APICS The Association for Operations Management

Boston

Advancing Productivity, Innovation, and Competitive Success

 Welcome

APICS Gold 2007Welcome to the website of Boston APICS a gold award level chapter. The next higher award is Platinum which is accomplished by attaining gold five years running. So we're on our way! Congratulations team!

As someone interested in APICS, we really want to hear your feedback! Tell us what will make your APICS experience better. Send an e-mail to the President: Dave Rivers president@bostonapics.org

Want to join us? Be sure to check off Boston as your local chapter. Academic Professionals and Students: Boston APICS adds no additional fees to your APICS membership: $25 gets you in!

These links will take you to the International APICS web site where all applications are processed:

Professional Membership

Academic Professional Membership

Student Membership

  • Please view this link to view the most recent issue of Manufacturing Business Technology. The feature story is an article entitled “APICS offers five tips for keeping a manufacturing job” that demonstrates how an employee can use the current uncertain environment to position themselves for success and how APICS – it’s membership, education and certification - are here to support them in their quest for excellence.
  • Check out the April issue of APICS Connection here.
  • Of course being a Boston Chapter member you know we always offer Boston APICS members discounts to seminars, professional development meetings and classes such as the Northeastern University CSCP class. The Boston Board has made and will continue to make every effort to offer our members value in return for your loyalty.
  • New policy 2008-2009: Starting in September 2009 we will begin accepting all major credit cards for all of our events and professional development meetings. We will reward you for following this process!
  • Congratulations to Ms. Zuby Singh who has just accepted an appointment as a Boston APICS Company Coordinator. Thanks Zuby.

 Education

Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up knowing it must run faster than the fastest lion. Every morning a lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest gazelle. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle, when the sun comes up, you better start running!    

Or better yet, sign up for one of our classes, it will give you a head start and keep you ahead of the pack!


NEW!!!  

MASSACHUSETTS WORKFORCE TRAINING FUND APPROVES BOSTON APICS AS TRAINING PROVIDER. 
Now companies in Massachusetts both large and small can use the Massachusetts State Funding Program to pay for Boston APICS Classes in:
  • Fundamentals of Materials and Operations Management
  • Certified in Production & Inventory Management (CPIM)
  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
  • Project Management Professional
    (PMP & CAPM)

State funding details here.


New Service
How many times have you wished for someone to come in and explain the benefits of APICS membership and APICS education to the people who matter where you work? Well fret no more. We have a team of dedicated professionals who will come to your offices, meet with your folks and discuss your needs: Project management, CPIM, CSCP, Cycle Count Workshops, Fundamentals, Custom seminars; we can do it all. Let us know how we can help. riversd5@gmail.com.

2008 Course Offerings:

  1. Certified Supply Chain Management
    Professional
 

Northeastern University INSTRUCTOR LED Certified Supply Chain Management (CSCP) course: Please go to the NU site to learn more about the NEU course offering and the exclusive discount for Boston APICS members.

In the March 2007 APICS Magazine an article featuring current activities at Boeing exemplifies activities and concepts you'll learn in the new APICS CSCP course. Read about the incredible happenings at Boeing here.

Also see an article discussing CSCP in the June/July Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Current brochure.

2. On Site Classes 2008:
Boston APICS has a full time instructor who is available to bring APICS education to you at your site for any number of students at your convenience.
On Site Education. 

Boston APICS is uniquely qualified to bring you Massachusetts State assistance in paying for your APICS education: Massachusetts Workforce Training Funds FAQ's.

3. CSCP Self Study:
Boston APICS Members receive a significant discount on CSCP Materials: CLICK ON EDUCATION and find CSCP SELF STUDY.

4. CPIM Review Classes
Boston APICS offers CPIM Review classes only via our in-house format however if you prefer, here are options for you. Traditional evening session courses are typically offered by North & South Shore Chapters, and another option is an online course through Fox Valley Technical College. If you choose any of these options please make sure you mention that Boston is the originating chapter. Thank you and good luck with your certification process.

