Supply chain planning Archives

S&OP is a critical business process for transforming strategy into execution and driving supply chain performance. Even though technology has advanced, many companies are still stuck using old-fashioned and inefficient methods, And there are some big misconceptions that are getting in the way. They exist because businesses don’t fully understand what S&OP is really about. It is time to debunk the myths.

What is S&OP?

Let’s begin by discussing what S&OP – Sales and Operations Planning – actually entails. S&OP is a forward-looking planning process, superior to the operational process and subordinate to the strategic process, bridging the gap between the two. It serves as a mechanism for aligning a company’s strategic objectives with its operational activities.

S&OP is used to continuously identify disparities between a company’s desired goals and its current trajectory, and find strategies for closing these gaps. This can include a range of actions, such as intensifying sales efforts within specific markets or product segments, increasing manufacturing capacity to meet projected demands, or reallocating resources to areas where they are more effectively used. In essence, S&OP is a structured approach to navigate a company toward its desired future state.

5 myths about S&OP – let’s debunk them

Now, let’s clear up some common myths and get to the bottom of the real value of S&OP.

Myth 1: S&OP is not a relevant operational process today

The concept of S&OP originated in the 1950s, evolving from a production-centric approach to enhance efficiency. It was never designed to be a process for gaining detailed knowledge of every aspect of a company’s operation. Instead of striving for operational precision, S&OP is a tool for planning and fostering flexibility. Today, the fundamental need for tactical planning persists.

Many of today’s companies find themselves caught in the “too late corner.” They primarily focus on assessing their order backlog for the next couple of months, and as a result, they struggle to maintain control and end up spending their time putting out fires.

To overcome this, it is not viable to merely focus on the short term and hope for the best. Looking further into the future and making the most of the information you can capture is essential. Companies must adopt a broader perspective and examine the dynamics of supply and demand across extended time horizons. This entails not only periodic assessments but also frequent monitoring to identify fluctuations and their recurring patterns. A key objective is to understand the flexibility required and how quickly you should adjust your capacity.

Myth 2: It is not worth it, as we cannot predict the future anyway

S&OP is not about predicting the future – it is about planning for the future. Sure, you can use it to analyze historical sales data and create forecasts to align supply with demand. But to unlock the true potential of S&OP, it should be used to understand where your business is today and where you want to be in the future. What is your current trajectory, and what is your desired destination?

This approach places you in control rather than at the mercy of the process. It allows you to gently steer your business in the intended direction. You can accelerate, decelerate, and manage marketing and capacity efforts accordingly.

Used correctly, S&OP is a multifaceted decision-making and gap-bridging process designed to guide your company toward its strategic objectives. It is not about predicting the future – it is about understanding the evolving reality that lies ahead.

Myth 3: S&OP is yet another time-consuming planning process

If this sounds familiar, it might be time to ask yourself this question: How much of your time do you spend on firefighting? The answer might reveal a significant gap in your organizational structure – an absence of a well-defined S&OP process.

As the old saying goes, “If you don’t plan, you plan to fail.” This is especially true when it comes to S&OP. While it isn’t a magic bullet that guarantees flawless outcomes, it serves as a cornerstone for informed decision-making and facilitates a culture of collaboration.

Imagine sending eleven soccer players onto the field without briefing them on their roles, the game strategy, or whether they should play defensively or offensively. Chaos would occur, and the chances of succeeding would be fairly small.

In the world of S&OP, the scenario is strikingly similar. Planning not only saves you from the chaos of reacting to problems as they arise. It also grants you a more transparent path toward achieving your objectives. S&OP, when executed right, is not just another planning procedure, but a value-adding mechanism.

Myth 4: S&OP is solely a supply chain issue

This myth is rooted in a silo mentality where each department operates in isolation, failing to communicate or collaborate effectively. This is often driven by performance metrics solely tied to individual functions. A “you handle yours, and I’ll handle mine” attitude dominates the workplace, and the overall success of the company – which should be the primary objective – becomes overshadowed.

