Supply chain performance can be the difference between meeting customer expectations and losing market share. For global manufacturers, the challenge becomes even greater as operations span multiple countries, distribution networks become more complex, and disruptions place constant pressure on service performance. Armacell, a global leader in insulation materials, was facing exactly this challenge. Customer service performance was struggling, processes were not fully integrated, and the organization needed to strengthen supply chain execution across the Americas. According to Ciro Ahumada, President of the Americas, Armacell knew it needed more than incremental improvements. The company needed a trusted partner to improve planning processes, strengthen ERP/SAP utilization, enhance SIOP (Sales Inventory & Operations Planning) execution, and drive sustainable results. That partner was LMA Consulting Group. The result: Armacell improved OTIF performance from 38% to 92% while building the processes, capabilities, and organizational alignment needed to sustain success.
Taking a Holistic Approach
Rather than focusing on a single process or system, LMA worked with Armacell to address multiple pillars of supply chain performance.
The engagement focused on:
- Customer service
- Supply chain planning
- SIOP processes
- Distribution & logistics execution
- ERP optimization
- Process improvement
- Organizational alignment
- Team development
The approach recognized that sustainable supply chain performance requires alignment between people, processes, and technology. Success would depend on improving all three.
Leveraging SAP More Effectively
One of the first priorities was evaluating how the ERP system, SAP was being utilized throughout the organization. LMA worked closely with the team to identify planning activities and processes that relied on manual intervention rather than system-driven workflows. While manual workarounds often emerge over time, they can create inefficiencies, reduce visibility, and make consistent execution more difficult. The team dug deeply into existing processes, identified gaps, and developed solutions that enabled more effective use of SAP capabilities. By improving system utilization and reducing manual intervention, Armacell created a stronger foundation for planning and execution.
Strengthening SIOP and Decision-Making
A second area of focus involved strengthening the organization’s SIOP process. Leadership needed better visibility into critical information so that decisions could be made quickly and confidently in an increasingly disruptive environment. LMA worked with teams to develop meaningful dashboards, improve reporting, and establish routines that supported more effective planning discussions. The focus was not simply generating reports. Instead, it was ensuring that the right information was available to support action. Weekly reviews of key actions and performance indicators helped maintain momentum while ensuring accountability throughout the organization. Over time, these disciplines became embedded within the business and helped create lasting improvements.
Building Capabilities That Last
One of the most important aspects of the engagement was the emphasis on people. Technology and process improvements alone would not have delivered sustainable results. LMA invested significant time in understanding team needs, providing training, coaching employees, and helping create the habits necessary to support long-term success. The engagement required patience, collaboration, and consistent reinforcement.
As new processes were implemented, employees gained confidence in the tools and routines that supported better decision-making and execution. This focus on capability building ensured that improvements would continue long after the project concluded.
The Results
The transformation delivered measurable and sustainable improvements.
Over time, Armacell’s OTIF performance improved steadily from 38% to 92% with sustained performance above 85%, and, just as importantly, the results remained in place after the engagement ended. The organization developed the knowledge, processes, systems, and accountability necessary to sustain performance independently.
A True Partnership
According to Armacell’s leadership team, one of the distinguishing characteristics of the engagement was the partnership approach. Rather than providing recommendations and stepping away, LMA worked side-by-side with employees to understand challenges, develop solutions, and ensure successful execution. The work required detailed analysis, deep process knowledge, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Together, the teams transformed supply chain performance and created a roadmap for continued success.
The Power of Integrated Supply Chain Excellence
Armacell’s experience demonstrates that improving supply chain performance is rarely about a single technology or initiative. The greatest results occur when organizations align people, processes, and systems around common objectives. By improving SAP utilization, strengthening SIOP processes, developing organizational capabilities, and creating greater discipline around execution, Armacell transformed customer service performance and established a stronger foundation for future growth.
At LMA Consulting Group, we help manufacturers and distributors improve supply chain planning, operational performance, technology effectiveness, and organizational alignment to drive predictable growth, profitability, and customer success.
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Published: September 12, 2022 | Updated: June 2, 2026