Introduction
Digitizing supply chain planning requires well-structured steps to ensure success. This guide provides a roadmap for companies looking to migrate from manual processes to optimized strategic planning.
The process is organized into three major phases: Discovery (evaluation and selection), Delivery (12-week implementation), and Expansion (scaling and maturing). This article focuses on the Delivery phase.
Discovery
Assessment, POC, ROI and Business Case
Delivery
12 weeks of implementation
Expansion
Improve, scale, and promote
Team Allocation
The timeline is designed to guide each team member in their roles and responsibilities, organized into four stages: Specify, Develop, Validate, and Capture Value.
Supply Chain Team
Provides essential data, ensures operational alignment, and reviews business rules.
IT Team
Technical integration support, data security, and system compatibility.
Stakeholders
Oversee strategic alignment, approve milestones, and validate project direction.
Consultant
Guides methodology, advises on best practices, and ensures adherence to timeline.
Methodology — 12 Weeks
Below is the week-by-week breakdown of the implementation project:
Project Kick Off
Stakeholder presentation, objectives, team, preliminary timeline, and sharing of integration and security guides.
Business Blue Print
Factory visit, structured interview, conceptual workshop. Definition of specific objectives, flowchart, requirements, and action plan.
Integration
Integration development prioritizing Demand Forecast, Master Data, BOM, Inventory, and Production Routing.
Master Data Review
Analysis of item attributes, resource lists, structure validation, times, and alternative manufacturing routes.
Process Review
Review of Procurement, Maintenance, Sales, Inventory, PLM, and OEE processes to ensure data supports planning.
Customization
Segmentation models, inventory policy calculations, planning algorithms, and dashboard customization.
Demand and Supply
Validation of demand input data, phasing strategy, and supply and inventory data review.
Segmentation & Inventory Policy
Review of ABC classification, FG/WIP/RM inventory policy, and logging of positive and negative validations.
Infinite Plan
Plan validation without capacity constraints. Lot size simulation, multi-level needs, and lead times.
Finite Plan
Gradual introduction of capacity constraints, calendars, exceptions, and alternative resources.
Dashboards
Scenario preparation and dashboard usage during planning meetings to explore different strategies.
Order Generation
Purchase and production order generation based on validated scenario. Gradual introduction starting with test environment.
Conclusion
The 12-week reference serves as a baseline for simple projects. Adjust the approach and timing according to your company's needs.
The tools are in your hands — turn theory into action and take your supply chain to the next level.