In contrast, S&OP is the opposite of this approach. It shifts the individual focus towards an integrated plan and places the organization within an ecosystem where all departments work together towards a common goal, collectively contributing to the company’s success. The breakdown of traditional silos and adoption of a broader perspective fosters collaboration. Succeeding in S&OP is very much connected to acknowledging interdependence and prioritizing collective performance.

In summary, S&OP is not just a supply chain concern. It is a collaborative effort that involves the entire organization, including sales, operations, product development, finance, sourcing, procurement, and marketing.

Myth 5: A fancy S&OP tool is overkill when we have spreadsheets

Even though technology has advanced, many companies still rely on spreadsheet programs such as Excel or rule-based processes in ERP systems to manage their S&OP. So, isn’t using spreadsheets good enough? Well, it depends on the purpose.

Excel is a great tool for creating prototypes to test ideas in the context of S&OP. However, it is primarily designed for data input and manipulation rather than supply chain planning. As it relies on manual data entry, it has significant limitations in supporting comprehensive planning requirements, making it prone to errors.

The problem usually arises as organizations grow in their product portfolio, markets, or volumes. The more data they put into the system, the more complex it gets. This often leads to shortcuts and inaccuracies, making it inefficient and difficult to manage. Consequently, businesses may experience higher costs and operational inefficiencies.

Relying on spreadsheets for supply chain optimization and critical business decisions simply isn’t sustainable. Companies need to realize that spreadsheets must be replaced with more robust solutions for S&OP that support their future business requirements.

Do you want to improve your S&OP process?

Don’t settle for outdated S&OP methods. It is time to say goodbye to manual and tedious Excel corrections and welcome a highly flexible and easy-to-use solution.

With a track record of over 1,000 successfully completed projects and a 30-year integration heritage, Optilon is a trusted supply chain optimization partner.

Our flexible system for S&OP can be tailored to align with your specific processes while remaining adaptable to your evolving business needs. It is easy to implement and offers effortless integration with other systems to streamline your operations seamlessly.

Contact us today to book a meeting. We can help you align strategy with operations and navigate you toward your desired future state.

Are you struggling with balancing inventory? Today, many Nordic businesses face major challenges in matching their inflated stock levels and assortment of products with changing customer demands. The quest to maintain a high service level while minimizing costs remains a top priority, although now it seems more difficult than ever. Fortunately, smart supply chain planning can unleash the potential of your inventory and pave the way for supply chain success.

Why do businesses struggle to balance inventory?

In the midst of a global pandemic that profoundly disrupted the global supply chain, our current macroeconomic landscape has taken shape. With significantly reduced shipping capacity and prolonged lead times from Asia, businesses faced the challenge of meeting customer demands by placing substantial orders to stock up on inventory.

Fast forward a few years, and we now find ourselves grappling with high-interest rates and inflation. These economic forces have propelled a significant change in consumer behavior. Consumers are now favoring more affordable products over their pricier counterparts. Consequently, businesses have also adapted their supply chain strategies, stocking more inexpensive items to cater to these changing customer needs.

High inventory levels and the wrong product mix

This shift, however, has unwittingly given rise to a particular problem – the overstocking of higher-priced items. The current product mix is simply mismatched and does not align with the new customer needs. This is now causing large financial strains on businesses.

Previously, when interest rates remained low, companies focused on providing a high service level, and they could maintain extensive product inventory without incurring significant costs. Now the scenario is vastly different. Obtaining desired stock has become increasingly expensive, and the bottom line is directly impacted by percentages.

To cope with this, many businesses find themselves resorting to significant discounts to reduce their inventories, or they simply hit the brakes in an attempt to handle the situation. However, this scenario may eventually lead companies to face a “bullwhip effect”, resulting in empty shelves and disorganization throughout the supply chain.

Discover the potential of your inventory

Instead, this situation calls for careful consideration of inventories to ensure a balanced mix of products. The more complex the supply chain, the more critical the inventory management. And as the complexity grows, so does the need for digitization, robust system support, and control.

