www.napm.org

Web site for the National Association of Purchasing Management

A recent redesign has transformed the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) Web site into an easily navigable resource for purchasing and supply chain management professionals. The new site uses a simplified layout that makes it easier to locate information.

Although most of the site's offerings are restricted to NAPM members, nonmembers can still glean enough from the site for it to be well worth a visit. Highlights include NAPM's series of Reports on Business as well as the organization's two publications, Purchasing Today and The Journal of Supply Chain Management.

Particularly interesting is the NAPM/Forrester "Report on eBusiness" released in January. Drawing on a survey of 700 manufacturing and nonmanufacturing organizations, the report investigates the use of Internet-based procurement and online activity. The findings show that organizations are currently using the Internet more for finding new suppliers and collaborating with existing ones than for e-marketplaces and auction sites.

The site also posts one representative article per issue from its monthly magazine Purchasing Today, which supply chain professionals will usually find relevant to their jobs.

Unfortunately, NAPM offers only limited access to its Journal of Supply Chain Management to nonsubscribers. The only items posted from this quarterly journal are abstracts for the articles, a book review, and a one-on-one interview. The most recent interviews have spotlighted executives from Federal Express, General Mills, and Halliburton Company.

NAPM rounds out its offerings with listings of upcoming conferences and educational seminars; products; study materials; suppliers; and online guides, tools, and links.

NAPM members have much wider access to these resources as well as NAPM's online database and career center. Those interested in joining NAPM can do so at the NAPM Web site. Membership dues vary by chapter and can range from $150 to more than $300.