ASCM San Fernando Valley Newsletter March '26 - Monthly Update
CSUN Student Chapter
ASCM 2026 Western Canada Student Challenge
Congratulations to the CSUN Students who participated in the 2026 Western Canada Student Challenge!
The 2026 Student Challenge was held on the Inchainge platform. This immersive competition used The Fresh Connection's end-to-end supply chain simulation, in which student teams take on real-world roles to turn around a struggling virtual company. Strategy, collaboration, analytics, and leadership are key. Team roles included: Purchasing (supplier negotiation), Sales (customer relations), Supply Chain (planning), and Operations (capacity management).
The CSUN team was supported by the ASCM SFV chapter Industry Advisor, Latham Ingersol, during the competition. This year's team members, listed from left to right in their group photo, are Matthew Wooten, Bobby Deffo, Nazish Siddiqui, and Jia-Ni Chong.
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Professional Development Meeting
Professional Development Meetings (PDMs) provide an excellent opportunity for Supply Chain Professionals to keep abreast of the latest developments in processes, practices, equipment, and systems affecting our industry.
Meeting presentations are selected to provide Supply Chain Professionals with new and/or updated information presented by authoritative experts in their field.
PDMs also provide Professionals with the opportunity to network with other Professionals. Additionally, for those with Certifications, PDMs provide an opportunity to accrue Certification Maintenance Points (CMPs) (please check each PDM for CMP eligibility).
2026 PDM's & Informational Webinars -
New Date! April PDM: Executive Dinner: The Human Side of AI
When : April 29, 2026 from 6 - 9:00 pm PST
Where: Orchard Conference Center at CSUN
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
This executive dinner focuses on the people implications of AI adoption, beyond the technology itself. We’ll explore what AI means for team structures, roles, and capacity - including how leaders should think about hiring, reskilling, and redeploying talent as automation increases.
The discussion will address common fears around AI, how to talk about AI internally, and how to bring teams along without resistance or uncertainty. We’ll also examine how AI can improve job satisfaction by removing low-value, repetitive work, allowing teams to focus on higher-impact initiatives. The evening is designed as a candid, peer-level conversation grounded in real operational experience, with attendees walking away with clearer perspectives on how to lead through AI-driven change.
About Didero
Didero is a Stanford-founded technology company building advanced AI agents to automate complex, high-volume supply chain and procurement operations, putting key source-to-pay workflows on autopilot. The company has raised more than $30M from several of Silicon Valley's most prominent VC funds and institutional investors, incl. Microsoft.
Speaker
Lorenz Pallhuber spent his career at McKinsey advising Fortune 500 companies on AI, supply chain, and procurement. He is now a co-founder of Didero, working on AI systems used across complex operational environments. He holds degrees from Stanford and Cambridge.
Register:
Please register by April 22nd, 2026, to receive an early bird $5 discount. Parking is available for payment by the hour at the location.
No-shows who do NOT cancel at least 3 days before the event will be billed for their meal.
Click here to learn more and to register.
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Plant Tours and Special Events
Host a Plant Tour – Showcase Your Company!
Do you work for a company that would be proud to open its doors to fellow professionals? The San Fernando Valley Chapter of ASCM hosts monthly professional development meetings that include a unique opportunity for members to participate in educational plant tours...and we’re looking for hosts!
If your company would be willing to offer a behind-the-scenes look at your operations, we’d love to feature you in an upcoming tour.
It’s a great way to share best practices, highlight innovation, and strengthen connections within our professional community.
Interested in hosting?Please click
here to contact us at to learn more or to volunteer your facility for a short tour.
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Purchase Discounted Materials
Time to start your certification journey and save money while doing it!
If you are interested in purchasing APICS Certification materials and memberships, the SFV chapter sells all materials and exams at a discount from the ASCM List prices.
- San Fernando Valley members save 20%
- ASCM members of other chapters or forums save 18%
- Non-members save 15%.
Click here to see how much you can save!
Did you know?
𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗨𝗦: When you sign up for an ASCM SFV chapter, instructor-led course our SFV ASCM Chapter will provide each registered student with a free 1-year ASCM and Chapter membership (total value of $119 in the case of Fundamentals and Certificate courses; $219 when it comes to CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, CTSC)!
Email for more information: [email protected]
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Certification Courses
Certification Preparation & Training (CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, CTSC)
All courses are Led by APICS-recognized instructors.
The Certification learning system can also be purchased for self-study.