For today’s companies, it is important to understand where the forecast lies. Keeping tabs on demand has always been valid, but it has now reached a new level of importance. The large expenses of maintaining product inventory heighten the need to align stock levels precisely with customer preferences.

Despite this, a vast majority of supply chain data correction is still today handled manually in Excel or via rigid and rule-based processes in ERP systems. These traditional systems are primarily designed for data input rather than supply chain optimization. This often leads to an accumulation of slow-moving items with irregular and sporadic demand patterns. As a result, businesses face increased costs and inefficiencies.

To maximize the true potential of your inventory, a System of Differentiation (applications dedicated to handling specific business needs to reach a competitive edge) – rather than a System of Record (applications and ERP systems dedicated to handling the most basic and critical data need and processes) – is required.

Use a smart supply chain planning platform

A smart supply chain planning platform can be tailored to optimize a company’s specific supply chain operations. It leverages advanced algorithms and intelligent automation to provide the insights needed to make informed decisions and take proactive actions.

A modern supply chain planning system will provide a high service level for the end customers by securing the right product mix, while still keeping inventory levels low.

Companies can maintain a high service level not only during peak periods or with high-volume items but also with products sold sporadically. It ensures an efficient operation while keeping inventory levels low or at their optimal point.

By implementing the right system support, businesses can experience remarkable cost savings. On average, stock levels can be reduced by as much as 30%. Imagine the impact that saving such a significant amount of money can have on your bottom line.

Moreover, a smart supply chain planning platform eliminates the need for manual work. Automating time-consuming tasks liberates planners to focus on more rewarding activities, such as proactive risk assessments. This allows them to contribute strategically to the company’s success and drive growth.

To sum it up, your company will benefit from a higher level of service, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. Simultaneously, inventory levels will be optimized, enabling you to strike the delicate balance between meeting demand and minimizing excess stock. Furthermore, the automation provided reduces operational inefficiencies and streamlines your processes, paving the way for increased productivity and profitability.

A large network of supply chain experts at your service

At Optilon, our expertise stems from a rich 30-year integration heritage, empowering us to seamlessly integrate solutions for production planning, demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and replenishment. With a vast network of 50 supply chain experts in the Nordics, we offer unparalleled support to our clients.

Don’t settle for outdated methods. Contact us today and discover how we can help you transform your business. It is time to step into the future of supply chain planning.

Let us help you unleash the potential of your inventory. Book a meeting today!

Welcome to a Recap of The Optilon Supply Chain conference 2022, held on September 8, 2021.

Disruptions come in many forms, and in recent years Supply Chains have faced numerous highly disruptive risk events. Supply Chains are also influenced by sustainability, customer demand precision, and customization in delivery.

A proactive response requires visibility, adaptability, and agility. For many companies, this means re-imagining the Supply Chain and balancing the tradeoffs in new and effective ways.

This year’s topics

SUSTAINABILITY
DATA-DRIVEN
DISRUPTION
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
COLLABORATION

About the event

This premium event is dedicated to helping optimize the business through the Supply Chain. Our emphasis is on enhancing experiences and embracing disruption and innovation to re-imagine the Supply Chain and build competitive advantages.

Join leading thinkers and practitioners at the Optilon Supply Chain conference to explore best practices, opportunities, and challenges of optimizing the business through the Supply Chain.

Why watch the recording?

You will get an insight into:

How do Nordic companies perform compared to others in terms of sustainability?
How mature are my organization’s current capabilities?
What could I gain by better collaborating with my network?
How is customer behavior changing, and how do my relationships with customers need to change due to disruption?

Key-Take-Aways

While trying to re-imagine the future Supply Chain – at this conference, Optilon would like to support your journey with inspiration on:

Why is there a need to disrupt our current way of living, working, and being
How you can harness the power of data and create competitive advantages
How can you empower and engage your employees in the sustainable agenda and ensure progress
Why collaborating with the broader ecosystem is key to responding to the broader ecosystem

This year’s conference was again carried out in a dynamic environment with inspirational speakers worldwide. Come and join us. It is free and online!

