Blog

Emotions in a Breath-Taking Moment
23.05.2023
โAs you stand atop Everest’s summit, what words would capture the essence of your emotions in that breath-taking moment?โ was our icebreaker question at the event:ย “The Journey Towards IBP: Do We Need Roadmaps or Sherpas?” I was inspired by Monday’s iBsing pioneers call led byย Alpaslan Keser, where we explored the parallels between a successful Everest […] more

Conquer IBP on an epic quest
14.05.2023
Attention IBP/S&OP practitioners! Get ready for the most thrilling adventure yet! Move over “Everest,” “K2,” and “Seven Years in Tibet” because we’re about to embark on a blockbuster journey like no other. Join us on Monday, May 22nd from 4-5pm CET for the 43rd iBsing pioneers as we set out to conquer the summit of […] more

Top Down or Bottom Up?
10.05.2023
While many consultants and experts claim that ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ (๐ฐ๐ฉ๐ท) cannot succeed without full commitment and mandate from the ๐ช-๐ณ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ , I beg to differ. In our recent iBsing pioneers Meeting, we discussed how to overcome the common challenges and pitfalls of IBP, including shadow behaviours that undermine the process. One of the breakout […] more

A straightforward solution to reduce shadow behaviours in IBP
02.05.2023
Last week’s 42nd iBsing pioneers call featured a 5-minute icebreaker session in which around 20 Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) practitioners shared their experiences with “shadow behaviours” commonly encountered in IBP. After analyzing these behaviours, a straightforward solution has been confirmed: ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐ (๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐). This structured approach nurtures consciousness […] more

No System Alert can beat the Gut Feeling of an IBP Expert!
28.04.2023
Investing in Integrated Business Planning (IBP) system solutions can be incredibly valuable. These solutions have the potential to significantly increase transparency, automation, efficiency, decision-making, and overall business performanceโฆ โฆbutโฆ โฆit’s important not to overlook the importance of the “human sensor network”. IBP experts often have a deep understanding of how different parts of an organization […] more

From Shadow to Best Self
18.04.2023
“Shadow behaviours” can be a major cause of dysfunction in organizations. But which one is the most critical to address? In our next iBsing pioneers call, we’ll be exploring this topic and discussing how we can shift from these negative behaviours to our “best selves.” To kick off the conversation, I’d like to know your […] more

From Shadow Behaviour to Best Self in IBP
12.04.2023
Three years ago, I embarked on a journey with the vision of developing “Integrated Business Sensing (iBsing)” as a complementary framework to the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process. While IBP is focused on process capabilities, system capabilities, and people competencies, the iBsing framework emphasizes behavioural aspects. I am grateful to see many IBP practitioners join […] more

One Set of Numbers
03.04.2023
Last week’s iBsing call was an inspiring experience, starting with an insightful teaser byย Neil MacLeodย on “One Set of Numbers,” followed by fantastic breakout sessions that delivered amazing insights. One Set of Numbers After analysis of the material developed in the 20-minute breakout session, I’d like to share my three key conclusions: What is the BENEFIT? […] more

How to describe IBP in 5 words?
31.03.2023
Yesterday’s iBsing call brought together IBP experts from various companies and posed an interesting question: “What phrase best describes IBP (maximum 5 words)?” I was impressed by the insightful responses generated in just 2 minutes. What’s your favorite description, or do you have another one to add? Integrated Business Planning (IBP) isโฆ 1.ย ย ย ย ย Strategic in nature […] more

CEO Wanted!
22.03.2023
Recently, a new LinkedIn connection asked me how C-Level leaders are reacting to the purpose statement in my profile, “Holding space for consciousness in business to nurture team engagement and boost performance!” Here’s my take: Fortunately, CEO is not the abbreviation for โCowardly, Egocentric, Old-fogyishโ. I have had the pleasure of meeting many C-Level executives […] more

One (set of) number(s) ???
14.03.2023
We had already 40 iBsing pioneers calls, there are still innumerable S&OP/IBP/iBsing topics to be explored, and our network is further increasing! S&OP / IBP practitioners are invited to the next iBsing pioneers calls for networking and learning. 41 – 27th March “One (set of) number(s) ???”ย Neil MacLeodย โ a passionate IBP Practitioner! 42 – 24th […] more

