This book provides comprehensive guidance on leveraging SAP IBP technology to connect strategic (to be understood as long term SC&O), tactical and operational planning into one coherent process framework, presenting experience shared by practitioners in workshops, customer presentations, business, and IT transformation projects. It offers use cases and a wealth of practical tips to ensure that readers understand the challenges and advantages of IBP implementation. The book starts by characterizing disconnected planning and contrasting this with key elements of a transformation project approach. It explains the functional foundations and SAP Hybris, Trade Promotion Planning, Customer Business Planning, ARIBA, and S/4 integration with SAP IBP. It then presents process for integrating finance in IBP. Annual planning and monthly planning are taken as examples of explain Long term planning (in some companies labeled as strategic). The core of the book is about sales and operations planning (S&OP) and its process steps, product demand, supply review, integrated reconciliation and management business review, illustrating all steps with use cases. It describes unconstrained and constrained optimized supply planning, inventory optimization, shelf life planning. We explain how to improve responsiveness with order-based allocation planning, sales order confirmation, and big deal / tender management coupled with simultaneous re-planning of supply. The book closes with a chapter on performance measurement, measurement of effectiveness, efficiency, and adherence.

This book provides both a broad overview of the forecasting process, covering technological and human aspects alike, and deep insights into algorithms and platform functionalities in the IBP toolbox required to maximize forecast accuracy. Rich in technical and business explanations, it addresses short-, medium- and long-term forecasting processes using functionalities available in demand planning and demand sensing. There are also several theoretical concepts underpinning the algorithms discussed; these are explained with numerical examples to help demystify the IBP forecasting toolbox. Beyond standard procedures, the book also discusses custom approaches (e.g. new segmentation criteria, new outlier detection and correction methods) and new methods (e.g. the use of Markov chains for forecasting sporadic demands), etc. It subsequently benchmarks common practices using these innovative approaches and discusses the results. As measurement is an important precondition for improvement, an entire chapter is devoted to discussing process improvement and value using the Six Sigma methodology. In closing, the book provides several useful tips and tricks that should come in handy during project implementation.

This book presents a comprehensive introduction to Integrated Business Planning (IBP), building on practitioner’s experience and showcasing the value gains when moving from disconnected planning to IBP. It also proposes a road map for the transformation of planning, including technological initiatives, business priorities and organizational processes, and demonstrates how to motivate different IBP stakeholders to work together, when and how to connect strategic (to be understood as long term SC&O), tactical and operational planning and how to leverage functional and data integration features of SAP IBP. Real-world business-process use cases help to show the practical implications of implementing SAP IBP. Furthermore the book explores new capabilities, talent acquisition and retention, career development leadership, IBP Center of Expertise. A discussion of how disruptive technology trends like big data, Internet of Things, machine learning and artificial intelligence can influence IBP now and in the near future rounds out the book.

Managing changes to the supply chain comes with its unique challenges. Supply chain planning presents an especially complex challenge for the change practitioner as multiple stakeholders and functions are involved. Successful Integrated Planning for the Supply Chain evaluates different approaches to change interventions and explores how Integrated Business Planning could be implemented in any organization to create sustainable improvements. Using frameworks based on extensive academic research, Richard Lloyd considers the potential blocks to an effective supply chain, and advises on how to deal with and identify uncertainties within an organization. Numerous international case studies included throughout show that every project has its own set of unique problems. Successful Integrated Planning for the Supply Chain is an invaluable guide for anyone who needs to implement change in the supply chain.