Who should watch it?

Supply Chain Managers
COOs
Production Managers
S&OP Managers
Planning Managers
Planning Professionals
Supply Chain Data Analysts
IT Managers
Sustainability Managers and Professionals
CEOs and CFOs
Head of Digital Transformation8

Watch all of the recordings here

The Optilon Supply Chain Sustainability Minifestival took place from February 21st to February 25th 2022. Watch or rewatch all the exciting sessions whenever you like.

Delivering on Circularity

Monday we had a great start with a very dynamic and knowledgeable speaker, Gitte Haar, from Center for Circular Economy who introduced us to the Circular Economy and the legislation which the EU is imposing as well. We looked at what impact it could possibly have on businesses.

After that, we had a very dynamic panel debate between Marcel Jacobs, Philip Morris, Gitte Haar, and Havard Jørgensen from Electrolux. You can watch the recording here.

Supply Chain Design and Sustainability – Accelerating the Net Zero emissions journey

We had the pleasure of having Anders Remnebäck and Andreas Andersson on stage from Optilon. They are both very experienced when it comes to adding the Sustainability angle to Network Optimization/Supply Chain Design. They have in this webinar focus on how you can accelerate the journey to NetZero emissions. You can watch the recording here.

Supply Chain Sustainability Software Pitch-Contest

During this session we had invited 6 different start-ups from across Europe to do a pitch. All of them showcased how their company specifically is trying tol solve the Sustainability challenges with their software. The company Prewave won. You can watch the recording here.

Supply Chain Planning and Optimization from a Sustainability Perspective

During this session Optilon’s experts within Supply Chain Planning, John Wikstrom and Nathalie Johansson, introduced us to how you can use Supply Chain planning to reduce your carbon emissions. As Optilon has discovered in previous reports, 1/5 of what is in stock is unnecessary. You can watch the recording here.

The Regenerative Supply Chain

The terminology Regenerative Supply Chain is not yet widely recognized in the Supply Chain field. In this session we looked a little bit deeper into the terminology in order to try and understand what impact it could possibly have. Assistant professor at Århus University Henning De Haas gave an introduction to his understanding of the Regenerative Supply Chain. He put emphasis on the fact, that mental models play a vital role. After that, August Krogh From Slowforest Coffee introduced us the company he works for. They have already laid out the plans for their Regenerative Supply Chain. You can watch the recording here.

Learn more about Options sustainability offerings here

Today’s challenges in production companies

Do you encounter the following challenges in your production?

Are your service levels low?
Do you have a high inventory and capital tied up in stock
Is it cumbersome to reschedule the production plan?
Do you have a low level of automation in your processes?
Are you lacking an overview and one joint production plan?
Are you able to simulate?

Where and how much to produce
It is essential for the business to address when, where, and how much to produce to maximize service levels and production efficiency while minimizing inventory and production costs. Effective plans are enabled with Supply Chain Production Planning technology.

In the mid-to-long-term perspective, a feasible and leveled production plan supports production management for capacity/manning decisions and the requirements of purchase materials. In the short term, a realistic production schedule is created to support production supervisors/operators in producing the right order at the right time, ensuring high service levels and minimized set-up times.

Real-time simulations
In other words, a Supply Chain Production planning solution helps effectively and timely govern the core processes of advanced planning, scheduling, and manufacturing execution. The lean, flexible and interactive tool is designed to run real-time simulations and thoroughly analyze results, following intuitive and streamlined workflows.

At Optilon, we can help you implement effective processes through cutting-edge technology to:

Obtain a high degree of automation and reduce manual work for planners
Reschedule plans faster when prerequisites changes
Obtain higher service levels and reliability of promised delivery time
Get a lower inventory and capital tied up in stock
Minimize set-up time and production costs – and increase resource efficiency.
One common plan. Better overview and company-wide decision and communication platform.
To be able to work more proactively and see future problems in advance.

