There has been a strong felt need by the academics and academically oriented practitioners in India to support, develop and diffuse knowledge in the areas of manufacturing and service operations for the betterment of society. The SOCIETY OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (SOM), a professional society based in India, has undertaken the task of bringing professionals from academic and industry together to help develop the professional field of Operation Management in Asia. SOM was formally established in 2000 through it has been operating informally since 1997. It comprises of academics and academically oriented practitioners who desire to advance the state-of-the art in manufacturing & service operations and technology management in Asia. The primary purpose of this group is to support, participate and encourage research and teaching in Operation Management and to enhance the practice of operations management through scientific thinking.

SOM believes that globalization will require developing excellence in operations and generation and dissemination of new knowledge and this will have to be done collectively. It organizes an annual conference, doctoral seminars and industry-academic workshops. SOM also brings out a journal titled "Technology, Operations and Management".