Playfulness in Business?
10.03.2023
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” Carl Jung Last week’s iBsing pioneers call was an insightful experience as we explored the ” ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ธ๐ฏ ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ช๐ท๐ญ ” within different companies in three breakout groups. The playful exercise yielded amazing insights in less than half an hour. […] more

“Change before you have to.” (Jack Welch)
03.03.2023
Today is a special day for me – exactly 20 years ago, I decided to quit smoking for good. I tried to quit many times before without success, but I never gave up on my desire for change. I kept trying until it finally happened. Change can be tough, and it can feel like we’re […] more

Feedback or Criticism?
01.03.2023
Expressing ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ค is about communicating how someone’s observed behaviour made you feel, keeping the response constructive for both parties. ๐๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ. It’s an opportunity for emotional openness and collaborative efforts to improve the relationship between the giver and receiver. On the other hand, ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ is a direct evaluation of someone’s behaviour and is […] more

Do you understand your “River of Demand”?
21.02.2023
After the success of Januaryโs iBsing pioneers call I am delighted thatย Nicole Miara, Digital Transformation Lead, has accepted the invite to provide a second session on โ๐๐ข-๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐งโ. This time, we will explore โRivers of Demandโ. S&OP and IBP practitioners from the industry who would like to join our peer network, please register on the […] more

Enabling best-self behaviours in big organisations
20.02.2023
As teams in large corporate organizations face complex issues with multiple layers, diverse stakeholders, no prior precedent, and endless response options, traditional planning processes and change management approaches may prove limiting, being designed for a “predict and control” environment rather than a “sense and respond” one. Consequently, stress and dysfunction may occur within the organization. […] more

Yesterday 10 strangers – today an engaged team!
17.02.2023
After three years of dedicated development, the ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ (๐ข๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ) framework has exceeded my expectations with a successful ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ during our first big-scale project with customers. This result has allowed us to ๐ค๐ข๐๐ค ๐จ๐๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ข๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ง๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค last week. iBsing is designed to address two pressing issues faced by many large […] more

Successful Transformation?
02.02.2023
“Change management” cannot be separated from the operation of a business, and even the most effective change management will not succeed in a harmful work culture. LinkedIn Post more

Bi-Directional Orchestration
27.01.2023
Our 39th iBsing Pioneers session was a cool session ๐ , with a brilliant guest speakerย Nicole Miara, and many attendees. During the session, we discussed the biggest business challenges for 2022, including: โขย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Issues in the energy market โขย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Semiconductor shortages โขย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Volatile demand โขย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Little interest in major start-up investment โขย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Steep price increase of metals in Q1 2022 […] more

How are you running your Business?
10.01.2023
Like a machine or like a living organism? Three years ago, I thought that running a business like a machine is nonsense! Working in corporate organisations can feel like itโs only aboutโฆ 1.ย ย ย ย ย ย Being measured and compared against certain targets 2.ย ย ย ย ย ย Increasing pressure to improve performance and output 3.ย ย ย ย ย ย Avoiding mistakes 4.ย ย ย ย ย ย Predicting the future 5.ย ย ย ย ย ย Controlling the alignment with […] more

We need a Business Case and a “Good Story”
20.12.2022
Here are some take-aways from yesterdayโs iBsing pioneers session about โDigital Transformationโ Why do we do the change? โจ We need a business case and a compelling story to tell the organisation. How are we doing the change? โจ Step by step โ start small and then scale up. What are the key challenges? โจ […] more

Executive Interview (EMEA Recruitment)
14.12.2022
Link to Interview ย December 12, 2022 Helmut Leitner is the Founder of Heliblick in Zug, Switzerland, a management consultancy that developed the iBsing framework. He is also a Board Member at CSCMP Roundtable Switzerland, after having a successfulย Supply Chainย career in companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Sharp & Dohme and Smith & Nephew. You […] more

