, process cycle times, and capacity optimization. Ultimately, the goal is to provide managers the flexibility to respond to a wide range of possible outcomes.
 
But where to begin? Few companies have a process in place, and available agility frameworks provide limited guidance.The lack of practical advice on how companies should be thinking about agility investments is what prompted our research (see “About this research” sidebar). Based on discussions with dozens of supply chain leaders, we have developed a framework that breaks agility into three broad categories: digital, physical, and process.
CSCMP Awards and Recognition
  
SCPro™ Certification is a three-tiered program that assesses progressive knowledge and skills across integrated supply chain activities. This process validates an individual’s ability to strategically assess business challenges, effectively implement supply chain improvements through the analysis of real-world case studies, and develop a comprehensive project plan to achieve results such as a positive ROI.
  
We are accepting nominations and submissions for the DSA, ELA, TEA, and SCIA through March 15, 2023 and will accept SCS nominations through May 31, 2023. Find out more information on each award below.
 
Distinguished Service Award
The DSA is the industry's most prestigious honor, bestowed upon an individual for significant achievements in the logistics and supply chain management industry.
 
Any individual who has made significant contributions to the fields of logistics and supply chain management are eligible to receive the Distinguished Service Award. The DSA winner will be recognized on stage during Monday’s opening general session at EDGE 2023, October 1-4, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Submit a nomination today!
 
CSCMP 2022 Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Masao Nishi, Principal, M. Nishi Strategic Advisory, pictured above.
 
Emerging Leader Award
CSCMP's Young Professionals Emerging Leader Award recognizes up-and-coming leaders for their early, yet meaningful contributions to the supply chain management and logistics industry.
 
CSCMP invites you to nominate a young professional member (32 years-of-age or under) in the supply chain community who is committed to her/his career and has the potential for a bright future, but who also deserves recognition now. Submit your nomination today!
 
Gail Rutkowski Transportation Excellence Award
The Gail Rutkowski Transportation Excellence Award (GR-TEA) recognizes individuals or companies that have excelled in using their knowledge, connections, and industry expertise to educate, support and create long-term impact through excellence in transportation-related fields.
 
To qualify, the nominee must be a CSCMP member and have demonstrated leadership and industry engagement that promoted education, excellence, and professionalism in transportation-related fields.
The Gail Rutkowski Transportation Excellence Award winner will be recognized on stage during Tuesday’s major general session at EDGE 2023, October 1-4, in Kissimmee, Florida. Submit a nomination today!
 
Supply Chain Innovation Award
The SCIA recognizes teams who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and return on investment for a significant supply chain challenge.

To participate in this esteemed competition, your team needs to submit a case study on your innovation. If selected as a finalist, your supply chain innovation will serve to educate and provide valuable insights, lessons, and applicable takeaways via a dedicated presentation at EDGE 2023, as well as be featured on the CSCMP and SupplyChainBrain websites. Submit your case study!
 
Supply Chain Sustainability Award
CSCMP’s Sustainable Supply Chain Committee recognizes and celebrates the work that supply chain leaders are doing to drive positive social, environmental, and economic impact. As the largest organization for Supply Chain Professionals, the award holds significant value to recipients.

All award recipients must be CSCMP members in order to be eligible. A team or individual may self-nominate or be nominated by a third-party. Those nominating another individual should ensure the nominee is aware they are being nominated. All award recipient(s) must be present at EDGE 2023. Submit your nomination today!
CSCMP Featured Members
It’s Not Too Late! We are still looking for a few more CSCMP Members to be featured each month on CSCMP's website, social media, and more! This is a great opportunity to showcase your talents, build your profile in the CSCMP network, and grow your connections. Please complete the “Meet a Member” application by January 31 to be eligible .

Curious about past featured members? Check out the current Meet a Members featured below. If selected, a CSCMP membership team member will contact you and let you know which month in 2023 your profile will be featured.

For any questions regarding CSCMP membership, or the 2023 Meet a Member application, please contact us at membership@cscmp.org. We look forward to your submission!
  
Jacksonville Roundtable
"I renewed my CSCMP membership in 2020 when I moved to Jacksonville, FL and wanted to be involved in the local supply chain community.

I believe everyone who has been in this business for a long time has a responsibility to support the next generation of professionals who are interested in pursuing supply chain as a career. The Mentor program is an official way of doing this but leveraging CSCMP to find ways to help young professionals is another avenue to make this happen. The greatest impact comes from the CSCMP network overall and being a part of it."
  
