Project Preparation
Initial situation…
Dueto inaccurate planning and, consequently, unreliable product availability forthe desired delivery date, high inventories, unnecessary costs, write-offs, andrevenue losses occur. The exchange of information within the company is notoptimally coordinated, which makes targeted bottleneck management difficult oreven impossible. These factors affect the efficiency of the supply chain,reliability, and on-time delivery to customers.
…How was the organization prepared?
To align the successful transformation with the company’s demand planning capabilities, responsibility and commitment were secured at the leadership level. Purpose, vision, and reasons were clearly communicated, and change processes were actively supported and promoted. To prepare the organizational structures, future processes, roles, and responsibilities were clearly defined and agreed upon. Change needs were identified, and a joint approach was taken to initiate and accompany the respective measures.
Target image and software selection
The process begins with an accurate assessment of the current state, the creation of a clear target image, and the development of technical requirements for the system. The selection of suitable software is based on defined requirements so that it can be optimally integrated into the existing infrastructure.
Before the start of the project, some challenges were already known, such as the quality of the required master data, unclear responsibilities, different understandings regarding the importance of demand planning within the organization, as well as the desire for flexibility and scalability in processes and system usage.
aflexio as an enabler and gamechanger
Choosing the right consulting and implementation partner ensures that the project is professionally supported and the implementation is efficient and successful.
“We stand behind the ‘change’ and also see the need for it!” (Head of SCM at edding)
“The workshops are going great! But it takes time…” (Demand Planner)
“I have never seen such a seamless go-live for such a major change.” (Project Lead)
“It was extremely helpful that we looked at the quality of the master data together with Master Data Management to align it according to standard requirements and adapt the data model.” (Project Lead)
Project milestones and results
“For some products, the forecast accuracy with IBP is at 80% – twice as high as before.” (Manager Global Demand Planning at edding)
Less Noise - More Music
The introduction of SAP IBP Demand Planning delivers tangible results for edding: increased planning accuracy, improved delivery reliability in terms of customer needs, and a significant reduction in inventories with improved forecast quality at suppliers.
The improved internal processes, which are streamlined and efficiently integrated into IBP, as well as the higher quality and transparency of information and decisions, are particularly important for edding. These are leveraged to further enhance efficiency and reduce capital tie-up.
Outlook
As part of the business transformation with S/4HANA, edding will also examine from when, in perspective, other capabilities with IBP should be expanded, such as Sales & Operations Planning or capacity alignment with Supply Network Planning.
The journey continues…
