The Association for Supply Chain Management this month launched a Supplier Relationship Management certificate for supply chain professionals, according to a July 9 press release.
The program focuses on building strong supplier relationships as a method of mitigating risk, maintaining resilience and enhancing efficiency across supply chains, the association said.
As supply chains face volatility and unprecedented disruptions, including the Red Sea crisis and the collapse of the Baltimore bridge, strong supplier networks are critical, Lisa Sallstrom, ASCM EVP of product management, said in a statement.
“The last few years have taught the entire supply chain industry the critical importance of establishing close supplier relationships to help navigate unexpected disruptions and maintain communication to overcome obstacles,” Sallstrom said. “When disaster strikes and businesses are left scrambling to find alternative sources for key materials and products, it becomes exceedingly clear that a strong and reliable supplier network is invaluable.”
The ASCM Supplier Relationship Management certificate aims to help supply chain professionals:
- Identify and evaluate potential suppliers and their capabilities
- Understand the difference between vendor, strategic alliance and partnership relationships
- Negotiate supplier contracts and agreements
- Navigate SRM challenges and implement solutions to overcome them
- Assess, evaluate and provide feedback on supplier performance
- Measure supplier performance using key metrics
- Outline strategies, policies and procedures for managing supplier risks
- Leverage technology and understand the impact of AI on SRM practices
According to the release, the self-paced program is geared toward early, mid- and director-level professionals involved in managing supply chains, the procurement process and other department or division initiatives.
This is the ASCM’s sixth certificate, according to the ASCM website. Last year the association launched a technology certificate program for supply chain professionals seeking to leverage technology like blockchain, demand planning technology and advanced analytics and automation.