Check out our brochure on Production Planning right here.

The typical business or Supply Chain operates in a world where the “new normal” is increased instability, brought about by a multitude of causes. Supply Chains must become more agile, resilient, automated, and efficient and this is also true for the production. environment.

Many companies are challenged by cumbersome processes to reschedule production plans, high inventory and capital tied up in stock, low level of automation, no simulation possibilities and a lack of overview and a lack of one common production plan.

Cases

Absolut company
An increased production complexity made The Absolut Company look for a better and more efficient way to manage the production of the most exported food and beverage product in Sweden. With the purchase of the company from the Swedish government in 2008, Pernod Ricard initiated a transformation of the brand. This had a large impact on the manufacturing process. Check out the case here.

Orthex company
Orthex Group, a leading manufacturer of household products in the Nordic, operates in a sector where the customers have high demands on short lead times and on-time delivery. When unexpected large orders are common and the company growth increases Supply Chain complexity, it puts pressure on the production planning process and the planners involved. By implementing technology Orthex has been able to take a big step towards 100% planning control Check out the case here.

Understanding inventory optimization is key if you want to optimize your Supply Chain with technology. In this blogpost we will look into the details.

Today’s consumers demand more options and greater variety. Trends change quickly. The result is that companies are carrying more slow-moving items with irregular, intermittent demand patterns. Traditional ABC inventory planning, developed in the 1950s, just doesn’t work in this world. Instead, we suggest to use inventory optimization software. It should use self-adaptive demand and inventory models to automatically define the optimal mix of inventory across the multi-echelon Supply Chain. That way you can achieve aggressive service level targets while minimizing inventory and reducing costs, at the same time. As a company you are able to manage slow-moving and intermittent demand items more effectively.

The model is highly reliable because of the proprietary analytical relationships between inventory and customer service levels, even for very slow moving and intermittent demand items. This allows the system to optimize even very large assortments, including products in the “long tail”, balancing inventories across different locations and different levels in the bill of materials (BOM).

Meet high service levels while minimizing inventory
Instead of creating a “one-size-fits-all” inventory mix within item groups defined by rudimentary classification criteria, the inventory optimization approach differentiates service and inventory targets across products, bill-of-materials levels, and distribution network locations to most efficiently meet desired customer service level objectives.

Free up working capital
By applying advanced modeling and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize inventory at the individual SKU and location level, you are typically able to reduce overall inventory levels by 10-30%. Less money tied up in inventory means you have more cash available for better uses.

Inventory modelling
The inventory modeling technology is capable of eliminating the gross approximations of traditional inventory management, creating very reliable relationships between average inventory and service levels for each SKU and location. This allows the inventory optimization solution to define the optimal inventory mix across products and network to meet service targets at the lowest cost.

Service-driven optimization
Unlike ABC inventory planning, which has an operational perspective, service-driven inventory optimization centers on sales, marketing, and customers. It uses categories called “service classes” that sales and marketing people can easily relate to. Then it optimizes every SKU-Location against a target service level for each service class. The end result is an aggregated service class goal with the lowest possible stock investment.

Multi-echelon inventory optimization (MEIO)
To truly serve the end customer, the entire network–from raw materials suppliers and factories through distribution centers and wholesalers–needs the right items in stock. The technologies which we favor suggests optimal inventory levels at each stage of the supply chain, simultaneously balancing across multiple echelons, locations, and different Bill-of-Material (BOM) levels. It finds the most globally efficient balance between upstream and downstream inventory while optimizing safety stocks. It supports centralized demand planning, lowers costs across the Supply Chain, and streamlines operations.

Probabilistic forecasting
The probabilistic forecast provides the foundation for inventory planning, and helps manage the risk that comes from demand volatility by providing a range of possible values with their probability of occurrence. Advanced machine learning enhances traditional demand forecasts by modeling internal sources of noise and incorporating the effect of external data.

Understanding inventory optimization is key if you want to optimize your Supply Chain with technology.

