#SCM planning

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VALTITUDE DEMAND ANALYTICS

Under the six-sigma DMAIC approach, measurement of your current state is a key requirement for diagnostic, design and implementation of the process.  Even for on-going process stability, measurement is critical.  

The Demand Analytics module provides key insights on your planning performance and provides an insightful view of demand volatility, demand visibility and product mix analysis.  It also provides additional insights on comparisons to the budget and annual plan. 

Our Clients have reported improved Demand visibility, forecast accuracy and higher adoption of the S&OP process throughout the organization.

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We improve the usability and adoption of all major planning systems. On completion of a usability project, you can expect to have much better demand forecasts and finished goods plans.

We have repaired and re-engineered complex and unusable implementations. Such re-implementations may range from minor system tweaks to system enhancements with model tuning to major re-implementations.

After the reenginnering project, we continue to support our clients who have a thriving SAP landscape. We provide:

Complete Implementation and Re-implementation services

Model Tuning and Algorithm Optimization for Demand, Inventory and Supply in SAP IBP

Support to maintain your SCM planning Views, Macros, Alerts and Process Chain Cycles

Continuous support for IBP Implementations

[pwamisaurus]

Ziggle, except u can tell he's partheno's gramps @star-crossed-mid my first edit thanks to u AND to ur silly zyglavis grandpa post

just a reason for me to make him emo

[navitsap]

AI in Supply Chain Management: Transforming Modern Operations

In today’s globalized economy, supply chain management (SCM) is a critical function that determines a company’s ability to deliver products efficiently and meet customer expectations. The complexity of modern supply chains, coupled with rising demands for speed and sustainability, has pushed businesses to seek innovative solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in SCM, enabling organizations to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and build resilient supply chains. This blog post explores how AI is reshaping supply chain management, its key applications, benefits, and challenges, offering a glimpse into its potential to redefine the industry.

The Role of AI in Supply Chain Management

AI refers to technologies that enable machines to mimic human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. In supply chain management, AI processes vast amounts of data to uncover patterns, predict outcomes, and automate tasks. By integrating AI with existing systems like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), businesses can achieve greater visibility, agility, and efficiency across their supply chains.

AI’s applications in SCM span the entire supply chain lifecycle, from procurement and production to logistics and customer service. Its ability to analyze real-time data and adapt to dynamic conditions makes it an invaluable tool for navigating the complexities of global trade, volatile markets, and evolving consumer preferences.

Key Applications of AI in Supply Chain Management

AI is being deployed in various ways to streamline supply chain processes. Here are some of the most impactful applications:

Demand Forecasting: AI algorithms analyze historical sales data, market trends, and external factors like weather or economic indicators to predict demand with high accuracy. This helps businesses optimize inventory levels, reduce overstock, and prevent stockouts.

Inventory Optimization: AI-powered tools monitor inventory in real time, recommending optimal stock levels and reorder points. Machine learning models identify slow-moving items, enabling businesses to minimize waste and improve cash flow.

Logistics and Route Optimization: AI enhances transportation efficiency by analyzing traffic patterns, fuel costs, and delivery schedules to determine the most cost-effective routes. This reduces delivery times and lowers carbon emissions.

Supplier Relationship Management: AI evaluates supplier performance based on metrics like delivery reliability and quality. It can also identify potential risks, such as geopolitical disruptions or financial instability, allowing businesses to diversify their supplier base proactively.

Automated Warehousing: AI-driven robotics and automation systems streamline warehouse operations, from picking and packing to sorting and loading. These technologies increase throughput and reduce labor costs.

Customer Service Enhancement: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants handle customer inquiries, track orders, and provide real-time updates, improving customer satisfaction and reducing the workload on support teams.

Benefits of AI in Supply Chain Management

The adoption of AI in SCM offers significant advantages:

Enhanced Efficiency: AI automates repetitive tasks and optimizes processes, reducing operational costs and freeing up resources for strategic initiatives.

Improved Accuracy: AI’s predictive capabilities minimize errors in forecasting and inventory management, leading to better resource allocation.

Greater Resilience: AI helps businesses anticipate and mitigate disruptions, such as supply shortages or transportation delays, ensuring continuity.

Sustainability: By optimizing routes and reducing waste, AI supports eco-friendly practices, aligning with growing demands for sustainable operations.

Data-Driven Decisions: AI provides actionable insights from complex datasets, empowering leaders to make informed choices quickly.