Houston Roundtable
"Initially, I joined CSCMP to attend the Nashville Conference in September 2022. I joined to network and gain additional relevant knowledge in supply chain from a diverse set of members in education and business. My advice is to network as much as possible with in-person or virtual events. Don't be afraid to ask people questions about the industry, their job, etc. Mentoring and being mentored is a great opportunity through CSCMP as well. I made a great connection through several people. One gave me an opportunity to be a panelist, and another has asked me to participate in a video for their ESG educational program. We continue to network since that day. I am also participating in the CSCMP mentoring program and looking forward to the opportunities of the program!"
Connect
  
 
CSCMP supports members through continued individual growth, mentorship, networking, and education. We want you to succeed and grow with access to exclusive resources and a vast network of supply chain professionals to enhance your lifelong career journey. Whether you’re just getting started in supply chain, leading a team of cross-functional professionals, or entering your retirement years, CSCMP membership is available to cater to your specific goals.
Training and Development
  
Join Charlie Saffro, President & Founder of CS Recruiting and Kyle Rapaport, Senior Supply Chain Recruiter, for a workshop on January 18, 2023, at 1pm CT in which they will help you create or improve your resume to increase your chance of landing your ideal internship or dream job!
 
The presenters will discuss best practices for writing a resume that maximizes exposure while highlighting and leveraging your interests, skills, and experience. This hands-on seminar will provide you with valuable tips and actionable advice to ensure your resume stands out and sets you apart from others.
 
Remember...your resume has about 5 seconds to grab someone's attention, so attend this workshop to learn how to transform your resume into a powerful tool that will attract the right attention and open doors for conversations and interviews.
January 19, 2023
CSCMP Member Onboarding | Welcome Webinar
Learn about member-to-member relationship building, professional development, local Roundtables, the annual EDGE Conference, the Career Center, how to access the Member-Only directory, volunteer opportunities, and more. 
 
January 31 - February 2, 2023
Manifest: The Future of Logistics is Here
CSCMP President and CEO Mark Baxa will be speaking at Manifest with a gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and investors on the cutting edge of Logistics and Supply Chain. Get unprecedented access to the people and technologies changing the way the world moves. 
 
CSCMP members save $200 on registration for the event at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, January 31 - February 2, 2023! Register for the event.
 
February 2, 2023
Truckload and LTL Forecasting for 2023
A CSCMP Transportation of Excellence Webinar
Register today to hear forecasting predictions from industry experts in the truckload and LTL space. In this webinar, panelists from DAT, Walmart, and more, will share how they plan to prepare for the new year as it pertains to truckload and LTL modes.
 
February 7 - 8, 2023
2023 SAP Manufacturing Info Days
CSCMP Enterprise Member, SAP, invites you to the third in their series of customer and partner Info Days to be held at their Newtown Square, Pennsylvania offices. This event will center on the manufacturing pillar with select partners, customer testimonials, panel discussions on important trends, and innovations in digital manufacturing today. Register for the event today!
 
SAVE THE DATE
June 8 - 9, 2023 Barcelona, Spain
CSCMP 2023 European Conference & European Research Seminar
Achieving a Resilient Supply Chain in a Fast-Changing World. Stay tuned for more details.

October 1 - 4, 2023
CSCMP EDGE 2023 Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition
At EDGE you'll gain actionable insights and perspectives together with your peers as we the solve supply chain challenges of today to forge the supply chain of tomorrow. Get 100+ quality, educational and specialty sessions, expand your network, and gather opportunities spanning the end-to-end supply chain. Register to join your peers today!
  
According to the Logistics Manager’s Index, December’s overall reads in at 54.6, up from November’s reading of 53.6. This is the sixth consecutive month that the overall index has read in below its all-time average of 64.6. In a continuation of what we have seen all year, the uptick in growth comes from increases in Inventory Levels and an associated bump in Warehousing Utilization, along with continued tightness in Warehousing Capacity. On the flipside, all of the transportation metrics are down (with Transportation Prices contracting at their sharpest rate ever). 