If you want to know more about Supply Chain from an end-to-end perspective then you can always check out this online-brochure or download our whitepaper via the below link.

Download now

1. Getting started with a modern approach to end-to-end planning

Understand the basics of end-to-end planning (whitepaper)
End-to-end Supply Chain planning is about bridging the gap between operations and business plans. It is also about staying in control. Check out and download the whitepaper right here.

You can also read a shorter blog post on what Supply Chain planning is right here.

Do you also have unnecessary items in stock? (Trend report)
Did you know that every fifth item in stock is unnecessary? We made a report based on the 400 largest companies in the Nordics. Learn more about our findings and what you can do to ensure that this is not your company. You can download the report here.

2. Understanding more about the details

Understanding inventory optimization (blog post)
You can achieve aggressive service level targets while minimizing inventory and reducing costs simultaneously. Learn more about how right here.

How an end-to-end Supply Chain planning approach can benefit the business
Having an end-to-end Supply Chain planning approach can turn out to be a competitive advantage in the market. Though, to leverage your Supply Chain for a competitive advantage, it is important to utilize technology to add business value. In this blog post, we will share how it can benefit the business strategy.

Are you going to use a digital twin? (blog post and webinar)
Looking to learn more about a digital twin and how it can help you on your end-to-end Supply Chain planning journey? Check out these resources on the digital twin right here. You can also watch a webinar and read about SKF, who made a digital twin part of their core journey and won the Gartner Chainnovator Award in the Industrial Segment. Optilon supported them all the way – and still do.

Why ABC inventory classification is old school and not optimization (blog post)
ABC inventory classification has been around so long that most planners assume it’s the only way to segment inventory. In fact, it’s not. And it’s not even nearly the best way. Read more in this blog post.

Is the working relationship between operations and marketing an area for optimization? (blog post)
In many companies, the working relationship between operations and marketing is challenging. This is where technology within promotions planning can help. Promotions planning is about bridging the gap between operations and marketing. Read more in this blog post.

3. Check out these great cases:

Kronans Apotek increased service level with a centralized planning approach. Read more in this customer case.
Thule increased service levels and reduced inventory. Read more in this customer case.
EET Europarts feel they are in control with a new approach to Supply Chain planning. Read more in this customer case.

4. Get a brief product demonstration right now

This brief product demonstration explains the core capabilities of the service-driven planning software we provide with our partner ToolsGroup. The video also describes why it’s different and better than traditional planning solutions.

It covers:

Demand modeling and forecasting
Promotions planning
Multiechelon inventory optimization
Replenishment

Get the product demonstration right now

5. Finding the right partner

Supply Chain organizations must rapidly assess new digital strategies and Supply Chain planning technology solutions to accelerate digital business. At the same time, they need to evaluate and identify automation opportunities while supporting organizational change. How do they stretch their organization’s current way of thinking and operating while simultaneously delivering on speed and flexibility? Get some fruitful advice in this blog post.

We are here to help you choose the right journey
Our engagement model shows you how we work together with our clients. We want to ensure that you get a humble, engaged, and committed solution delivery that solves your business challenges. Learn more about how we work right here.

Are you heading out on your Sales and Operations Planning journey or have you already embarked on it? This ressource will provide you with lot’s of great content which hopefully can inspire you, to take your Sales and Operations Planning approach to the next level.

1. Getting the journey started

The basics of S&OP
Everyone has probably heard about S&OP, but do you really know what it is? In this blog post we provide you with the basics on S&OP. Read more here.

What value do you get from S&OP?
Like any other business initiative S&OP should be challenged on value impact. In this blogpost we would like to provide you with some insights. Read more here.

Digitalizing the S&OP process untaps further potential
The digitalized version of the S&OP process is recognized to further increase forecast accuracy, as well as reduced inventory investment and stable/increased service level. Read more here.

The myths and realities of Sales and Operations Planning
Chekcout this webinar which is a dynamic discussion of what S&OP is and is not. Listen or watch it here.

