No longer is Supply Chain Management the poor relation in sophisticated businesses. It may not be very sexy, but it is the engine that delivers good Customer Service, low inventory and reduced costs. In today's markets it is something that you can no longer afford to ignore.
The problem is that it is not very easy to get right. Accurate forecasts, effective systems and slick processes are all essential. You have to know how to anticipate customer demand, calculate balanced inventories and plan supply.
Over the last 20 years, we have developed a deep understanding of these challenges. We have successfully advised customers in the UK, Europe and the Far East. We have designed Business Planning Software used around the world, by names as familiar as Kwik Fit, Krispy Kreme and The Royal Mint.
Key to business improvement is Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), which we have been implementing since the early 1990's. It is a skill we have built up in blue-chip Total Quality environments, working in areas as diverse as Forecasting, Customer Service, Materials Control and Purchasing. We have reduced inventories by up to 40%, improving Customer Service at the same time.
As life cycles shorten and supply chains lengthen, more and more companies are reporting substantial benefits from S&OP, and word gets around. Today, successful companies are using it worldwide. Typically, businesses using S&OP deliver 20% more perfect orders, hold half the inventory, get paid 66% faster, and have a 5% cost advantage against their competitors.
Sounds attractive? If you do not already have a sophisticated S&OP process, you should ask yourself why not.