Why does APICS need a new strategic direction? 

Like many associations, APICS is experiencing increasing competition from both not-for-profit and for-profit providers of educational products and services, both in the United States and around the world.  Members and customers have many options for information and education, and advances in information technology will only increase the choices. Customers—both members and non-members—are demanding more of APICS to help them meet the changing requirements of their jobs.  They require an organization that is responsive and flexible and that provides them with the best quality products and services to help them succeed at their jobs.

In addition to the challenges of competition and customer requirements, the recent economic downturn has affected APICS’ membership and sales, resulting in financial stress.

The APICS board and senior staff recognized that in this environment APICS can not simply continue with “business as usual.”  The requirements of the field and the membership, the economic challenges, and the increasing competition combine to create a sense of urgency.  APICS’ continued success depends on its ability to transform itself by building on its history and strengths to ensure its ongoing relevance in the future.

What are the key elements of the plan? 

A new Mission Statement:  “APICS is the global leader and premier provider of information and services in production and inventory management and related areas to enable members, enterprises, and individuals to add value to their business performance.”

A comprehensive plan made up of seven strategic priorities:

1. APICS products and services will be truly market and customer driven.

2. APICS will have a rapid and agile product development process that results in creating and refining high quality products that are based on market and customer needs.

3. APICS’ membership offerings will be redefined based on voice of the customer research to serve diverse needs and target potential customers worldwide.

4. APICS will enhance delivery channels to facilitate a customer-driven approach to products and services.

5. APICS will leverage the APICS brand and elevate the image, value, and recognition of APICS as the production and inventory management solutions provider worldwide.

6. APICS will expand its presence outside of North America.

7. APICS will be a dynamic organization with governance systems and processes in place to achieve its goals and move forward with its plan.

How has the plan been developed?

The planning process began by engaging the entire APICS board and senior staff.   This group met for two weekends over a three-month period to work on the plan, with significant between-meeting work to refine the information. Starting with an assessment of APICS’ strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities and challenges in its environment, the Board next addressed questions of mission and preferred future. In January of this year they developed and refined the priorities that APICS will pursue in support of its mission.

Recognizing the importance of infusing the plan with a variety of perspectives, the board invited thirty-six additional volunteers and staff to join seven Work Groups charged with identifying potential strategies and taking a preliminary look at timelines and resource requirements.  An intense three-day meeting held March 21-23 resulted in substantial progress, which will be followed up by further work through e-mail and phone meetings.