2. The details

Bring strategy back into S&OP
It is time to bring strategy back into S&OP. But how? Learn more in this webinar.

Welcome to a Recap of The Optilon Supply Chain conference 2021, that was held on September 15th 2021.

The overall theme for this conference was: Thriving in uncertainty. Preparing for the future.

Why is this topic interesting?
Supply Chains are typically designed for efficiency, cost, and proximity to markets, but not necessarily for transparency and resilience. Now they are operating in a world where disruptions are regular occurrences. Both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) companies expect to see meaningful shifts in future demand. This will affect commercial models. Thriving in uncertainty and preparing for the future means building resiliency by improving the Supply Chain and transparency, minimizing exposure to shocks, and building the capacity to respond.

Below you will find an outline of the speakers of this conference:

Block 1:

Speaker Matt Britton on the topic of: Understanding the conscious consumers of tomorrow.
Matt is a true leader when it comes to connecting the dots between the brands of today and the consumers of tomorrow. Matt has inspired and educated the world’s leading brands, on the state of the new consumer and its effect on business models and consumer trends. Listen to this energetic talk and learn how your brand and business will be affected by the conscious consumer.

Speaker Thomas Bjørnsten on Improving business intelligence with human data.
One way of working with resiliency is to work with end-to-end transparency and demand shifts. Thomas Bjørnsten, Phd. works with human data at Innovation Lab. In his speeech he provides insights into facts and fantasies when it comes to the human factor in a data-driven business. He teaches about emotion computing and how feelings can become big (data) business. He also shares how the interactions will be between humans and machines and discuss the role of trust in adoption.

Speaker: Marketing Associate at Optilon John Wikström on the topic: The unredeemed Supply Chain potential in the Nordics.
Nordic companies have a potential to redeem a significant potential when it comes to unnecessary inventory, tied up working capital and unnecessary square meters used for storage and distribution. Speaker: John introduces us to the report, which this year covered all the Nordic countries, named The unnecessary report 2021. John shares the possible actions that can be taken to redeem the potential.

Watch the recording from block 1

Block 2:

Panel discussion on how you can realize the full potential of Supply Chain sustainability
In the panel we had Thought Leader and strategic advisor Alis Sindbjerg Hinrichsen from Optilon, Karl Orrling from Alfa Laval and Eva Grønbjerg Christensen from Sustainify.

Speaker: Manuel Maihofer on the topic of: Improve your end-to-end planning with a digital twin
Companies that utilize the digital capabilities of Supply Chain planning will be much more resilient and better equipped to handle challenges, as well as competing more effectively. What does that mean in practical terms? Manuel Maihofer, Business Analyst and Project Manager from SKF focuses on how a digital twin could be an enabler. Manuel Maihofer is convinced, that transparency, business intelligence and digitalization of processes are key facilitators to improve supply chains. Manuel manages agile IT development projects, establishes workflows and turns data into insights, from purchasing to customer service and from production planner to top management. He plays an important role in creating SKF’s digital twin, which fuels initiatives like Integrated Planning, Demand Management and S&OP.

Watch the recording from block 2

Block 3:

Speaker: Andreas Wieland on the topic of: Transformative Supply Chain Management
Andreas Wieland is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management at Copenhagen Business School. He is the Program Director of CBS’s Graduate Diploma (HD) in Supply Chain Management. His current research reinterprets global Supply Chains as social–ecological systems. Global supply chains can be quite complex. Many managers have understood this. But maybe supply chains are even more fundamentally different from what we often imagine? In his talk, Andreas Wieland challenges the conventional assumptions we have about supply chains and supply chain management. He provides transformative solutions to futureproof supply chains in an era of crises.

Speaker: Andrew Spence on the topic of: Transforming the world of work with technology
Andrew talked about how organizations will be able to find the talent they need – when they need it – from a liquid workforce. Hence, they will require fewer full-time employees, and we will see the demise of the traditional job. The focus will be leading work, not employees. What does this mean in the short and long term?

watch the recording from block 3