---
title: Eurovision Song Contest, APO and.........ABBA!
description: Not known for their knowledge of FMCG/Pharma planning but ABBA tells you all about Advanced Planning Optimiser.
image: https://supplychain.enchange.com/hs-fs/hub/85647/file-15791589-jpg/blog_images/sap_apo_small-resized-600.jpg?width=253&height=184&name=sap_apo_small-resized-600.jpg
---

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# Route to Market & Supply Chain Blog

# Eurovision Song Contest, APO and.........ABBA!

Posted by Dave Jordan on Fri, May 17, 2019

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There are many ways to link all the different planning activities in your FMCG/Pharma 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 youneed to know how to use the software in order to get the optimum 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](https://supplychain.enchange.com/service-enquiry).

With the Eurovision Song Contest imminent and on the anniversary of ABBA winning with Waterloo a ridiculous 45 years ago, here is our take on that classic. 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](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85yMOPKR94M).

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 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

So, will your planning get a nul points or a massive 12?

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