CPIM – Certified in Production and Inventory Management

The APICS CPIM program educates manufacturing professionals on essential terminology, concepts, and strategies related to demand management, procurement and supplier planning, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, sales and operations planning, master scheduling, performance measurements, supplier relationships, quality control, and continuous improvement.

Questions about APICS Education? Contact Bruce Brechin at   or by phone at (419) 662-7531

There are 5 modules in the CPIM Program

• Basics of Supply Chain Management
• Master Planning of Resources
• Detailed Scheduling and Planning
• Execution and Control of Operations
• Strategic Management of Resources

Benefits of CPIM – A CPIM education can help you to:

• Increase your functional knowledge of production and inventory management
• Improve efficiency across the processes of your organization’s supply chain
• Streamline operations through accurate forecasting
• Predict outcomes more accurately
• Maximize customer satisfaction by delivering products and services Just-in-Time
• Increase profitability by optimizing your organization’s inventory investment
• Enhance your credibility among peers, employers, and customers.

Interested in setting up a group certification class for your business, group, or school? Or looking to get certified for college credit? Contact us to find out more!

CPIM Modules

BSCM is the foundation of the program, MPR, DSP and ECO build on the concepts established in the Basics class while SMR is the capstone and ties everything together.

Basics of Supply Chain Management: This starter module examines the basic concepts in managing the flow of materials in a supply chain. In the basics, you get a complete overview of material flow, from internal and external suppliers to and from your organization. Topics include:

• Elements of the Supply Chain
• Just-in-Time (JIT)
• Total Quality Management (TQM)
• Manufacturing Resources Planning (MRP II)
• Demand Planning
• Capacity Management

Master Planning of Resources: This module explores the processes used to develop sales and operations plans and identify and assess internal and external demand and forecasting requirements. The course focuses on the importance of producing achievable master schedules that are consistent with business policies, objectives, and resource constraints. Topics include:

• Demand Management
• Sales and Operations Planning
• Master Scheduling
• Measuring Business Performance

Detailed Scheduling and Planning: DSP focuses on the various techniques for material and capacity scheduling. Study detailed descriptions of material requirements planning (MRP), capacity requirements planning (CRP), inventory management practices, and procurement and supplier planning. Topics include:

• Recognizing Techniques and Practices of Inventory Management
• Mechanics of the Detailed Material Planning Process
• Planning Operations to Support the Priority Plan
• Planning Procurement and External Sources of Supply

Execution and Control of Operations: Focus on the areas of prioritizing and sequencing work, executing work plans and implementing controls, reporting activity results, and providing feedback on performance. The course explains techniques for scheduling and controlling production processes, the execution of quality initiatives and continuous improvement plans, and the control and handling of inventories.Topics include:

• Prioritizing and Sequencing Work
• Executing Plans and Implementing Controls
• Authorizing and Reporting Activities for Push and Pull Systems
• Evaluating Performance and Providing Feedback

Strategic Management of Resources: The final module in the series covers the relationship of existing and emerging processes and technologies to manufacturing strategy and supply chain-related functions. The course addresses three main topics: aligning resources with the strategic plan, configuring and integrating operating processes to support the strategic plan, and implementing change.Topics include:

• Competitive Market Issues
• Choices Affecting Facilities, Supply Chain, Information Technology, and Organizational Design
• Configuring and Integrating Internal Processes
• Evaluating and Managing Projects

CPIM Classes Details

The Toledo Chapter offers classes for each module, classes are led by an APICS certified instructor who is certified in the classes they teach.

Classes are typically held on weekday evenings, there is one class per week, duration is approximately 3 hours and there are 8 or 9 sessions per module. These classes and the material provided by APICS are aimed at those who already have some understanding of the production and inventory management field and are refreshing or upgrading their knowledge. Classes will generally be scheduled to start in September, January and April.F

Jackson Community College (JCC) Classes:  JCC is located on a scenic suburban site six miles south of the city of Jackson, MI. It is easily accessible from Toledo, OH and Detroit, MI and offers Toledo APICS members another location and more times to take classes. Classes are held on one of two JCC campuses.

JCC Information:  http://www.jccmi.edu
JCC Locations:  http://www.jccmi.edu/info/locations.htm

Toledo APICS CPIM Classes
Class Materials Each module has an associated Participant Guide, material is grouped in chapters with one chapter per 3 hour class.The Guide includes a CD with questions about the material being studied, the questions and answers are in the format used in the APICS exam.It is also suggested that class participants obtain the APICS Dictionary (free to members) the dictionary provides definitions for terms used in the CPIM program and is based on the APICS Body of Knowledge.Those wishing to take the certification exams should also purchase the Exam Content Manual (approximately $20), this provides an outline of the curriculum for each module, key terminology and a few sample questions.There is also other recommended reading but all necessary material is contained in the three books described above.

CertificationIndividuals wishing to achieve the APICS CPIM Certification sit a test on each module and must pass all 5 modules to become APICS certified. Tests can be Paper Based (PBT) or Computer Based (CBT). The chapter tries to offer Paper Based Testing 3 times a year but availability is dependent on reaching a minimum of 10 participants. Computer Based Testing is provided by an external organization, PearsonVUE, at sites around the country and is generally available, virtually on demand, testing is arranged directly with PearsonVUE. The nearest PearsonVUE sites to Toledo are Lansing, Bingham Farms (near Detroit) and Cleveland, information is available at their website, www.pearsonvue.com

Class and Test FeesClass fees are structured as follows:

• • APICS members $370 (including Participant Guide)
• • Non-members $520 (includes Participant Guide and 1 year APICS membership)
• • Student APICS Members $120 (including Participant Guide)
• • Student Non-Members $150 (including Participant Guide)

Test Fees:

• Paper Based Testing – $125
• Computer Based Testing – $115 (paid to PearsonVUE)