What is the best way to bring the right data into the cloud?
10.12.2022
I thankย Heymen Jansenย fromย ProMattersย for a brilliant overview on โ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฒ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง ๐2๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐งโ in our Nov 22 iBsing pioneers call. Thanks to the S&OP and IBP experts participating in the call for discussing potential IBP applications and barriers. Here are some key take aways: Process Mining can be used toโฆ […] more

The Virtuos Cycle of Excellent Culture –> Excellent Engagement –> Excellent IBP
05.12.2022
I had the pleasure to join the CParity Event in Amsterdam with >200 S&OP IBP experts and to learn from many awesome speakers about all aspects of IBP. I contributed with two sessions. In the presentation โ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐งโ I had the opportunity to explain that a good […] more

“Do we want to integrate processes by integrating systems or by integrating data?”
25.11.2022
I am excited thatย Heymen Jansenย has accepted the invite to be the guest speaker in our next iBsing pioneers call on Monday, 28th Nov from 16:00 – 17:00 CET! He will provide valuable insights on deployment of ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฌ2๐ฌ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐ before we go into small breakout groups for learning and […] more

S&OP to IBP – Summit in Amsterdam
19.11.2022
I will be speaking at the upcoming 7th Annual S&OP to Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Summit scheduled for 1st โ 2nd December, 2022, at The Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam, organized byย Cparity Event. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing insight on my topic “๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ฉ๐ท ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐” […] more

“Customer Beliefs” are not always “Customer Needs”!
14.11.2022
If I had asked my customers what they wanted, they would have said: A better budget planning process. #iBsing LinkedIn Post more

Valuable Mentor-Advice: “Nourish your external network!”
28.10.2022
Some years ago, I had an exciting job, a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, and I was struggling with my workload. All my focus was on operational priorities, organisational changes, system implementations and team development. I asked my mentor for advice. I did not expect the answer: โNourish your external network!โ I was super […] more

The most popular IBP process: ALLOCATION!
17.10.2022
In the midst of โVUCA worldโ the product allocation process is further increasing its importance! I am looking forward to insights from our guest speaker:ย Khadidja Bouallaga Francis, Global Demand Manager at Guerbet. Khadidja has just finished her MBA Supply Chain Managementย with a master thesis on the topic of โImplementation of IBPโ. She will provide us […] more

“The state of S&OP in Finland”
04.10.2022
“The state of S&OP in Finlandโ was the topic of the Sep 22 iBsing pioneers call with almost 20 S&OP and IBP practitioners from different industries. Many thanks toย Timo Rantala, who provided the introduction speech and shared preliminary results of an ongoing academic research from Arcada University of applied sciences involving real IBP/S&OP practitioners. Special […] more

IBP is not “black and white”!
28.09.2022
The Truth is not in the middle, and not in one extreme; but in both extremes. (Charles Simeon) In yesterdayโs iBsing pioneers call a controversial question has been discussed: โWhat is the purpose of IBP?โ Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is not about “who is right, who is wrong”, but about trade-offs. Integrated Business Sensing (iBsing) […] more

New IBP perspectives from Finland!
22.09.2022
โEi kysyvรค tieltรค eksy.โ Is a Finnish saying and means: โWho asks for the road doesnโt get lost.โ In that spirit I am looking forward to new perspectives from our guest speaker:ย Timo Rantala, Head of Integrated Business Planning at Tikkurila will provide an update on โThe status of S&OP in Finlandโ, which is based on […] more

Supply Chain Management versus Impression Management
06.09.2022
C-Level leaders are more and more reliant on Supply Chain Managers becauseโฆ โจ they have the ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ โจ they address the ๐ซ๐จ๐จ๐ญ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ โจ they are ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ โจ they have the ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐ข๐ง ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ โจ they are striving towards ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ However, what happens if the C-Level leadersโฆ โจ do not want to hear the […] more

Demings 14 points: 40 years later – what has changed?
04.09.2022
In 1982, William Edwards Deming (1900-1993) – the leading management thinker in the field of quality – presented โDemingโs 14 pointsโ in his book โQuality, Productivity, and Competitive Positionโ (later renamed โOut of the Crisisโ). In 2022, Demingโs 14 points are still valid, and ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ง ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ […] more