Challenges of Implementing AI in SCM

Despite its potential, integrating AI into supply chain management comes with challenges:

Data Quality and Integration: AI relies on accurate, high-quality data. Disparate systems or incomplete datasets can hinder AI performance, requiring significant investment in data infrastructure.

High Initial Costs: Deploying AI solutions involves expenses for software, hardware, and skilled personnel, which may be prohibitive for smaller businesses.

Workforce Adaptation: Employees may need training to work alongside AI systems, and concerns about job displacement can create resistance.

Ethical Considerations: AI decisions must be transparent and fair, particularly in supplier selection or pricing, to avoid unintended biases.

The Future of AI in Supply Chain Management

The future of AI in SCM is bright, with advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics poised to further transform the industry. Emerging trends include AI-driven digital twins for real-time supply chain simulations and blockchain integration for enhanced transparency. As AI becomes more accessible, small and medium-sized enterprises will increasingly adopt these technologies, leveling the playing field.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing supply chain management by enabling smarter, faster, and more sustainable operations. From demand forecasting to automated warehousing, AI’s applications are helping businesses navigate complexity and deliver value to customers. While challenges like data integration and costs remain, the benefits of AI—efficiency, resilience, and actionable insights—make it a cornerstone of modern SCM. As technology evolves, organizations that embrace AI will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global market.

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Valtitude S & OP

Sales and Operations Planning Process thrives on collaboration and honest communication between key organizational players.  This is a unique process embodying several information sharing sessions and decision forums. The final intent here is to generate an organizational plan and key Sales and Operations issues for the top organizational manager to decide on. 

We kick off the S&OP implementation with an on-site workshop to be attended by your sponsors and stakeholders.  For many companies on the wall about taking the plunge, this workshop will be a key input and bring to fore many company-specific drivers.  Our on-site workshop addresses the following key steps in developing and implementing an effective S&OP process.

By having your key stakeholders attend this workshop, you attain a huge competitive advantage in moving forward the idea of integrated business planning.  

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FORECAST VALUE ADD REPORTING

With Forecast Value Add reporting you can track accuracy across each step of your forecasting process. Easily compare the statistical forecast, final forecast, and/or specific overrides to what actually happened. This at-a-glance report helps you quickly identify which steps or participants in your forecasting process are adding value and which are making your forecasts less accurate.

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Create a more streamlined planning process and organization by asking the right questions: 

Has APO helped improve our forecast accuracy? 

Are there products and customers that are better left to APO's automated modeling strategies? 

Am I using a segmented modeling approach? 

How many customer/product segmentations are being reviewed by my demand planners each month? 

Are the statistical models tuned? How do we set the various model parameters to produce good forecasts? 

Am I using an exception-oriented process in my forecasting activity? 

How is APO helping us simplify and improve the promotional planning process? Is it integrated into the CRM system? 

Have I created the correct customer grouping for leveraging correlations across customer forecast errors? 

Has the system simplified and improved forecast reporting process? 

Are we using the system defined error metrics in APO? 

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INVENTORY OPTIMIZATION FOR SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNING HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

This program has been developed to communicate industry best practices in the area of inventory management to Supply Chain professionals.

It aims to provide the necessary technical background to enable attendees to develop & implement best practices & procedures in materials management into their own business units. It will holistically present the best practices and explain the concepts and calculations for optimizing your inventory parameters.

We preach true inventory optimization - help you to establish the right parameters your process and systems may need to run a lean machine with just optimal inventories to deliver the service and fill rates. This is a hands-on, practical workshop with many exercises and case studies and excel-based work out problems. Every planner and material manager will leave the training hall with a diverse skill set to do their day to day jobs.

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WORKSHOP ON Demand Planning for S&OP :

An accurate demand plan helps you reduce inventory costs and increase customer service levels. When properly implemented, the demand plan helps create a lean and customer-centric supply chain.

In this workshop, you will learn how to develop a baseline statistical forecast and leverage a collaborative process to add customer intelligence. The result is a more accurate plan that includes promotional activity, customer intelligence, and display activity.

This two-day intensive workshop will take you through an overview of the demand planning process, and the organization and structure within a supply chain. Our course comprehensively covers statistical modeling to create accurate forecasts, in-depth discussion on model diagnostics to improve the quality of the forecast models with specific references to popular applications such as SAP IBP, Oracle, Demantra, ForecastPro, etc.

