Now is the time for businesses , professional organizations, and educational institutions to identify the new knowledge and skill sets SCM professionals need . companies and professional organizations could develop the criteria and guidelines independently : yet this approach would result in confusing and inconsistent definitions. A better approach is to define standards that are recognized and applicable across companies and geographic locations . the professional organization (APICS , CSCMP and ISM ) ARE MOVING TOWARD STANDARDIZATION through various types of certification. But certification examinations alone tactical functional knowledge . as emphasized throughout this article ,a true supply chain professional requires both breadth of experience and ability to integrate-neither of which can be evaluated through multiple choice examinations.