Advanced sales and operations planning allows you to turn information into actionable insights that fuel your digital supply chain, uncover new opportunity and mitigate risk.
One might assume that a manufacturer that is vertically integrated — with direct control over delivery routes and the customer purchase experience — would have no trouble devising a workable demand plan. If only that were the case.
Fascinators – the ornately compelling “headpieces” that women wear to British nuptials – are fascinating. Whether or not you appreciate these pieces of headgear whimsy, they present a perfect example of the challenges of sales and operations planning (S&OP).
Challenge: A global food company was experiencing flat revenue and struggling to increase market share with demanding consumer expectations for ingredients and prices. Financial forecast credibility was debated, and plans were not consolidated. With a projected $100-million profit gap, timely accurate data was difficult to receive.
What should supply chains do when the plan doesn't match reality? Harry Ault, chief revenue officer with Elementum, urges companies to embrace digitalization.