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After the reenginnering project, we continue to support our clients who have a thriving SAP landscape. We provide:

Complete Implementation and Re-implementation services

Model Tuning and Algorithm Optimization for Demand, Inventory and Supply in SAP IBP

Support to maintain your SCM planning Views, Macros, Alerts and Process Chain Cycles

Continuous support for IBP Implementations

If you are an SAP IBP client with significant challenges with your implementation and finding it hard to use the system, please contact us today to see how we can help you. Our initial consultation and scoping exercise is complementary.

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VALTITUDE PLANNING AND FORECASTING CLOUD

Our cloud-based planning and Forecasting engine is the most sophisticated among several offerings on the market.  This engine provides a probabilistic forecast using an AI-driven modeling platform.  Many organizations are suffering from the lack of good demand visibility.  Our planning engine contains a diverse set of models and machine learning algorithms and the AI picks the best model for the demand profile.

Our Demand Forecasting models can run causal models, transfer functions, event-response models and a variety of other models for seasonal variations and complex higher order demand variability.  The probabilistic forecast will help you with predictive planning so you can set accurate inventory targets.  

Pricing starts at $1,795 month and up to five users can access the system.  It can be seamlessly integrated with your ERP or BI system.

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IBP Process brings together all elements of Sales, Marketing, Finance and Operations into one integrated set of plans.

Our approach is two-pronged - we help with the diagnostics for implementing a holistic Integrated Business Planning process that is agnostic to the tool.  Then we evaluate your systems landscape and resource readiness to implement SAP IBP. 

Three weeks on-site

IBP Subject Matter Experts

SCM Data analytics to uncover the opportunity

50% of the diagnostics engagement fee rebated if we implement the IBP Solution

Analyze your existing processes to identify potential gaps to best practices

Let Data drive the Design: Leverage big data and analytics to build the infrastructure and capabilities.  What type of analytics and KPIs do we need for a successful implementation. 

What is the value opportunity for the IBP implementation?

If you are a company with a well established SAP APO Process, what are the steps necessary for conversion from APO to SAP IBP? 

How does IBP add value to your planning process? 

OUR CONSULTING MODEL EMPLOYS THE SIX-SIGMA METHODOLOGY OF DMAIC:

Define

Measure

Analyze

Improve and Control

Because of the diverse experience of DemandPlanning.Net Consultants, we can design and deliver the process in almost half the time and resource costs required by some of the bigger consulting houses. We add value to your process design in two ways:

With our knowledge base of best practices and the benchmark industry process, we can analyze and recommend processes and benchmarks rather quickly

Our central philosophy is exception management grounded in the Six-Sigma principles. This helps design a very effective process that is time-efficient as well

A quick three week engagement to assess your organizational readiness for implementing IBP

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With a variety of statistical models and demand planning features,  SAP SCM is a powerful forecasting tool. It includes Life cycle planning, Time series profiling, Outlier Detection and Exception Management as well. 

So is your company leveraging the full functionality of APO modeling and exception management? 

At Valtitude,  we help you develop consistent processes to leverage the modeling power of the SAP SCM engine from basic time series models to multiple regression models. 

If your planning process with SAP needs to be re-engineered, we offer Re-design and configuration. Configure and implement a brand new APO planning environment or fix challenges created by the original implementation with better performance usability.  

Our Model Tuning Consulting Service will leverage the features in the existing configuration and optimize the Statistical capabilities. 

[navitsap]

SAP Supply Chain Management: Transforming the Future of Business Operations

In today’s fast-paced, interconnected business environment, supply chain efficiency is crucial for organizations aiming to stay competitive and thrive. The complexities of managing multiple suppliers, inventory levels, and distribution channels require sophisticated tools to ensure smooth operations. This is where SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) comes into play. SAP SCM provides businesses with the solutions they need to optimize their entire supply chain, from procurement and manufacturing to logistics and delivery.

What is SAP Supply Chain Management?

SAP Supply Chain Management is a comprehensive suite of software solutions designed to streamline and optimize supply chain processes. SAP SCM integrates various functions within the supply chain, providing a unified platform that enhances visibility, collaboration, and control over operations. From inventory management to production planning and demand forecasting, SAP SCM enables organizations to plan, execute, and monitor every aspect of their supply chain seamlessly.

Key Features of SAP SCM

Demand Planning Demand forecasting is a critical aspect of supply chain management. SAP SCM leverages advanced algorithms and data analytics to predict customer demand accurately. This ensures that businesses can maintain the right inventory levels, reduce stockouts, and minimize excess inventory, which can tie up capital.

