There are many ways to link all the different planning activities in your FMCG company. This could be done with one single tool like the SAP Advanced Planning Optimiser or a host of other tools and packages.

As with all IT you need to know how to use the software in order to get the best performance for your company and that is not always best provided by the IT supplier. If you need help with your consolidated planning system then Enchange is ready to assist.

In the lyrics below you can substitute the name of any IT package but APO does fit the tune well, I think.

With due reference to the original lyrics and music of ABBA.

Why why
Was our planning accurate no longer
It’s bad
And we knew we could not continue this way
Our products are not on the shelf
Poor data it speaks for itself
APO – No guessing on planning any more
APO – Now planning demand is not a chore
APO – We now know exactly what to do
APO – Smooth functioning  S&OP needs you
APO -  Finally planning with APO

We were
Using  monthly planning, but needed it longer
Oh yeah
Balancing planning right along the chain seems so right
So why did we ever refuse
It’s a win-win that we choose
APO – No guessing on planning any more
APO – Now planning demand is not a chore
APO – We now know exactly what to do
APO – Smooth functioning  S&OP needs you
APO -  Finally planning with APO

And now we see real proof
Our sales have shot through the roof
APO – No guessing on planning any more
APO – Now planning demand is not a chore
APO – We now know exactly what to do
APO – Smooth functioning  S&OP needs you
APO -  Finally planning with APO