IBM Decision Optimization

 
 
As data becomes more available, firms are revisiting their S&OP process to add more analytics to the process.  In fact, the lack of analytics and optimization is often a reason that firms do not get the full value from their S&OP process.  That is, without optimization-based technology, the S&OP process can become just a demand planning exercise with minimal analysis of the operations and supply.
 

By combining the Cognos S&OP solution with integration to LogicNet Plus XE, firms can now create optimized plans.  That is, Cognos provides the descriptive analytics, an S&OP dashboard, the detailed reporting, the platform for demand consensus, the ability to standardize data from multiple sources to create a single S&OP view, and the ability to tie it back to financial systems.  Cognos becomes the enterprise level platform for S&OP.  LogicNet Plus XE then receives data from Cognos, allows the planner to run multiple scenarios, and feed the operations plan back into Cognos.  
 

The operational plan considers capacity of the facilities, starting inventory positions, the demand plan from the S&OP process, and alternatives for meeting demand.  Using this capability, it creates integrity in the process by coming up with operational plans that match the demand plans.
 

We have a short video available for additional information.