Setting up IBP as the main driver of cultural transformation
16.08.2022
I am looking forward to the 7th Annual โS&OP to Integrated Business Planning (IBP)โ Summit on 1-2 Dec 2022 in Amsterdam! That will be a great opportunity to learn more about current IBP trends from high calibre speakers of top companies across different industries. As part of that event, I am pleased to present some […] more

If the WHY and the HOW of IBP are clear, the WHAT will be easy!
11.08.2022
I am looking forward to provide the introduction presentation for the 34th iBsing pioneers call on Mon, 22nd Aug at 16:00 to 17:00 CET. The topic will be the โWHY, HOW and WHAT of IBP.โ From my experience, most IBP teams have a great focus on the โWHATโ and the โWHYโ (e.g. Financial Health). However, […] more

iBsing Newsletter
02.08.2022
–ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย The other department has no clue –ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย IBP will never work –ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย newsletters will always suck ๐ ๐ For those who are more optimistic and who are looking intoโฆ –ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย fostering collaboration and team ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ across organisations –ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย boosting organisational ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ and improvement via IBP –ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย the Integrated Business Sensing (๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐) framework โฆ please just let me know. I could […] more

Is your IBP information ESSENTIAL for your organisation?
28.07.2022
โIf it isnโt a clear yes, then itโs a clear no.โ (Greg McKeown) Thanks toย Ling Pizzinato, Director Global Supply Chain at Teva, for the insightful presentation: โHow to connect, simplify and filter information in IBP?โ in yesterday’s 33st iBsing pioneers call. Despite the holiday period we had a fantastic group of eight S&OP/IBP practitioners who […] more

IBP transformation must be driven internally!
11.07.2022
Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is a brilliant process to nurture cross-functional team engagement and achieve outstanding organisational performance. From my experience a ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ฉ๐ท ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐. However, there are some areas, where external consultancy can be of great support. Principles for a successful IBP transformation: โจ […] more

More Focus on the Common Ground!
06.07.2022
In last weekโs โiBsing pioneersโ session we explored the question โHow to align different IBP stakeholders with different departmental requirements?โ One group had a suggestion: Letโs put less focus on the different departmental needs, and more focus on the common ground! How should we balance time, resource, and cost to get the best outcome for […] more

IBP in a government organisation – how to align different stakeholders
17.06.2022
I am pleased to announce the speaker of the 32nd iBsing pioneers call on 27th June 2022 at 16:00 to 17:00 CET: Fernando Collazo, Senior Manager IBP at ANSTO will share profound insights about IBP in governmental organisations. In the breakout sessions we will explore how to facilitate between stakeholder groups with different interests and […] more

How to sell S&OP internally? Avoid the penguin zone!
02.06.2022
Last week in the iBsing pioneers call we discussed the topic โHow to sell S&OP internally?โ. Nearly 20 S&OP / IBP practitioners from different industries and regions joined the call. The breakout groups discussed an impressive number of ideas how to address typical objections against S&OP (see post-it notes). Alexandra Eberhard, Director Supply Chain Global […] more

How to sell S&OP internally?
20.05.2022
The 31st iBsing pioneers call on Mon, 23rd May from 16:00-17:00 CET will focus on โ๐ฏ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐บ&๐ถ๐ท ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐?โ. In small breakout groups, ๐บ&๐ถ๐ท / ๐ฐ๐ฉ๐ท ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ from different sectors will discuss that topic with peers for ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐. I am thrilled that Alexandra Eberhard โ Director Global Supply Chain at Selectchemie AG […] more

โTransforming the Businessโ canโt be separated from “Running the Business”
02.05.2022
โ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐โ was the topic in last weekโs CSCMP Networking Event in Zug, and I looked at the topic from an IBP perspective: What does โ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ (๐๐๐)โ have to do with โ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌโ โ๏ธ The people who are โ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌโ on the ground and who are close to the customer or to […] more

