Partnering Charter

Certified Inventory Optimization Professional (CIOP) is an end-to-end supply chain certification program. The certification consists of 30 modules focusing both on traditional and futuristic topics. The traditional topics are introduction to supply chain management, all about inventory, strategic business planning, forecasting, demand management, capacity management, sales and operations planning (S&OP), master scheduling (MPS), materials requirements planning (MRP) and production activity control (PAC). It also includes topics on procurement, warehousing, transportation, distribution, and packaging. The topic on the future trends such as Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Machine Learning (M/L) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is a significant focus on supporting technologies such as forecasting and process mapping tools such as Microsoft Visio. In addition to the above indicated topics the participants need to master over 3000 terminologies in supply chain management.

Warehouse Inventory Software solutions should be tailored to meet each company's unique business requirements. While many companies view the creation of an effective partnership as a simple process, there are actually several steps necessary to successfully develop a productive, innovative supply chain solution that meets the needs of each partner involved in production, warehousing, and distribution. Most importantly, there must be alignment between production and warehousing needs, as well as between the supply chain and warehouse inventory. Creating an effective partnership requires a comprehensive analysis of company requirements, both current and future, as well as a solid understanding of each partner's specific capabilities and constraints.

There is substantial overlap in the advantages for all stakeholders to a successful project from a strategic, operational, or cost perspective. This reinforces the similar overall interests which all stakeholders have in aligning with each other in terms of achieving project objectives. Successful implementation of a successful partnering charter will begin in a basic design phase where a proposal is developed to identify the company's working capital needs, budget, and working capital management needs. From there, companies can tailor their commercial lender programs to achieve a balanced combination of funding and working capital. There should also be an initial discussion of general contract terms to outline the expectations of the partnership, as well as the anticipated results of those programs.

A key advantage of using a commercial lending model to create a manufacturing/supply chain partnership relationship is that the lenders generally have established relationships and are highly familiar with the suppliers' and manufacturers' processes and practices. The process is also fast and convenient, as well as providing the flexibility of working with different lending institutions. Moreover, there are significant advantages to using a non-binding contractual Partnering Charter. One example is that it allows for flexible process implementation, which can lead to beneficial cost savings for both parties.