Sales & Operations Planning (SOP)

WE FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS
Zenobia & Associates Consulting focus on helping you solve your business problems to manage the supply chain and achieve profitable growth.

FAST RESULTS
We have a 90-day guarantee. Our implementation strategy is to quickly build momentum. We help you go after the "bite-sized" opportunities that yield meaningful bottom-line results in 90 days or less.

PROVEN TRACK RECORD
Zenobia & Associates have been consulting for more than 39 years. Our expert team has a wealth of experience in key executive and managerial positions. Our track record of successful clients is unmatched!

ZENOBIA & ASSOCIATES Consultants INNOVATIVE APPROACH
We use the paradigm principles to prepare you for quantum changes in your business processes to overcome the "business as usual" mindset.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR  PLAN
Every company has a different starting point. Zenobia & Associates Consulting does not use any single proven path or "one-size-fits-all" plan. We customize an implementation plan for your business that is tailored to your specific needs.

What is Sales and Operation Planning?  

"S&OP is a formal process that consists of a series of meetings, finishing with a high level meeting where key long term decisions are made. In these meetings, data from various areas of your business is discussed. The end goal is an agreement between various departments on the best course of action to achieve the optimal  balance between supply and demand and to meet your profitability goals. It's a tool that helps you properly manage your business."
Sales and Operations Planning increases teamwork between cross functional areas. It puts your operational plan in line with your Business Plan. S&OP is a formal process where targets are set, and progress against the Business Plan is reviewed.

Zenobia & Associates Consulting Objective

The objective of Sales and Operations Planning is to have an agreement on an operating plan that allocates people, capacity, materials, and time to most effectively meet the marketplace in a profitable way while maintaining a high level of Customer Service.

What Can Sales and Operations Planning Achieve?

 Sales and Operations Planning can help to achieve the balance between supply and demand. It can help your business to achieve your profitability goals and maximize customer satisfaction. As an example: without S&OP, your sales forecast for a product group might be for 2000, your manufacturing capacity might be for1600 and your shipping capacity might be 1400. The result? Your not going to deliver on your promise to your customer.
Zenobia & Associates Consultants give a basic overview of Sales and Operations Planning as well as a listing of the S&OP software/consultants available on the market today.

Looking Ahead

Sales and Operations Planning takes a monthly look at product groups at  least 6- 12 months across the planned horizon. Some companies go out as far as18 months. Active participation by the heads the business groups is essential for effective S&OP. This participation and support ties together the various areas and helps you to achieve the right balance between demand and supply.  

Data to be considered

Cross-functional Zenobia & Associates Consulting  Teams review data in the following areas:

• Current Plan for each Product Group
• Current Finished Goods Inventory
• Sales Forecasts
• Purchase Orders Received
• Materials Available
• Manufacturing Plans
• Manufacturing Capacity
• Distribution Capacity
• Shipping Capacity
• Performance Measures

• Customer Service

Our Meeting Schedule

Demand Planning Review - sales, marketing and forecasting 
Supply Planning Review - manufacturing and production planning
Pre-S&OP Meeting - reviews the data from meetings 1&2, plan developed  
S&OP Meeting - a full review, aligns the plan with the financial plan

Why do Sales & Operations Planning?

It costs money, it takes effort...why do it some might ask.

The Benefits:

• Optimal balance demand and supply

• Better communication between cross-functional groups

• Reduced shortages

• Reduced transportation costs

• Smarter production and distribution decisions

• Shorter lead times

• Improved cash flow

• Reduced Finished Goods Inventory

• Advanced Customer Service

Zenobia & Associates Consulting  Tips for Successful Sales & Operations Planning

• Start with a Pilot Program

• Identify your companies metrics to track performance

• A good communication process is highly important for a   success outcome

• Sales & Operations Planning should have a high level project sponsor with an interest in sales and operations

• Working with a qualified, experienced  consultant

For More Information about 

Zenobia & Associates Sales & Operations Planning (SOP) Services 

Contact Us