S&OP = the right choices for the resource plan
20.04.2022
I am pleased to announce the speaker for our next iBsing pioneers call on Monday, 25th April from 16:00 to 17:00 CET: Rym Khelilย (Division Sales and Operations Planning Manager at Schlumberger) will talk about โS&OE application in the energy service industryโ. Please check out the website to get a flavour of the complexities of that […] more

4 or 15 IBP Groundrules – too simple or too complex?
15.04.2022
In last weekโs iBsing pioneers call we discussed ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ. Whilst everybody strongly agreed about the importance of common IBP principles, the outcome of the different breakout sessions were quite different. โจ Group 1 came up with ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ and argued to โkeep it ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐โ. โจ Group 3 came up with ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐๐๐ง ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ and argued […] more

Take a helicopter view, trust your senses and IBP will transform your business!
30.03.2022
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐! 1:ย We set up a ๐๐๐๐-๐ญ๐จ-๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ for Supply Chain professionals on the 28๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฅ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ , the last one having taken place more than two(!) years ago. 2: Since the topic is about โ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ณ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐งโ, my friends from the CSCMP Swiss […] more

Conflicts are the most important IBP ingredient!
23.03.2022
People generally quarrel because they cannot argue. Gilber Keith Chesterton (English writer and philosopher) Fear not those who argue but those who dodge. Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (Austrian writer) The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress. Joseph Joubert (French moralist and essayist) Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas. Donatella […] more

Do you have an IBP constitution?
17.03.2022
Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is the core process to realize the purpose of the organisation whilst strengthening the financial health. ร Most IBP teams know โ๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐จ ๐๐๐!โ Product Management Review, Demand Review, Supply Review, Reconciliation Review, Management Business Reviewโฆ ร Most IBP teams know โ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐จ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐!โ Many organisations […] more

In IBP you don’t need pressure, you need suction
16.02.2022
ยซIn life you don’t need pressure, you need suction. If you want to fly, you need thermals. Airplanes fly because suction is built up.ยป ๐ฎรถ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐* Same applies for organisations and for running Integrated Business Planning (IBP) โจIf the IBP process is designed in a way that ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ is created, people will sooner or later […] more

Is IBP the solution for EVERYTHING?
01.02.2022
A German speaking customer told me last week: โManche Leute denken, IBP ist die eierlegende Wollmilchsau!โ (๐ญ๐ช๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐บ โ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ญ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฌ, ๐๐๐ ๐ช๐ด ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ฆ๐จ๐จ-๐ญ๐ข๐บ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ช๐ญ๐ฌ-๐จ๐ช๐ท๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ธ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ญ-๐ฑ๐ช๐จ!โ) Maybe those people are rightโฆ A well functioning ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ (๐๐๐) process includes โจ a solid Sales & Operation Execution (๐&๐๐) Process to manage short term exceptions […] more

Competition versus Value Creation
28.01.2022
Our competitor is producing similar products as we are. Our competitor is providing similar services to customers as we are. Our competitor is enriching the life of consumers as we are. Nobody resembles us more than our competitor. Why is it that we want to beat our competitor? Less focus on competition, more focus on […] more

How to improve trust in S&OP?
19.01.2022
In 2000,ย Charles H. Greenย has described the insightful Trust-formula: โ๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญโ = (โ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒโ + โ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒโ + โ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐๐ฒโ) / โ๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐งโ There are three variables in the numerator that determine โTrustโ: โจย โ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒโ โ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ฌ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐ด๐ต๐ถ๐ง๐ง โจย โ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒโ โ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ข๐ญ๐ธ๐ข๐บ๐ด ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ญ๐ช๐ท๐ฆ๐ณ ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ ๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ช๐ด๐ฆ โจย โ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐๐ฒโ โ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด ๐ง๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ญ ๐ด๐ข๐ง๐ฆ ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐บ๐ฐ๐ถ The variable in the denominator is […] more

The Tyrannosaurus Rex amongst all S&OP Biases
10.01.2022
S&OP without bias seems impossible.ย Much can be gained by creating awareness of different manifestations of bias during the implementation and execution of S&OP. Here are a few examples of bias in an S&OP context: โจ โ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ-๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ โ is a smart paraphrase for โUnder-forecasting Biasโ โ who can be blamed for selling โtoo muchโ? There may be […] more