The LMI currently sits at a modest rate of growth, it remains to be seen if this is indicative of
a “new normal”, or merely represents a holiday-fueled respite in an eventual slide into
contraction.
Edge Conference
  
 
CSCMP’s EDGE Conference & Supply Chain Exhibition brings together the finest minds in supply chain to deliver 100+ quality, educational and specialty sessions with unbiased content and intelligence gathering opportunities spanning the end-to-end supply chain. At EDGE you’ll curate your own unique agenda and return home with practical strategies and concepts to invigorate and establish your profession and organization in the marketplace.

From the opening keynote to the closing session, and everything in-between, world-renowned experts, industry leaders, and visionary thinkers will inspire, and entertain, with new ideas and insights on topics that influence today's supply chain.

Expand your stay for this one-of-a-kind supply chain conference experience just minutes from Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando Resort™, and other Orlando theme parks and attractions. From Cypress Springs Water Park with the new Crystal River Rapids action river, to an exciting lineup of family friendly activities and entertainment.

Experience supply chain's premier event™ and make connections to accelerate your success
alongside your global network this October at Central Florida’s Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.
Experiential and content marketing works! Companies have learned that the best way to strengthen their bonds with customers is by demonstrating thought leadership and creating memorable experiences.

At CSCMP's EDGE Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition our EDGE sponsors reach a highly qualified target audience of influential supply chain management professionals offering attendees a prime opportunity to interact with sponsor brands. EDGE is an excellent, strategic opportunity for your business – don't miss it!

To learn more about available EDGE 2023 sponsorship opportunities email Chuck Martinez at sponsorship@cscmp.org or +1.305.661.2896.
Participate in the CSCMP EDGE 2023 Supply Chain Exchange Exhibition and display your technologies and/or innovations in front of 2700+ supply chain decision makers. Secure your spot at this real-time, fully integrated event by contacting Gary Master and the EDGE team to learn more at conference@cscmp.org.
Roundtables
  
CSCMP's Roundtable Success Coach, Patrick Algyer, is accepting volunteer applications now through February 28, 2023 for our roundtable communities, please read on for how you can get involved.
 
Every two years, CSCMP conducts a call for volunteers to serve in various capacities within the Roundtable Community. What is a Roundtable? – Learn more today!
 
Terms for volunteer roles are 2 years and require about 1-4 hours per month of volunteerism. Have specific questions about your local Roundtable? – Learn more and contact your local CSCMP Roundtable.
 
Even if you're currently serving in a volunteer role, you must apply again as all current volunteer roles expire June 30, 2023. Apply now to participate!
January 18, 2023
FedEx Air Hub Tour at LAX
Hosted by Southern California Roundtable

January 18, 2023
January 19, 2023
 
January 19, 2023
Andersen Windows Facility Tour and Happy Hour
Hosted by Twin Cities Roundtable

January 19, 2023
BNSF Rail Ramp Tour
Hosted by Dallas/Fort Worth Roundtable

January 26, 2023
January 26, 2023
Perfetti Van Melle: Candy Factory Tour
Hosted by Cincinnati Roundtable

January 31, 2023
 
January 31, 2023
CSCMP Center for Advancement of Talent & Training (CATT)
In April 2022, CSCMP and the CSCMP Ukraine Roundtable established the CSCMP Talent Center (recently renamed CSCMP's Center for Advancement of Talent & Training or CATT) Ukraine Logistics Operations Relief Fund to support the collection and distribution of medical and food relief to the millions of people affected by the war in Ukraine. The CSCMP Ukraine Roundtable is made up of supply chain professionals who invest their volunteer time in promoting and delivering educational events. With the war in Ukraine, they turned to serving the needs of people by collaborating with pre-qualified logistics service providers delivering food, clothing, and medicine.

To date, we've delivered $15,000 in donations, which has greatly helped assist with supporting logistics operations that are accountable for collecting and distributing life sustaining food, feed, supplies and medicines. Thank you to all who helped the CSCMP Talent Center Ukraine Logistics Operations Relief Fund and enabled the Roundtable to ensure medical and food relief reached the affected people of Ukraine.
 
We stand with our CSCMP Roundtable community in Ukraine, our members, friends, and colleagues and support their right to live peacefully in a sovereign, free country without the threat of coercion. The CSCMP Ukraine Logistics Operations Relief Fund remains open for ongoing tax-deductible contributions to support the logistics relief operations in war-ravaged Ukraine. We invite you to contribute today.
 
Stay tuned for updates on CSCMP's new Center for Advancement of Talent & Training (CATT).