Sales and Operations Planning (or S&OP) can be defined as an integrated management process via which the executive team achieves alignment, focus and synchronization of all the organization’s functions.
The S&OP involves an updated forecast which should lead to a production plan, strategic initiative plan, product development plan, customer backlog plan, inventory plan, resulting financial plan and sales plan. It is a result of planning activities each month. It is normally based on Annual Operations Plan (AOP) that serves as the annual target of the company in terms of supply and sales.
Here are some of the best S&OPs for your business.
1. SAP Integrated Business Planning S&OP
This software delivers a multi-departmental plan that balances the impact of profitability, service levels, inventory and product mix. It also aligns operations and sales plans to corporate goals and strategies that will improve revenue growth, attain financial targets and increase market share. SAP IBP adds value to a business by making strategies actionable. It also integrates tactical planning and encourages agility and visibility. The software solves problems like ad-hoc collaboration, siloed planning, disconnected processes and disparate data sources.
2. Infor S&OP
This software allows decision-makers to achieve consensus regarding single operating plans that matches demand and supply while also aligning with the business goals of the executive. S&OP offers a holistic approach to balance supply with demand and incorporate fundamental financial measures. This will ensure that the operational plan and strategic plan are aligned to produce great results. This software offers different “what if” scenarios on demand and supply. This will identify the most suitable plan that will meet financial and customer service goals and respond quicker to the changing dynamic of demand.
3. Oracle S&OP Cloud
Another software that helps to improve S&OP process flow is Oracle S&OP cloud. This software allows for the execution of a forward-looking and continuous S&OP process that will positively align demand, supply and product plans with the financial and strategic objectives of a business. The major features of this software include:
- Best practices S&OP.
- Layouts and tables.
- Management by exception.
- Embedded analytics.
- Waterfall charts.
- Integration with Microsoft.
- Enterprise social collaboration.
- Rapid supply simulation.
- Rough cut and aggregate planning.
- Continuous plan monitoring.
- Plan comparison.
4. JDA S&OP
This software helps to provide a cross-functional stance on integrated business planning. This will bring all moving parts of a supply chain together, with a focus on meeting demand across markets. When threats, opportunities or risks affect strategic execution, the organization as a whole will be able to get back on its feet in no time. This S&OP ensures that the vision of a business’ future revenues and costs remain operationally feasible.
5. Kinaxis RapidResponse S&OP
This software provides a platform where you can collaborate, evaluate and select an operation and sales plan that aligns with the business’ corporate financial goals. This innovative S&OP software allows rapid implementations while also acting as a starting point for peculiar solutions that will meet the needs of a business’ sales and operations. This is accomplished via a reliable and fast plan development which will significantly reduce the operations planning cycle of the inventory.