Discover the practical, real-world advantages of the Oliver Wight master planning and scheduling methodology. The newly revised Fourth Edition of Master Planning and Scheduling: An Essential Guide to Competitive Manufacturing delivers a masterful exploration of today's master planning and scheduling techniques, as well as an insightful discussion of the future of the master planning and scheduling processes and profession. Written in the context of an ever-evolving digital environment and augmented with new and critical information required to implement best practices, the book is a guide for practitioners and leaders on the principles of master planning and scheduling and its application in modern and future work environments. In this book, readers will learn: Insights regarding top-down, bottom-up, and side-to-side integration of business practices in support of a company's strategic direction and tactical deployment The critical link between time-phased integrated business planning, master planning, master scheduling, capacity planning, and material planning "How-to" details and examples to support master planning and scheduling implementation and enhancements within the company's demand and supply organizations Master Planning and Scheduling is an indispensable guide for supply chain professionals, planners and schedulers in all functional domains of a business. It also belongs on the bookshelves of any executive or manager who seeks to improve their understanding of best practice planning and scheduling processes and how those processes enable a business to outperform the competition through alignment, integration and synchronization across all functions in an organization.

The experts at Oliver Wight provide business leaders with invaluable information for integrating the tactical planning process Integrated Tactical Planning (ITP) is an essential process for regularly re-aligning product, demand, and supply plans in the short term, thereby giving the Executive team the confidence that operational activities are being well managed, unless they formally hear otherwise. This cross-functional re-planning process is vital to responding to change, increasing competitiveness, and reducing costs. Integrated Tactical Planning: Respond to Change, Increase Competitiveness and Reduce Costs helps senior executives devote more time to strategy and other value-added activities by deploying ITP practices throughout their organization. Written by the leadership team at Oliver Wight, one of the world’s most respected firms for effectively integrating business processes and improving business outcomes, this authoritative resource offers a contemporary view of the processes, behavior change methods, and new technology for implementing ITP processes. Throughout the text, the authors share business-proven concepts, define fundamental terms, and provide real-life examples of how Integrated Tactical Planning has been applied in various industries and businesses. Clear and accurate chapters cover essential topics including strategy alignment, product and demand plan execution, supply scheduling, performance improvement, and more. Presenting the information necessary to get an organization started on its Integrated Tactical Planning journey, this book: Describes how to manage and align product portfolio changes and new products within a single management process Explains the mechanisms and behavioral requirements for an organization to successfully execute Integrated Tactical Planning Offers methods for improving reaction time and cost-effectively responding to changes in Demand and Supply Reviews different design and deployment strategies, structures and roles, and the key ITP elements such as process definition and sustainability Features a comprehensive case study that details the challenges and results experienced by an Oliver Wight client company that implemented Integrated Tactical Planning Integrated Tactical Planning: Respond to Change, Increase Competitiveness and Reduce Costs is a must-have book for senior executives, leaders, managers, and planners at organizations of any size across all industries.

Management of supply chains has been evolving rapidly over the last few years due to the inception of Industry 4.0, where businesses adopt automation technologies and data exchanges leading to dynamic and interconnected supply chain systems. Emphasizing on analytical approaches such as predictive and prescriptive modeling, this book presents state-of-the-art original research work dealing with advanced analytical models for the design, planning, and operation of the supply chain to provide faster and smarter decisions in the era of digitization. In particular, the book integrates machine learning and operations research models for faster and smarter decisions, presents prescriptive analytics models for strategic, tactical, and operational decision making in the supply chain, and addresses recent challenges such as sustainability in the supply chain, supply chain visibility, and supply chain digitalization. Key concepts are illustrated using real-life case studies, making the book a valuable reference for researchers, technical professionals, and students.

