Top 10: Supply Chain Associations
With an ever-changing professional landscape, it’s a must that businesses have access to the right resources to help them flourish. These supply chain associations provide the education and platforms to aid businesses in improving the efficiency of their operations.
From providing forums where members can discuss new policies to funding research programmes and degrees, supply chain associations offer the resources that show real progress within the companies.
Here, we highlight some of the best worldwide associations that are raising the bar for elevating their members and advancing innovation across global supply chains.
10. European Logistics Association (ELA)
Founded: 1984
Members: 55,000
President: Dr. Markus Mau
ELA is a community of more than 30 national organisations in the fields of logistics and supply chain management, spanning nearly every country in central and western Europe. It aims to empower the 55,000 professionals it reaches and promote the profession across the continent.
It also provides the ELA Certification, an international standard of logistics management, and accredits university programmes – helping set the standard for education in the industry.
9. International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
Founded: 1958
Members: 176 Member States
Secretary General: Arsenio Dominguez Velasco
IMO is an agency of the United Nations, dedicated to promoting efficient maritime safety. The IMO has expanded its focus since 1958 to include environmental issues and sustainable practices. It aims to achieve safe, efficient and sustainable shipping through cooperation with its member states.
It has also introduced a Legal Committee to consider liability and compensation. It prevents ship operators from using unsafe and illegal practices in order to maintain safety for people and healthy marine life.
8. Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Founded: 2004
Members: 550+ companies
Executive Director: Paul Nowak
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition brings together businesses, manufacturers, academic institutions and government agencies from across the packaging supply chain to reduce the environmental toll of the industry.
Its members include 3M, Amazon, Danone, Mondelez International and Unilever. Each of them joined to improve packaging sustainability through collaboration that would otherwise be impossible in the competitive corporate world, though its annual Innovator Awards certainly highlight the most forward-thinking solutions.
7. Intermodal Association of North America (IANA)
Founded: 1991
Members: 1000+
CEO: Anne Reinke
IANA’s mission is to promote efficient intermodal freight transportation through innovation, education and communication. It aims to provide its members with a neutral forum to share their issues, discuss and create policy and advance new practices.
IANA recognises individuals who have positively impacted the industry with a range of awards. It holds the annual Intermodal EXPO, which is dedicated to uniting the entire intermodal supply chain, and provides the opportunities for sponsorships for startups and individuals.
6. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
Founded: 1963
Members: 9,000+
CEO: Mark Baxa
The CSCMP represents nearly all industry sectors, government and academia from 67 countries through its professional education and research programmes. It offers the SCPro certification, which develops then assesses supply chain management skills.
It has been known as a source of trusted sector information for decades, through its industry reports and strong links with academia, meaning members can access best practices and adoption advice on emerging supply chain trends.
5. The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
Founded: 1957
Members: 45,000+
CEO: Abe Eshkenazi
ASCM is one of the largest nonprofit associations for supply chain around the world, connecting supply chain professionals and companies to the newest thought leadership. It encourages companies to optimise their supply chains and make a positive impact at each stage of the chain.
The ASCM has a foundation which helps build humanitarian supply chains, diversity and inclusion initiatives and STEM and career awareness. With a focus on education and development, ASCM focuses on building up through the supply chain.
4. World Economic Forum (WEF)
Founded: 1971
Members: 390 Forum Member firms
CEO: Børge Brende
WEF, though not exclusively a supply chain association, supports professionals in the industry through its sector specific communities. Its Supply Chain and Transport Industry Community serves as a hub for peers to exchange ideas, best practices and cutting-edge insights.
WEF also publishes many reports, white papers and case studies on supply chain resilience, decarbonisation and more – making it a valuable resource for logistics professionals and beyond. Its annual meeting in Davos also focuses on these topics, where global leaders can share experiences and collaborate on international solutions the industry is facing.
3. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
Founded: 1932
Members: 70,000+
CEO: Ben Farrell
CIPS is a global membership organisation dedicated to the change and amplification of positive practice. CIPS helps professionals advance through providing a range of information and tools to its members. It helps organisations grow in strength by educating and training them in best practices and new advancements.
It offers a range of degrees and apprenticeships, with a 92% pass rate, so individuals can get the support they need to grow within their organisations. Procurement professionals rely on qualifications such as the MCIPS to advance their careers, as the association sets the industry standard.
2. Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
Founded: 1915
Members: 50,000
CEO: Thomas Derry
The ISM is the world’s largest, and oldest, non-profit professional association. It is dedicated to advancing the field of supply chain management across more than 100 countries.
To do this, it offers internationally recognised certifications, such as the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), and publishes reports such as its annual Report on Business which acts as an economic indicator for the industry.
The association is now expanding to cover end-to-end supply chain management, representing a significant move in its 110 year history to align with the wider evolution of the profession.
1. International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM)
Founded: 1974
Members: 250,000
President: Chris Oanda
IFPSM enables the distribution of knowledge to enhance the procurement and supply chain management profession, improving the living and working standards of citizens around the world. It aims to further develop the global standard for educational organisations in the supply chain management sector.
The IFPSM aims to share the best practices on strategies, with a focus on uplifting and involving young professionals. It organises the World Summit event to bring together member organisations and celebrate growth.
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