Certified Professional Forecasters: The great South African catch- on.

Companies around the globe are progressively recognising the importance of effective demand planning and forecasting to accommodate the volatility of markets, market metrics and changing economical conditions on a whole. This situation has highlighted the value of having well-trained forecasting and planning professionals within the company structure.

The Institute for Business Forecasting and Planning (IBF) is recognised as a comprehensive service provider of forecasting and planning educational services to global organisations. The USA-based institute has been helping businesses increase profits and decrease wastage by disseminating the latest developments on the arts and science of business forecasting and planning for the past 30 years. Furthermore, the IBF focuses on enhancing the credentials of demand planning, forecasting and supply chain professionals and offers a certification programme through which professionals can validate their experience, knowledge and skill-sets. There are two levels of IBF certification: Certified professional Forecaster (CPF) and Advanced Certified Professional Forecaster (ACPF).

The Association for Operations Management of Southern Africa (SAPICS) represents IBF in South Africa. SAPICS is a knowledge-based association which strives to provide education opportunities which will enable individuals involved in the supply chain and operations management profession to move up the ranks of this rapidly expanding and competitive field. IBF courses as well as exams have been presented locally since 2009 by the president of SAPICS, Liezl Smith. Ms. Smith became the first South African IBF certified professional after having completed the course successfully in 2008 in Chicago, USA. Says Ms Smith: “IBF certifications have long been recognised as a mark of professionalism. It constitutes a win-win situation for the company as well as the demand planning and forecasting professional involved. Presenting the CPF courses and exams in South Africa proves yet again that SAPICS is completely dedicated to the promotion of management excellence by providing superior education and training.”    South African CPF candidates have experienced an exceptionally successful year as three professionals managed to pass the exams. This brings the number of qualified CPFs in the country to 8.

The CPF exam consists of three modules which are examined individually. Two hours are permitted to complete each exam. A passing grade on IBF Certification Exams is 70% and this needs to be earned on each exam separately as cumulative grades do not apply.
Michele White (NAMPAK) passed her exams in Johannesburg on 25 July and in August Mark Lourens (UTi) and Marisa Steyn (Distell) added their names to the list of successful candidates in Cape Town. All the candidates managed to pass all three modules of the exam in a single day.

IBF training is presented by SAPICS twice a year in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively. For more information in this regard the SAPICS offices can be contacted at (011) 023 6701.

Note to Editor

SAPICS - The Association for Operations Management of Southern Africa - comprises professional members from across the spectrum of South African industry. Since its foundation in 1966, SAPICS has become a leading provider of knowledge in supply chain management, production and operations in South Africa. The association is closely affiliated to APICS -The Association for Operations Management in the United States.

SAPICS is the South African custodian of two internationally accredited certification programmes from APICS - Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). The association’s education offerings are aimed at advancing industry's ability to succeed in a changing and increasingly competitive market place.

The Annual SAPICS Conference and Exhibition is the premier educational and networking event in Africa for Supply Chain management professionals.

The 34th Annual SAPICS Conference and Exhibition will be held at Sun City from 3rd to 5th June 2012 and is the Leading Event in Africa for Supply Chain and Operations Management Professionals.

For further information, please contact:

Denise Lourens
0832685605
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Jenny Froome at SAPICS
011 023 6707
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www.sapics.org.za