solutions for sales and operations planning

Response Management Powers Next Generation Sales and Operations Planning

While many companies invest in sales and operations planning software to develop a better plan, only Response Management drives the ability to deliver results in the face of daily changes inside the sales and operations planning (S&OP) horizon. Volatile demand, shortened product lifecycles and frequent supply disruptions across global supply chains make it harder than ever to successfully execute to the sales and operations plan. The real battle is being waged in operations, where the pace of change requires nimble action by front-line decision makers.

For years, companies have invested in demand planning and supply chain planning systems to drive their sales and operations planning processes. This sales and operations planning software is designed to facilitate the development of separate demand and supply plans. These traditional "push based" supply chains, driven by statistical forecasts, focused on supply management. But today's demand driven supply chains, with their "pull based" models that are customer-focused, require tools for collaboration demand management and profitable demand response.

Kinaxis™ RapidResponse™ overcomes the complexity of today's distribution channels and allows operations staff to capture and consolidate disparate forecasts resulting in a consensus view of demand which are accurate and complete. Integrated demand and supply visibility allows companies to quickly sense and respond more profitably to demand/supply misalignments. Supply chain collaboration and "what-if" simulations result in an efficient response processes that positively impact customer satisfaction, revenue and margin objectives.

As volatility and competition increase, manufacturers have sought ways to become more customer-focused. As they do so, they quickly realize that they can't plan the customer and require Response Management capabilities to ensure proper risk tradeoff and response in the face of constant changes. Response Management allows manufacturers to quickly analyze the impact and respond to unpredictable daily demand and supply changes ensuring S&OP business objectives are achieved. Integrated performance management capabilities proactively evaluate the impact of all decisions against the achievement of performance targets.