The consulting service was one of the sponsors of the near-record attended conference. The organisers report that despite the economic downturn, this year's conference attracted 930 delegates, the second highest number in its 31-year history.

Near-record attendance during recessionary times demonstrates that organisations are fast becoming aware of the need for efficient supply chain management to keep precious cash in their businesses, said Buckley.

“Volition is honoured to sponsor SAPICS, whose outstanding conference and exhibition brings high profile supply chain and operations professionals together each year to discuss real examples of best practice and the future of this dynamic and challenging environment”, he said.

Volition was also one of 58 featured exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services for the supply chain and operations profession.

This year's conference offered more than 30 presentations by South African and international speakers, as well as nine exceptional, interactive workshops and innovative idea exchange sessions. “From pencils to pharmaceuticals, South Africa to San Diego, Lean to green, and oil to outsourcing, the delegates enjoyed a dazzling mix of presentations, with offerings to suit the tastes of everyone attending,” said SAPICS President Reuben Badana. 

Douw Jooste, a senior manager in the Sasol Oil Supply Chain Department, was named the winner of the Volkswagen Trophy for the ‘Best Paper from a Practitioner’. In his presentation, Jooste looked at the ‘Migration of Sasol Oil to a Supply Chain Organisation’.

The South African Breweries Trophy for the ‘Most Innovative Presentation’ this year went to Harvey McChesney, president of McChesney Associates in the United States, for his presentation entitled ‘Learn to Listen to Learn’.

The SAPICS Conference is run with the participation of the Supply Chain Council.