Upcoming Certification Courses
CPIM 9.0 (Certified In Planning And Inventory Management)
Course Description
The APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) provides a comprehensive body of knowledge, best practices, and standards to allow candidates to better respond to supply disruptions, respond to demand variations, and manage supply chain risk.
Overview
Earning the APICS CPIM demonstrates mastery of an organization’s internal operations and an in-depth understanding of materials management, master scheduling, forecasting, production planning, and how it applies across the extended supply chain.
In addition to classroom instruction, you will also receive the APICS CPIM Learning System. The Learning System provides access to both printed and digital materials. The online platform also includes learning activities, a personalized study experience, micro-learning, and convenient access to reading materials.
Date: May 28th to September 17th, 2026
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5pm-7:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the Professional Development Center of Glendale Community College (PDC)
Instructor:Instructor for this course is John Heier, CPIM.
You can sign up on our waiting list for this course so that we know who and how many are interested in this great certification course. The web address will take you directly to our waiting list web page for a quick 60-second waiting list registration.
https://lnkd.in/gu-PF4tA
Certified Logistics, Transportation, & Distribution (CLTD)
This course provides local and global logistics fundamentals, planning and strategy within the supply chain, transportation modes, packaging, handling and carrier selection are included. Distribution strategies are covered as are facilities location, layout and risk management.
Date: August 8th to September 26th, 2026
Time: Saturdays, 7am-2:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the College of the Canyons ETI
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. Instructor for this course is Mike Letson, CLTD, CSCP, CPIM. Click here for instructors bio.
You can sign up on our waiting list for this course so that we know who and how many are interested in this great certification course. The web address will take you directly to our waiting list web page for a quick 60-second waiting list registration.
https://lnkd.in/gu-PF4tA
The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Program is an industry recognized educational program created to meet the rapidly changing needs of the supply chain management field.
From manufacturing to service industries, regardless of whether a company is serving businesses or consumer markets, is for profit or not-for-profit, the increasingly important role of supply chain management is affecting all organizations.
Customers already expect good quality at low prices, and speed of delivery is becoming more important. As a result, effective supply chain management has become essential in successfully competing in today’s global marketplace.
The CSCP Prep Program takes a broad view of the field, extending beyond internal operations to encompass all the steps throughout the supply chain—from the supplier, through the company, to the end consumer—and provides you with the knowledge to effectively manage the integration of these activities to maximize a company’s value chain
Date: May 5 to July 23, 2026
Time: 12 weeks - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 pm - 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the the Professional Development Center (PDC).
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. Instructor for this course is Esmerelda Todorova, CSCP
Click here for more information and to register.
Date: June 13 to July 25, 2026
Time: 6 Saturdays, 7 am - 3:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the College of the Canyons ETI
Instructor:Instructor for this course is Mike Letson, CLTD, CSCP, CPIM. Click here for instructors bio.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Essential Skills and Foundation courses
Essential Skills and Foundation courses
All courses are Led by APICS-recognized instructors.
ASCM SFV's on-the-job and vocational education series (Essential Skills and Foundation courses) are short (6-11 weeks) courses are designed to provide specific training to Manufacturing, Service, and Distribution employees with the essential skills and knowledge needed to survive in today's competitive job market. Courses are designed specifically for Stockroom & Inventory Control personnel, Warehouse & Distribution employees, Production Control employees, and Purchasing employees.
We expect that our students will take the course that relates to their current job or their desired job and then proceed to the capstone course "Essentials of Supply Chain and Operations Management" to broaden their view of their environment. These courses provide students with a strong foundation to move towards APICS Certification or Certificates.
These classes are offered in partnership with local higher learning institutions and we are pleased to announce that these courses will soon be available on I-TRAIN for those who are currently unemployed or looking to enhance their current skills or change careers towards Supply Chain related occupations. All classes are virtual.
Sign up now!
Upcoming Essential Skills and Foundation Courses
Essential Skills Of Operations & Supply Chain Management
This course is designed for employees who want to broaden their job knowledge in the field of Supply Chain Management. Understand the roles and importance each function plays in the company supply chain. Create a common language. This course provides students with a strong foundation to move toward APICS Certification.
Date: July 8th to September 16, 2026
Time: Wednesdays, 5 pm - 8:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) - 11 weeks
Location:On-line through the College of the Canyons ETI
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. Instructor for this course is Trent Russ, CPIM. Click here for instructors bio.