Discovering features and functionalities in SAP IBP and SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing KEY FEATURES ● Delve into the core functionalities of SAP S/4HANA for supply chain planning and manufacturing. ● Harness the power of SAP IBP to forecast demand, optimize supply, and manage inventory with precision. ● Explore the intricacies of SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing, streamlining production planning, execution, and quality management. ● Leverage AI and ML to enhance demand forecasting, optimize schedules, automate tasks, and gain real-time visibility. DESCRIPTION Embark on a transformative journey with SAP S/4HANA Supply Chain Planning and Manufacturing, your comprehensive guide to mastering the latest advancements in supply chain management. Step into the world of SAP S/4HANA and conquer the complexities of demand-driven planning, production optimization, and quality control. Unlock the secrets of SAP IBP, a cloud-based powerhouse that empowers you to forecast demand with precision, optimize supply chains seamlessly, and manage inventory levels effortlessly. Master the intricacies of SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing, harnessing its capabilities to streamline production planning, execute orders efficiently, and ensure impeccable product quality. Embrace the transformative power of AI and ML, leveraging these cutting-edge technologies to enhance demand forecasting, optimize production schedules, automate repetitive tasks, and gain real-time visibility into your supply chain operations. Whether you are a seasoned supply chain professional or just starting your journey, this book is your indispensable companion, providing a clear and concise roadmap to success. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ● Master the art of demand-driven planning, ensuring optimal production and inventory levels. ● Learn about the latest advancements in planning, manufacturing, and quality control. ● Understand the planning journey along with SAP S/4HANA and SAP IBP. ● Gain the knowledge and skills to become a sought-after supply chain expert, equipped to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of supply chain management. WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR This book is designed for the supply chain professionals, including business users, functional and technical consultants, and program managers, who are seeking to transform their supply chain to an integrated digital supply chain planning and manufacturing in SAP S/4HANA and IBP. Prior knowledge of SAP S/4HANA and IBP is not required. However, a basic understanding of supply chain management principles and terminology would be beneficial. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Exploring Planning and Manufacturing in S/4HANA 2. Uncovering Inter-connected Business Process through SAP S/4HANA 3. SAP S/4HANA Planning and Manufacturing Capabilities 4. Getting Started with SAP Integrated Business Planning 5. Implementing and Configuring SAP IBP 6. Getting Started with SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing 7. Configuring SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing 8. Understanding SAP Digital Manufacturing Cloud 9. SAP S/4HANA Advance Planning: aATP and ePPDS 10. Implementing SAP S/4HANA ePPDS and aATP 11. SAP S/4HANA Advance Manufacturing Features 12. Implementation Methodologies, Assessments, and Tools 13. Data Integration with SAP IBP and SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing 14. AI, ML, Analytics, and Robotic Process Automation 15. SAP Best Practices

In today's fast-paced technological landscape, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the backbone of modern software systems. They enable seamless communication between diverse applications, driving innovation and efficiency across various industries. As the reliance on APIs grows, so does the need for robust and efficient API test automation frameworks to ensure their reliability, performance, and security. This book, Optimizing Performance: Designing API Test Automation Frameworks, aims to guide you through the process of building and optimizing these frameworks. This book provides a structured approach to understanding and implementing API test automation. Starting with the core concepts and essential tools, it lays the foundation for building effective frameworks. Emphasis is placed on critical design patterns and principles, ensuring that your framework is not only functional but also scalable and maintainable. The practical aspects of setting up your development environment, integrating tools, and constructing core components are covered in detail. Hands-on guidance is provided for implementing key features such as logging, reporting, and handling authentication. The book also explores advanced features and enhancements to keep your framework cutting-edge. A significant focus is placed on integrating your API test automation framework with Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. This integration is vital for automating test execution and streamlining the development process, enabling teams to deliver high-quality software efficiently.

Ron Dimon’s thought-leading second edition of the book originally entitled Enterprise Performance Management Done Right, published in 2012, is a practical roadmap for using Connected Planning to develop an agile organization and to navigate the complex Enterprise Performance Management landscape. According to esteemed author, researcher, and Management professor Dr. Christopher Neck, “In the same way that one needs to be self-leading to finish a grueling marathon, an organization must be self-leading in order to execute on its plans in an efficient and effective manner. What drives self-leadership at all levels in an organization? The people within the organization of course—and those people must be involved in the planning occurring in an organization. Without a plan, an organization has no direction.” Since 2012, much has changed in the world of connecting strategy with improved performance: new, cloud-based, in-memory technologies have been adopted by the largest organizations in the world. This book is for CFOs, CIOs, their direct reports, and any organizational visionary or aspiring leader who wants to ‘‘bring it all together’’ and create an actionable vision and plan for improving readiness, resilience, and performance.