   South Shore APICS

North Shore APICS

Fox Valley Technical College

5. Project Management  Classes 2008:

  We are continuing with our successful Project Management Workshop. As many of you know this workshop is based on the PMI Body of Knowledge, and is appropriate training for the entire project team, or for those professionals who seek to acknowledge their accomplishments and get their CAPM or PMP certification. This class may be conducted in house by special arrangement and will be offered this fall for the general public. Members wil be notified by normal corrospondance, non members be sure to get your name on our e mail address list.

 Mission/Vision

The mission of the Boston Chapter of APICS is to be the premier provider of quality education that promotes the effective use of resources and the achievement of operational excellence by companies and organizations in the manufacturing, service and public sectors, within both our immediate and extended reach.

Vision: The Boston Chapter of APICS is committed to fostering and improving regional industrial and service competitiveness and prosperity, in partnership and collaboration with other APICS chapters and professional associations.

 Student Benefits

We welcome students. We have one student chapter at BU which you should affiliate yourself with if you are a BU student. Otherwise join as an "At Large" student, e mail me or our membership VP; Andy Vail, and we'll get you into our chapter mailing list.

Here are some of the benefits for students to become members of APICS:

1. Membership fee: Students join APICS for only $25!

2. APICS Membership enables you to gain access to APICS Student Resources like:

    • The APICS [International] career center to search for open positions
    • Resume posting 
    • Online publications database viewing

Of course being associated with the Boston Chapter, you'll get a discounted admission to our Professional Development Meetings (PDM's) where you can hone your networking skills, socialize and talk with seasoned professionals in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. At our PDM's (if it's not a plant tour of some state of the art facility) you can listen to a current and interesting lecture. All this along with a great meal! What could be better?

Questions? Please let me know: Dave Rivers  riversd5@gmail.com

 The President's Message

 Welcome to Boston APICS.   Calendar.

Note: when following the hot links contained in the text below, click the back arrow to return to this site.


1. Tuesday, May 13, 2008:

Measure to Mature: Dr. Mark Chockalingam

At this PDM seminar at the Best Western Waltham Mark will discuss the importance of a balanced set of metrics for the vitality of a manufacturing supply chain. It is not only important to measure the right areas, but also to define the measures correctly. The element of human bias is inevitable in any organizational activity. What keeps this bias in check are proper measurement techniques combined with appropriate incentive mechanisms. During this discussion we will review a set of holistic performance metrics for a manufacturing supply chain, interdependence of the measurement results, and biases caused by the incentive process.   
1. Value Chain Balance - Overview
2. Improve Sales and Service - Measure and improve Customer Service
3. How does forecasting affect service and inventories?
4. How to structure the right set of metrics to balance the organizational musical chair?
Read more here. 
Registration page.

2. Monday, June 9, 2008 Boston APICS will hold our  annual Officer Installation dinner. Ms. Virginia Vogle District 1 Manager will be joining us and officiating our activities. This is a special spouses invited Board meeting open to all. If you're not a board member and want to join us just drop me a quick note at riversd5@gmail.com. We'll give you an enthusiastic welcome.

 


Interesting agenda? We hope so. We need your support to keep these events coming your way. Our BOD meeting schedule is on our web site, as is our list of Board members. Drop any one of us a line anytime. Attend one of our Board meetings (teleconference). We’ll listen to your ideas, seek your advice and offer you opportunities. Get involved with your local chapter. Ask any one on the Board: Guaranteed, you’ll have a fulfilling experience.   