You can sign up on our waiting list for this course so that we know who and how many are interested in this great Essentials course. The web address will take you directly to our waiting list web page for a quick 60-second waiting list registration.
https://lnkd.in/gu-PF4tA
Essential Skills For Warehouse and Distribution
This course focuses on fundamental concepts related to Warehousing and Distribution Management. It addresses the sourcing, stocking, and distribution of products direct to customers or through complex supply chain distribution channels. Major topics covered in this course are: Inventory Planning and Control, Warehouse Management, Logistics, and Transportation, and Distribution Planning.
Date: May 13 to June 24, 2026
Time: 6 Wednesdays, 5 pm - 9:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the Antelope Valley College
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. Instructor for this course is Mike Letson, CSCP, CPIM, CTLD. Click here for instructors bio.
You can sign up on our waiting list for this course so that we know who and how many are interested in this great Essentials course. The web address will take you directly to our waiting list web page for a quick 60-second waiting list registration.
https://lnkd.in/gu-PF4tA
Essential Inventory Control Skills
This course focuses on universally accepted inventory planning and control processes and systems used by Stockroom and Inventory Management professionals: The concepts presented in this course are applicable to managing inventory in all Manufacturing, Service, and Distribution companies.
Date: March 25 to May 6, 2026
Time: 6 Wednesdays, 5 pm - 8:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the Antelope Valley College
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. Instructor for this course is Jose Feliciano. Click here for the instructor's bio.
Click here for more information about the course and to register.
Essential Skills For Planners
This course focuses on standard planning and control processes and systems used by Production & Inventory Control professionals in manufacturing companies including: Production and Material Planning & Control (MRP), Inventory Planning & Control, and Capacity Planning & Control (CRP).
Next Date TBD
You can sign up on our waiting list for this course so that we know who and how many are interested in this great certificate course. The web address will take you directly to our waiting list web page for a quick 60-second waiting list registration.
https://lnkd.in/gu-PF4tA
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Certificate Courses
Advance your career and stand out in a strong job market by earning a certificate! ASCM certificate programs offer a flexible method to develop key skills while building knowledge about focused supply chain topics. After passing a final exam, you’ll earn a digital badge and certificate that never expires.
Supplier Relationship Management Certificate
Drive innovation, improve quality and increase efficiency with our new Supplier Relationship Management Certificate program! This premier continuing education certificate will give you the knowledge and best practices to transform your supplier relationships into competitive advantages.
Date: June 15 to July 8, 2026 (5 weeks)
Time: Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through through Antelope Valley College
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. Instructor for this course is Steven Garcia, CSCP.
You can sign up on our waiting list for this course so that we know who and how many are interested in this great certificate course. The web address will take you directly to our waiting list web page for a quick 60-second waiting list registration.
https://lnkd.in/gu-PF4tA
Supply Chain Technology Certificate
Date: May 12 to June 9, 2026 (5weeks)
Time: Tuesdays, 5-9 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the Professional Development Center PDC
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. Instructor for this course is Mike Letson, CPIM, CSCP, CLTD. Click here for instructors bio.
Click here for more information.
Supply Chain Procurement Certificate
The Supply Chain Procurement Certificate program is a foundational education program designed to help both entry-level and experienced supply chain professionals expand their procurement knowledge and skills. The program provides an overview of procurement fundamentals, sourcing strategies, supplier relationship management, negotiations, evaluation metrics, and more.
Date: April 29 to July 1, 2026 (10weeks)
Time: Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the Professional Development Center PDC
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. Instructor for this course is Dan Riviera. Click here for more information about the instructor.
Click here for more information.
Date: April 28 to May 26, 2026 (5weeks)
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-7 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the Antelope Valley College, Extended Learning Campuses in Lancaster & Palmdale, CA
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. The instructor for this course is Bob Ratcliffe. Click here for the instructor's bio.
Click here for more information.
Date: June 23 to August 4, 2026 (7 weeks)
Time: Tuedays, 5-8 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location:On-line through the College of the Canyons
Instructor:Led by APICS recognized instructors. Instructor for this course is Mike Letson, CSCP, CPIM, CLTD. Click here for instructors bio.
You can sign up on our waiting list for this course so that we know who and how many are interested in this great certificate course. The web address will take you directly to our waiting list web page for a quick 60-second waiting list registration.
https://lnkd.in/gu-PF4tA
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ASCM is an unbiased partner, connecting companies around the world with industry experts, frameworks and global standards to transform supply chains.