Supply Network Planning SAP SCM allows companies to design and optimize their supply networks. With advanced tools for material planning, procurement, and logistics management, businesses can make data-driven decisions that improve lead times and reduce overall costs. It provides real-time data and insights that allow for smarter decision-making at every stage of the supply chain.

Production Planning One of the standout features of SAP SCM is its ability to optimize production planning. The software allows businesses to manage production schedules, ensure optimal resource utilization, and minimize downtime. By integrating with other enterprise functions such as finance and human resources, SAP SCM ensures that production processes align with organizational goals.

Inventory Management SAP SCM provides real-time inventory tracking and management, helping businesses avoid overstocking or running out of essential products. It enables companies to track their goods throughout the entire supply chain, from the supplier to the customer. The software provides insight into stock levels, reorder points, and potential bottlenecks, allowing for better decision-making and smoother operations.

Logistics and Distribution Efficient logistics and distribution are fundamental to maintaining a competitive edge in today’s market. SAP SCM offers robust solutions for warehouse management, transportation planning, and order fulfillment. With real-time visibility into the movement of goods, businesses can optimize their distribution networks, reduce transportation costs, and improve customer satisfaction by ensuring timely deliveries.

Supplier Collaboration SAP SCM enables seamless collaboration with suppliers through tools that enhance communication, information sharing, and performance tracking. By creating a transparent, digital supply chain, businesses can foster stronger partnerships with suppliers, ensuring better quality, on-time deliveries, and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits of SAP SCM

Improved Efficiency and Cost Reduction One of the most significant advantages of SAP SCM is its ability to optimize processes and reduce inefficiencies. By automating manual tasks, streamlining workflows, and providing data-driven insights, SAP SCM helps businesses reduce operational costs while increasing throughput. From better inventory management to efficient production planning, organizations can maximize their resources and cut unnecessary expenses.

Better Decision-Making The advanced analytics and reporting tools within SAP SCM provide businesses with real-time data to make informed decisions. Whether it’s identifying trends in customer demand or forecasting production needs, SAP SCM delivers the insights that enable proactive decision-making. This reduces the likelihood of costly errors and ensures that businesses can adapt to changes in the market more effectively.

Enhanced Collaboration Across Departments SAP SCM breaks down silos between departments by providing a unified platform for all supply chain functions. This leads to improved communication and collaboration across different teams—sales, procurement, finance, production, and logistics—all working with the same set of data. The result is a more cohesive and responsive supply chain, capable of meeting the demands of the modern business environment.

Greater Agility In today’s world, businesses need to be agile to quickly respond to changes in customer preferences, market conditions, or supply chain disruptions. SAP SCM provides the tools necessary for businesses to adapt quickly and efficiently. With real-time insights and the ability to simulate different scenarios, businesses can proactively manage risks and navigate through uncertainties with confidence.

Sustainability and Compliance In the age of environmental responsibility, businesses are under increasing pressure to minimize their carbon footprint and ensure ethical sourcing. SAP SCM enables companies to monitor and optimize their supply chains for sustainability. It also helps businesses comply with international regulations and standards, ensuring that they meet legal requirements and maintain ethical practices across their supply chains.

Why Choose SAP SCM?

As businesses continue to face challenges related to supply chain complexity, SAP SCM offers a powerful tool to navigate these challenges. Its robust set of features, real-time insights, and scalability make it a top choice for organizations of all sizes looking to optimize their supply chains. Whether it’s reducing costs, improving customer satisfaction, or ensuring sustainability, SAP SCM equips businesses with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive market.

For companies aiming to stay ahead of the curve, adopting SAP SCM is not just an option—it’s a strategic imperative that can drive long-term success and transformation.

In conclusion, SAP Supply Chain Management provides the backbone for businesses to manage, optimize, and innovate their supply chains. By leveraging the full potential of SAP SCM, companies can achieve higher efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction, ultimately positioning themselves as leaders in their respective industries.

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VALTITUDE SALES AND OPERATIONS PLANNING

Manufacturers in the Consumer Packages Goods Sector were the early adopters of Supply Chain Forecasting. Catering to the firm's demand of the retail partners, CPG manufacturers focused on minimizing the forecast error to drive fill rates and lower inventory carrying costs. 

As a natural progression, CPG companies started adopting the S&OP process to develop forecast consensus and holistic planning.

Most of their supply chains have an active S&OP process, which is cross-functional with participation from Sales, Marketing, Logistics, Supply Planning, Finance, Sales Planning, and Demand Planning. Typically, there is a one-number philosophy although the more practical processes advocate tolerances between forecasts with different objectives.

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