The role of APICS in professionalizing operations management

The APICS organization is the professional association most closely affiliated with operations management practitioners. The organization is widely known for their Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program that assesses individual knowledge in the field of production and inventory management. APICS and the CPIM certification have played a major role in elevating the professionalism of individuals who work in operations management. This paper will detail a history of APICS and the CPIM certification and describe the role of academics in the development of the certification.