Dave Rivers CIRM, CFPIM, CSCP

President Boston APICS 2007-2008  


Reviews:
Tuesday, April 15, 2008: We had our second plant tour for the year at the Boston Scientific Distribution Center in Quincy MA.Our contacts there  prepared a wonderful tour for us featuring their new automation and conveyor systems showcasing their world-class operations. The survey results from the attendees were excellent! Thanks Boston Scientific!!!!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008: Our joint meeting with North Shore APICS was an astounding success by any measure. First, the Montvale Plaza is a wonderful facility. The real attraction besides getting a chance to network with our friends from North Shore APICS was our presenter Mr. Scott Kirsner. As you likely know Scott writes the weekly column for the Boston Globe: "Innovation Economy," which is published every Sunday. Scott discussed the history of entrepreneurship  in New England, along with cutting edge activities and companies that are happening today right here in our own backyard. Scott was engaging, insightful, funny and direct. He candidly offered some of his views on the regions strengths and, yes, weaknesses. If you get a chance to attend one of Scott’s lectures don’t miss it. He understands APICS, our focus, our history and many of our concerns. His perspective on our world is unique and not to be missed. Thanks Scott.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008: a Joint Meeting With APICS South Shore  featured Mr. Ron Ireland, Principal, Oliver Wight Americas, USA discussed how S&OP is being expanded into an updated process called Integrated Business Management as it links the key internal processes of Product Management, Demand Management, Supply Management, Financials, and S&OP with the overall corporate strategy. Over 30 people enjoyed Ron's award winning presentation. Thanks to Mark Chocklingam, Gabriella Wortman, Don Gallante and Deb Patton for putting it all together!

Wednesday January 9, 2008: Mr. Mike Chester and Mr. Herb Rothstein in their panel discussion focusing on China and off shoring. Gabriella Wortmann conducted the discussion and coordinated a variety of questions from our diverse and interested group. This was the only panel discussions we’ve had over the past few years and judging from the audience reaction, it was a real success. We will likely have additional panel discussions in the future. We certainly welcome your suggestions. Thanks Mike, Herb and Gabriella. 

December 4, 2007: our 2nd Annual Holiday Networking Event was a fabulous success, with about 80 people in attendance. Check out the photos here. In the photo you'll see from top left: Our Sponsors: Oracle, Analytix, Oliver Wight Americas and in the center DemandPlanning.net. Continuing on (at 3:00 on the photo) our association friends: PMI Mass Bay, North Shore APICS, the Dining room (food was great!), Registration desk, and the Boston APICS table. Bob McInturff of McInturff & Associates not in photo. 
 


Photo from buckinghambostonapartments . com
 

 New Members

Please join me in welcoming our newest members:

April 2008

Prashanth Surampudi      Lynne Carrazza

Satyanaraya Saridana     Ralph Laudati

Edward Resteghini          Alan McKittrick Jr

Jon Casey                      Kapil Dev Singh

Kevin Harvey                  Thomas Ryan

Gerardo Gonzalez Lopez

Welcome Aboard!

 Academic Professional Membership

 

   APICS Academic membership: Only $25!

Check out the program details here.

If you know someone who might profit from this new program, send them an e mail referencing our web site. We need new members, US Industry needs APICS educated leaders! 

By the way, Boston APICS will waive the Chapter portion of membership dues for qualified academics, and is looking forward to developing a library donation policy with assistance from our Academic members.

Although the deadline has past, check out the bargain of the century: the APICS Scholars Program . Start preparing now for this fabulous program next year. Contact us with your questions.

 2007-2008 Board of Directors

 •Officers
–President: David Rivers
–Executive Vice President: Donna Woodcome
–VP, Programs: Mark Chockalingham
–VP, Education: Neeraj Shah
–VP, Marketing: Roger Small
–VP, Administration (Secretary): Michael Fricot
–VP, Finance (Treasurer): Open
–VP, Membership: Andy Vail
–VP, Communications: Audrey Tremblay

•Directors
–Immediate Past President: David Jacoby
–Director, Programs:  Gabriella Wortmann
–Director at Large/COCO:  Steve Lynch
–Director at Large:  Zuby Singh
–Director at Large/COCO:  Lars Anderson
–Director at Large:  Joanne Brennan
–Director at Large:  Catherine Van Lanker
–Director at Large:  Fred Augusta