The iBsing journey will continue in 2022
21.12.2021
A big thank you to all S&OP/IBP practitioners who have been contributing to fantastic learnings this year. Here some facts: 19 meetings in 2021 average 12 participants per meeting 16 fantastic guest speakers ~200 S&OP/IBP practitioners and SC leads are registered to the network representing 150 companies from 15 industries In 2022 we will continue […] more

An innovation in 1964 and outdated today!?!
14.12.2021
In 1964, ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ (๐๐๐)ย was invented by Joseph Orlicky. In the same year the ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ has been introduced. Compact cassettes are ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ-๐๐๐ญ๐๐! To hear a song you do not need to rewind a tape, just stream it. ๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐๐? Does the original โpredict and controlโ approach still make sense in the current […] more

The 3rd Law of IBP
06.12.2021
The energy cost of doing good things must be lower than the energy cost of doing bad things! In Alpine folkloristic tradition, St. Nicholas and his devilish companion Krampus are visiting children: ๐ St. Nicholas praises the children for their good deeds and rewards them with mandarins, figs, dates, and nuts. ๐น Krampus punishes misbehaving children […] more

How to get buy-in for S&OP? Fail your way to success!
30.11.2021
In yesterdayโs iBsing pioneers call we discussed โ๐ฏ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐บ&๐ถ๐ท (IBP) ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐?โ In many organisations, top managers are hesitant to invest resources into an S&OP implementation and improvement, because they do not see an immediate financial benefit. ๐ป๐๐ ๐ป๐๐: Analyse the top 5 business failures in the recent past […] more

Are you monitoring lead-times?
24.11.2021
The importance of responsiveness has changed over the last couple of years due to more and more Supply Chain disruptions. In the past, responsiveness could be defined as the ability of the supply chain to respond purposefully and with appropriate timeframe ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐ซ๐๐ช๐ฎ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ. Mature Supply Chains monitor those lead-times versus standard lead-times and follow […] more

In S&OP it’s never wise to praise firefighters to the skies
16.11.2021
We are prone to ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฆ๐๐ค๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฒ and to give them ๐ญ๐จ๐จ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐๐ซ ๐จ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ญ.โ (Kahneman, Daniel – โThinking, Fast and Slowโ) On the other hand, we are prone to ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐ค๐ข๐๐ฌ. How to overcome that […] more

You need to start small with S&OP, before running a world-class IBP!
09.11.2021
S&OP is like football โ a ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฑ game! To become world-class, ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ is required. Yesterday we had a fantastic iBsing pioneers call with ~20 IBP practitioners. The key question was around โ๐ก๐จ๐ฐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง ๐ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ฅ๐-๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐โ. Please find enclosed a few slides with findings from the breakout session. IBP and Football […] more

S&OP is all about conflict resolution
02.11.2021
Resolving conflicts in ๐&๐๐ can be ๐ฉ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฅ when participants react to a business dilemma byโฆ being ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ฏ๐ and avoiding conflicts ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ-๐ฉ๐จ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ towards other departments blowing their own horn with ๐ญ๐จ๐จ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ excessively prioritising the own short-term ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ Resolving conflicts in ๐&๐๐ can be ๐๐ฎ๐ง when participants respond to a business dilemma by โฆ […] more

How to implement S&OP/IBP and S&OE? How to boost existing processes?
26.10.2021
Here is my question to you: Many S&OP implementations are not meeting the expectations. Where do you see typically the most critical ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐&๐๐ ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ? (1),(2),(3) or (4)? Implementing and Running an S&OP (1) โ The cross-functional teams do not share the same ๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง? (2) โ The ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ around process, system, organisation and […] more

Financial Reconciliation in S&OP
19.10.2021
โWhen we give ourselves permission to failโฆwe at the same time, give ourselves permission to excel.โ (Eloise Ristad) In yesterdayโs iBsing pioneers call we discussed the ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐ซ๐๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ง ๐&๐๐ between commercial and operations. Here some highlights from our discussion. ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ: ๐ซ๐๐๐: must be comparable, units of measure need to be clear, average selling […] more

