What started in 2019 has developed over the years into a comprehensive learning journey. The objective of our collaboration has been to sustainably build Supply Chain capabilities, establish internationally recognized standards and foster a common Supply Chain language across functions and countries.
From APICS certifications to comprehensive capability building
Over the course of our collaboration, hundreds of Supply Chain professionals have participated in a variety of learning and development activities. The overall approach combines internationally recognized APICS certifications with face-to-face and virtual training, digital learning formats, PMI Supply Chain Essentials, and hands-on learning with The Fresh Connection business simulation.
Even during the pandemic, the learning journey continued. Training was successfully transitioned into virtual formats, allowing international and cross-location professional development to continue.
From the beginning, however, the objective has gone beyond earning individual certifications. The focus has been on building Supply Chain capabilities that create long-term value within the organization.
Creating a common Supply Chain language
Supply Chain Management does not work in functional silos. Decisions in Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, Logistics and Sales are interconnected and increasingly need to be considered from an end-to-end perspective.
An important element of our collaboration has therefore been the development of a shared understanding of Supply Chain Management: common terminology, internationally recognized standards and a better understanding of how decisions in one area affect other parts of the Supply Chain.
In this way, professional development supports not only the individual growth of participants but also cross-functional collaboration, end-to-end thinking and a common Supply Chain language throughout the organization.
Connecting learning with practical application
Another important element is the connection between knowledge and practical application. Business simulations such as The Fresh Connection enable participants to directly experience the consequences of Supply Chain decisions.
Procurement, Operations, Supply Chain and Sales need to make decisions together and experience how these decisions affect business performance, inventory, service, cost and other key objectives.
This helps turn knowledge into practical capability – and individual professional development into shared Supply Chain learning.
A partnership we are proud of
For PMI, the publication of this Success Story by ASCM is a special recognition of a long-standing collaboration.
Our sincere thanks go to Boehringer Ingelheim for the trust and partnership over the years, to all participants for their motivation, curiosity and openness, and to our PMI instructors and entire team who have supported this learning journey.
We are very pleased to see our joint story now being shared with the international ASCM community.
Long-term investment in people, knowledge and a common Supply Chain language can make a sustainable difference.
Read the full Success Story on ASCM.org: https://www.ascm.org/corporate-transformation/case-studies/boehringer-ingelheim/
