PMAC launches new SCMP - Supply Chain Management Professional designation

Replacing the Certified Professional Purchaser (C.P.P.) credential, the SCMP is now the standard for excellence in professional supply chain management education in Canada

TORONTO, June 2 /CNW/ - The Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) today announced the official launch of its new designation, the Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), which replaces the Certified Professional Purchaser (C.P.P.) designation.

Accredited members of PMAC across the country are now being advised by their provincial or territorial institutes to begin using the SCMP designation, subject to the status of any applicable legislation in their respective jurisdictions.

In French, the new designation is known as professionnel en gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement (p.g.c.a.).

"The roles of PMAC members have expanded greatly and we needed a new designation that is reflective of this shift to a profession that is more strategic and that encompasses the full spectrum of supply chain management," said PMAC board chair Leah Bach, SCMP.

"As supply chain management emerges as the most significant determinant of competitive advantage, the new designation will raise awareness, understanding and recognition of the expertise that an SCMP contributes to the success of any organization," added Bach, who is also the manager of procurement services for the Delta, British Columbia school district.

"The SCMP positions our members as leaders in a growing and increasingly complex field."

All current C.P.P.s in good standing will receive the SCMP. All current and future candidates enrolled in the Strategic Supply Chain Management Leadership Program (SSCMLP) that leads to professional accreditation will also receive the SCMP designation upon successful completion of the program.

The association has close to 3,000 designation holders and more than 800 accreditation candidates.

PMAC will begin a comprehensive national marketing campaign in September, running print and online ads with national business publications and trade magazines, as well as on career sites. "The awareness campaign for the new designation will inform employers and the business community that the SCMP has arrived and that those who hold the designation offer strategic, global and integrated thinking," said PMAC president Bob Dye.

A new logo has been designed to embody the value proposition of the new SCMP designation. It comprises an infinity symbol, signifying an unbroken network that stretches from supplier to customer, and three links that represent the core areas of supply chain management: procurement, operations and logistics. The logo uses the same teal colour as the C.P.P. logo; it was chosen for its professional tone and to enhance brand recognition.

PMAC and its institutes will be updating their collateral material as they use up existing stock and will unveil a refreshed web presence this fall. While the C.P.P. is being replaced by the SCMP, references to both may be seen during the transition period.

"We took the time that was required for such an important change. And after a thorough process, I'm pleased that we are ready to move ahead," said Dye. "This is a critical development for the continued advancement of the profession."

The PMAC board of directors initiated a review to consider the need for designation change three years ago. A survey in June 2007 indicated that over 80 per cent of PMAC members were in favour of a new designation that represented their enhanced roles, as they felt the word "purchasing" no longer accurately captured the work they do. During 2008, a PMAC member task force examined the feasibility of replacing the C.P.P. and recommended going forward with the change.

In June 2009, the name of the new designation was announced to PMAC members. Over the past year, PMAC has been working to finalize the legal aspects of the change with its 10 institutes across Canada. PMAC has also proceeded to register national trademarks for the SCMP and p.g.c.a.

"A new designation serves to highlight the evolution of the profession beyond our roots in purchasing," said Bach. "We are strategic professionals in multiple aspects of supply chain management, and the SCMP now reflects our unique and distinctive competencies."

About PMAC

The Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) is the leading professional association in Canada for supply chain management professionals. With more than 40,000 members and program participants working in all sectors of the Canadian economy, PMAC is the principal source of training, education and professional development for supply chain management professionals in Canada. The highest achievement in professional supply chain management education in Canada is the Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation.

An SCMP designation backgrounder (www.pmac.ca/scmp_backgrounder) provides additional details.

For further information: Sharon Ferriss, vice-president of public affairs and communications, PMAC, [phone] or [email protected]