SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning) is one method to align demand with supply while also aligning the various functions within an organization to deliver strategic objectives and maximize business value. As popular as it is becoming, I think we must challenge ourselves further with SIOP beyond borders.
Although it certainly can mean the interconnectivity in today’s end-to-end supply chain, it also can simply mean the connectivity and alignment among supply chain partners. For example, as we connect our customers with our suppliers, our IT partners with our customers’ requirements and the like, we gain a distinctive advantage in the supply chain. It is simply amazing that we can gain exponential results by connecting functions within a company and organizations in the supply chain.
Why stop there? Many of our supply chain partners could be international partners and cross borders. How can we develop an integrated planning process that not only incorporates what is rarely done in any organization but also consider global impacts? Start by expanding your mind and thinking. Global impacts affect us every day, ranging from natural disasters to port strikes to political unrest to rules and regulations. One of the best ways to bring out the strengths of a global supply chain and leverage the collective strengths for the common good is to think about SIOP beyond borders. If you are interested in learning more about this topic and implementing it at your company, contact us to learn more about our proprietary SIOP process, 4 EXCEL, proven to gain exponential results. To learn more about how to implement SIOP, read our book, SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning): Creating Predictable Revenue and EBITDA Growth.