It’s a magical moment in S&OP…
12.10.2021
…when the right person is taking the right decision at the right time! In 97% of the cases, employees are not satisfied with organisational decision-making. That is the surprising result after 40 interviews with Supply Chain professionals at different levels in the organisation from 10 different companies. A strong S&OP / S&OE can be the […] more

Evolutionary decision-making is driving engagement and performance!
05.10.2021
97%ย of business tensionsย are related toย suboptimal decision-making[1] ย This is due to many organisations relying solely on anย analytical decision-makingย approach, which may work well in orderly and highly predictable environments, but not so well in a more complex business landscape. iBsing leverages existing business processes and business transformation initiatives to embedย evolutionary decision-makingย into the organisation Aย direct way toย short and […] more

Human skills – learning by doing!?
29.09.2021
In yesterdayโs iBsing pioneers call we focused on decision-making in S&OP. The decision-making process can be described in 5 steps: 1. ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐ โ typically the change is triggered by a โtensionโ, when the current perception of the business situation is not aligned with the expectation. We talk about the โHuman Sensor Networkโ, because each […] more

The human sensor network is the most under-utilized business asset
21.09.2021
Humans have the gift to feel ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ between the personal perception of a current business situation and the personal expectation of the same situation. Employees in an organisation can be regarded as โ๐ก๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค (๐๐๐)โ responding to business triggers. The HSN is an underutilized web with huge potential to drive in your organisation ๐๐ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ […] more

Don’t develop other people – develop the organisation!
14.09.2021
Where to start with behavioural ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐? โ Personal Development? โ Organisational Development? In my view, the catch is the ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐. Whilst the organisational leadership team is accountable for organisational development, each ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ is accountable for the own personal development. As an organisational leader, you can work on organisational development, you can work on your […] more

What happened with your S&OP?
07.09.2021
Sometimes the initial ๐บ&๐ถ๐ท ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐ and the ๐บ&๐ถ๐ท ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ look quite different! In the 21st iBsing pioneers discussion S&OP/IBP practitioners from different industries investigated the key reasons for the ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐บ&๐ถ๐ท. The list is long! Three Top tips to make your process sustainable arising from the session: 1. Secure top ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ 2. Clear […] more

About bicycles and supply chain planning solutions…
30.08.2021
Why walk a long distance, when you can ride a bicycle? Why run S&OP in Excel, when we can use better tools? The ๐๐ข๐๐ฒ๐๐ฅ๐ is a brilliant human invention, of which we can make the most if weโฆ โจunderstand the requirements โจselect the appropriate one โจlearn how to ride it โจkeep on improving our fitness […] more

Supply Chain – the most exciting function in the business!
18.08.2021
โฆand not to forget: Supply Chain professionals know a lot about ๐๐๐๐๐๐, because they areโฆ – connecting departments, – communicating at all levels of the organisation, – resolving issues in a fact based manner. Do your S&OP-, S&OE-, and IBP-processes already drive maximum ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ and ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐? LinkedIn Post more

Remaining proactive towards year-end
10.08.2021
What can we do to avoid a shift from a ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ S&OP to ๐ซ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ S&OP towards the second half of the year? I am curious about your experience and suggestions! The ๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ 5 ๐ข๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ to achieve the financial targets 2021 whilst remaining proactive and focused on the organisational purpose: ๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ issues […] more

