It’s that time of year when it seems like every newspaper, magazine and blogger publishes a list of summer “musts” — must read, must watch, must visit or do ... And with so much content out there, it’s nice to have someone to curate your choices. With that in mind, our ASCM team has compiled the following suggestions just for you:

• Supply Chain Knowledge Center: ASCM’s hub for all things supply chain features on-demand learning content — including webinars, courses, presentations and lots more — in a variety of formats, durations and topics. One of my favorites is the Top 10 trends for 2024 (another list!), which details key subjects on the minds of supply chain experts, as well as how you can incorporate the trends into your operation. And for a deeper dive, check out our library of microlearnings — five-minute courses on a variety of emerging topics, such as Introduction to Robotics in Supply Chain, Introduction to Location Management in Supply Chain Management and Introduction to Synchromodality in Supply Chains. Not yet a member? Now’s a great time to join for just $10/month. There’s even an app!
• ASCM Insights Blog: I’m not the only one who writes for our blog; our Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Rennie has authored many long-form pieces that are worth your time this summer, including 7 Things Supply Chain Professionals Need to Know About AI and The ABCs of Supply Chain Resilience, both helpful primers on essential topics for the modern supply chain professional. Plus, we have numerous guest bloggers who’ve penned excellent pieces such as Sustainability Shortcut and Supply Chain as a Destination Career.
• Sustainable Supply Chain Orchestration: Unlearning for a Better Tomorrow. This text, by ASCM thought leader Deborah Dull and our own EVP Douglas Kent, will help you drive meaningful change in your organization through a transformative framework. Dull has been speaking about climate change and circularity in supply chains for years, and this book will give you the chance to investigate her theories in much more detail.
• Supply Chain Excellence: A Handbook for Dramatic Improvement Using the SCOR Model: Another EVP at ASCM, Peter Bolstorff, coauthored this book featuring the SCOR framework. You’ll find this industry-leading methodology explained and applied in exciting new ways; plus, the book includes plenty of use cases that will excite your creativity for when you’re back in the office.
• ASCM Supply Chain Dictionary: Sure, the dictionary may not seem like your average beach read, but have you ever checked out this dictionary? It is the absolute authority on supply chain and the foundation of ASCM’s content. Ever forget the difference between a continuous replenishment program and a continuous review system? Or need the definitive description of supplier relationship management? The ASCM dictionary has you covered.

So, as you pack for the lake, the shore or another fun summer destination, bring along one of these “musts.” You know you’ll be advancing your career and expanding your mind. Best of all, you’ll be recharged and reinvigorated for supply chain excellence from the moment you return to your desk!