APICS CTSC - Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain (CTSC)

It is part of the ISO 14000 family of standards that are developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 207 and its various subcommittees, and that cover different aspects of environmental management2.

According to the ASCM, the supply chain information system infrastructure consists of four main elements: hardware, software, data warehouse, and the internet1.These elements enable the collection, storage, processing, and transmission of data and information across the supply chain, and support the decision making and execution of supply chain activities1.The ASCM also states that the supply chain information system infrastructure is a key enabler of supply chain transformation, which is the process of changing the supply chain to achieve higher performance, efficiency, and sustainability1.By having a robust and reliable infrastructure, a company can leverage the power of data and analytics, improve the visibility and collaboration across the supply chain, and adopt new technologies and innovations that can enhance the supply chain capabilities and outcomes1. Therefore, hardware, software, data warehouse, and the internet are the infrastructure elements that have a significant impact on supply chain transformation.

According to the ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, a digital supply chain integrator is a role that involves connecting the digital and physical supply chain elements, and enabling the flow of data and information across the end-to-end supply chain1. This requires reaching across functional and technological boundaries to seek information and understand-ing, and to collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize the supply chain performance2. The other options are not specific to the digital supply chain in-tegrator role, as they are common behaviors for any supply chain professional.1: ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, page 9.2:3

According to the ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, a supply chain strategy that is more focused on creating value is based on the principle of customer-centricity1.This means that the supply chain strategy should align with the value proposition and expectations of the target customers, and deliver superior value to them in terms of quality, cost, service, and innovation12.Therefore, the most important step for this company to take is to design its internal operations to meet customers’ requirements, such as product specifications, delivery time, customization options, and after-sales support13.This will help the company to differentiate itself from competitors, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and enhance its profitability and market share12.

1: ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, page 12.2:A new era for procurement: Value creation across the supply chain | McKinsey3:Strategic Value Creation in a Supply Chain - IGI Global

the SCOR level 1 metrics for the performance attribute of Cost are total supply chain management and cost of goods sold (COGS).Cost is defined as "the costs associated with operating the supply chain, including labor, material, and transportation"2.Total supply chain management cost (TSCM/CO.1.1) is "the sum of the costs associated with the SCOR Level 2 processes to Plan, Source, Deliver, and Return"2.Cost of goods sold (COGS/CO.1.2) is "the direct costs attributable to the production of the goods sold by a company"3.These metrics measure the financial efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain processes and activities14.

1:Supply Chain Operations Reference Model Revision 114:SCOR Metrics - scpiteam.com2:CLL037 DoD Supply Chain Fundamentals - Defense Acquisition University3:Cost of Goods Sold – COGS Definition - Investopedia

According to the ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, one of the prerequisites for a supply chain transformation roadmap is to standardize and harmonize processes across the enterprise1. This can help to eliminate waste, reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and enable scalability of the supply chain opera-tions2. The other options are not prerequisites, but rather outcomes or enablers of a supply chain transformation roadmap.1: ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, page 10.2:1

According to the ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, the SCOR framework consists of five phases: analyze, configure, optimize, implement, and evaluate.In the analyze phase, the key outputs are an as-is Level 3 process diagram, a scorecard, and competitive requirements1.The as-is Level 3 process diagram shows the current state of the supply chain processes in detail, using the SCOR standard definitions and symbols2.The scorecard measures the performance of the supply chain processes against the SCOR metrics and benchmarks3.The competitive requirements define the target performance levels for the supply chain processes based on the customer and market expectations4.

1: ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, page 13.2:SCOR Quick Reference Guide - APICS3:SCOR Digital Standard | ASCM4:Unlock Supply Chain Mgmt: Introducing SCOR Model | IIENSTITU

According to the ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, a champion is generally defined as a sponsor of an improvement effort.A champion is "a senior leader who provides direction and support for a strategic initiative and ensures alignment with the organization’s vision, mission, and goals"1.A champion is also responsible for securing resources, removing barriers, and empowering the improvement team to achieve the desired outcomes1.A champion acts as a role model, a mentor, and a spokesperson for the improvement effort and helps to communicate its value and benefits to the stakeholders1.

1: ASCM CTSC Exam Content Manual, page 9.