Celebrating Five Years of SPCEA: A Journey of Growth and Impact

The Society of Product Cost Engineering & Analytics (SPCEA) was founded five years ago, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of cost engineering as a professional discipline.

The Origins of SPCEA
SPCEA’s history traces back to 2019, when Chris Domanski and I reconnected at a conference in Detroit. Having previously worked together at Ford Motor Company, Chris and I found ourselves engaging in a thought-provoking discussion during the conference break. A recurring theme emerged as we listened to the attendees lament at this conference:

• “Why doesn’t cost engineering have a platform for sharing best practices?”
• “Where can we get certification and training focused on product cost engineering?”
• “How can we enhance networking opportunities for product cost engineers?”
• “How can cost engineers advance in their careers?”

It became evident that a dedicated professional society was necessary to fill these gaps. We initially explored existing organizations that aligned with our vision, but despite many groups incorporating “cost engineer” in their names, none met our criteria of being an independent, nonprofit professional society dedicated specifically to cost engineering in product development and manufacturing. Recognizing this unmet need, we decided to establish a new society focused on addressing the concerns we identified. SPCEA was born!!

SPCEA was officially incorporated on March 31, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. During our first year, we focused on building a strong foundation as a nonprofit organization—assembling a board of directors, securing tax-exempt status, and developing our website. In our second year, we launched our first online training course, established partnerships with like-minded professional societies such as SAVE International and PACE, and began developing a certification program. This progress culminated with our first international conference in Q4 2021. And, our growth has continued to this day!!

An Inclusive Professional Society
The inclusion of “Analytics” in our name was deliberate. Early on, we encountered professionals who expressed interest in our cause but were uncertain about their eligibility because they lacked an engineering degree. At SPCEA, we welcome all individuals engaged in product cost analysis and management, regardless of their formal educational background. Our members represent a diverse range of disciplines, including purchasing, finance, sales, and design, as well as cost engineering.

SPCEA is not owned by a single person or by a consulting company. As an independent 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, we are governed by an elected Board of Directors, thereby ensuring that 100% of our funds are dedicated to advancing our mission. Our vision is to become the leading global hub for cost engineering and analytics knowledge, setting foundational standards, offering education and certification, and driving thought leadership within manufacturing industries.

My personal aspiration is to see the cost engineering profession achieve the same recognition and prominence as the project management profession. Thanks to the dedication and support of our community, we are well on our way to realizing this goal.

SPCEA’s Growth and Achievements
Over the past five years, SPCEA has made remarkable strides:

• Membership Growth: We proudly have 19 corporate sponsors and over 5,300 LinkedIn followers,
  reflecting our expanding influence within the profession.
• Annual Conferences: Planning is underway for our 5th annual conference, an event that brings
  together industry experts for knowledge-sharing sessions, expert panels, and networking
  opportunities.
• CPCE Certification: Now in its fourth year, our Certified Product Cost Engineer (CPCE) program
  has recognized 57 international professionals who have demonstrated mastery of cost engineering
  fundamentals. Unlike basic certificate programs, the CPCE was developed by ten esteemed
  experts and upholds a high level of rigor akin to certifications like the PMP certification in project
  management. Many companies now integrate CPCE into their training and hiring criteria.
• Educational Resources: SPCEA sponsors online training videos, members-only networking events,
  a monthly newsletter, and industry articles, providing valuable insights and opportunities for
  professional growth.

SPCEA’s growth has been made possible by the hard work and dedication of so many individuals who share our vision. Their passion, commitment, and countless hours of effort have been instrumental in shaping SPCEA into the premier professional society it is today. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has selflessly contributed their time and energy to our mission. THANK YOU for your unwavering support—we couldn’t have done it without you!!

Looking Ahead
SPCEA is your professional society, and its success is a testament to the passion and commitment of its members. I invite you to engage with us, share your experiences, and contribute to the advancement of the cost engineering profession. To learn more about SPCEA and how you can get involved, visit www.spcea.org.

Happy birthday SPCEA!! Here’s to many more years of innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the field of cost engineering!!

Jeff Miller is President and Co-Founder of SPCEA and has 40 years of engineering, manufacturing, and commercial experience within the electronics and semiconductor industries. He has served in leadership and direct-contributor roles at General Motors, John Deere, Standard Motor Products, Ford Motor Company, Whirlpool Corporation, and Panasonic Automotive Systems. Jeff has been active within the cost engineering profession since 2002.

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