Supply Chain Planning
COMMON SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNING CHALLENGES
Common supply chain planning challenges we're asked to solve
Poor demand visibility
Excess inventory
Stock shortages
Supply and demand imbalance
Capacity and resource constraints
Disconnected planning processes
INTRODUCTION
Effective supply chain planning
Supply chains are a complex network of companies, people, resources, systems and information. The potential for disconnects and sub-optimisation between all of these different elements is significant, and efficient supply chain planning is a necessity. Our supply chain planning consultants are here to ensure your supply chain is optimised and efficient.
Effective supply chain planning brings these elements together, aligning demand, inventory, capacity, suppliers and operations. This helps identify constraints, improve decision-making and balance customer service with cost and operational performance.
Our approach combines detailed analysis with practical experience to identify weaknesses and develop effective solutions. The result is a more coordinated, responsive supply chain that is better able to support the wider business.
TRUSTED BY LEADING ORGANISATIONS
SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNING
An integrated approach
Supply chain planning covers the interrelation of functions at a strategic, tactical and operational level. These functions include customer service, order processing, warehousing, transportation, and inventory whilst the supply chain processes that make the interrelation include forecasting, supply scheduling, capacity planning, production scheduling, inventory management and logistics network design.
Effective planning ensures these functions and processes do not operate in isolation. Decisions made in one area can have significant implications elsewhere in the supply chain, affecting cost, capacity, inventory and customer service.
An integrated approach provides a common planning framework across the business, helping to align priorities and identify dependencies before they become operational issues. This enables better-informed decisions and ensures that strategic objectives are translated into practical tactical and operational plans.
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Supply chain planning case study
Supply and demand planning for an industrial manufacturer
HERE TO HELP
Is your planning effective?
Effective supply chain planning is the ‘glue’ that ensures physical logistics operations are synchronised with the cost and service drivers of a business. Supply chain planning processes should always be designed to be simple, efficient and, of course, effective.
Our supply chain consultants have a wealth of experience in all aspects of planning efficient and effective supply chains; from designing distribution centres through to aligning strategy and operations with S&OP platforms.
SERVICES
Supply chain planning services
Supply chain planning brings together several interconnected disciplines, each addressing a different part of the planning process. Our services span demand forecasting, inventory optimisation and S&OP, helping create a more integrated approach to balancing supply and demand.
Together, these services provide the visibility and control needed to make better planning decisions across the supply chain.
Inventory optimisation
- Stock policy development
- Safety stock & service levels
- Replenishment parameters
What inventory levels do you need? How do you calculate optimal inventory to balance working capital and service levels? How do you convince finance that your inventory is efficient while assuring sales that it meets customer targets?
Demand forecasting
- Statistical forecasting
- Forecast accuracy Improvement
- Demand planning processes
Demand forecasting is essential for sales budgeting, efficient asset use, lower operating costs, and better customer service. The demand planning process should involve production, logistics, finance, marketing, and sales teams.
Sales & operations planning
- S&OP process design
- Cross-functional alignment
- Executive decision support
S&OP should be a simple, efficient monthly process to balance supply and demand in the mid-to-long term. Its goal is to address capacity constraints or lower sales before they impact operations. See how we can help your business.
INSIGHT
Supply chain planning articles & advice
Is Logistics Planning the Most Complex Task in Supply Chain?
Logistics planning is the supply chain equivalent of conducting an orchestra – trying to unify a multitude of moving parts and people to deliver in
Supply Chain Visibility – What It Is and How It’s Achieved
The business world is becoming more data-driven as companies recognise the benefits of using real-time data to accurately run their operations. Within the supply chain
How to Enhance Adaptability in Supply Chain Planning
The supply chain is no stranger to change. In fact, we are so used to being chameleons, adapting to the latest innovation or problem, that