It’s hard to control the soft side of business!
03.08.2021
๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ โ๐๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ญ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ฏ ๐ธ๐ช๐ต๐ฉ ๐ช๐ฏ๐ต๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐ด๐ช๐ค ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ช๐ท๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ, ๐ด๐ฆ๐ญ๐ง-๐ฆ๐ด๐ต๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ, ๐ฅ๐ช๐จ๐ฏ๐ช๐ต๐บ, ๐ค๐ถ๐ณ๐ช๐ฐ๐ด๐ช๐ต๐บ ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ๐ฏ, ๐ซ๐ฐ๐บ ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ๐ฏ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ.โ (W. Edwards Deming, American Engineer, Statistician, Professor) ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ โ๐’๐ท๐ฆ ๐ด๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ต ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ด๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ณ๐จ๐ข๐ฏ๐ช๐ป๐ข๐ต๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฅ๐ช๐ด๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ฆ๐ด ๐ข๐ณ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ด ๐ง๐ฐ๐ญ๐ญ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ด: ๐ “๐ธ๐ฉ๐ข๐ต’๐ด ๐ช๐ฏ ๐ช๐ต ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ฎ๐ฆ?” ๐ญ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ฏ๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ, ๐ฃ๐ญ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ-๐จ๐ข๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ด๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ, ๐ฎ๐ช๐ค๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ตโ (Mark Samuel, CEO, Author)How can organisations fully leverage the people […] more

A story about “entrepreneurship”…
28.07.2021
โฆand about an Austrian Olympic ๐ฅ winner, whoโฆ – ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ her academic career over her athletic career – is resolving ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ as a researcher and lecturer at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne and practises ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ โ๐๐๐๐๐โ – nevertheless ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ as a 30 year old Olympic debutant – leverages her […] more

Supply Chain has the Facts!
20.07.2021
โYou are entitled to your opinion.ย But you are not entitled to your own facts.โ Daniel Patrick Moynihan Once I conducted an S&OP audit at a country organisation that was ๐๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฑ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐. I was wondering what it was that they were doing differently than the other S&OP teams. At the Executive S&OP board meeting,... more

Before focusing on the Customer, focus on your Sales Rep!
29.06.2021
In yesterdayโs iBsing pioneers call we discussed the collaboration between ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ and the ๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐ during a ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฅ. โฐThe Sales Rep is the ๐๐๐๐ to the customer and wants to build a relationship of ๐๐๐๐๐ with the customer. โฐThe Sales Rep is directly confronted with the customer’s ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ and is highly […] more

Too many heroes – business is in trouble!
24.06.2021
Your leaders behave like heroes? Your business may be in trouble! The Cynefin framework distinguishes five contexts which are defined by the nature of the cause-and-effect relationship between business challenges and appropriate solutions. From my perspective each context requires a different leadership style. Typical organisations seem to have too many HEROES, and too few GARDENERS […] more

20th iBsing pioneers meeting
22.06.2021
iBsing pioneers call Customer Focus Next week we will have our 20๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐! I would like to thank the S&OP/IBP practitioners for the ๐น๐ช๐ป๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐น๐ช๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ท, support in ๐น๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ท of content, ๐ฎ๐ท๐ฐ๐ช๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ท๐ฝ during break-out sessions and ๐ต๐ฎ๐ช๐ป๐ท๐ฒ๐ท๐ฐ๐ผ and ๐ฒ๐ท๐ผ๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ช๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ท! Looking forward to the next session with an excellent guest speaker: ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ, ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐๐ช๐ณ๐ฆ๐ค๐ต๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ข๐ต […] more

Put yourself into the shoes of a sales rep!
16.06.2021
The best way to drive Supply Chain improvement is to put your self into the shoes of a sales rep. The 20th iBsing pioneers call will be special: we invite our ๐ฌ๐ธ๐ถ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ช๐ต colleagues to celebrate & learn with us! I am delighted thatย Olivier Wolber, Managing Director at Smith & Nephew, will kick off our next […] more

How to get out of chaos back into order?
14.06.2021
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share the framework of โ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ (๐ข๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ )โ at the 17th ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ S&OP conference and the 5th ๐ช๐บ๐ช๐ด๐ท Europe conference last week. Many companies have been challenged recently with complex external business issues such as ๐ฐ๐ต๐ธ๐ซ๐ช๐ต ๐ป๐ช๐ ๐ถ๐ช๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฒ๐ช๐ต ๐ธ๐ป ๐ฌ๐ธ๐ถ๐น๐ธ๐ท๐ฎ๐ท๐ฝ ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ธ๐ป๐ฝ๐ช๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ผ. Remaining too long in […] more

Diversity is driving performance
08.06.2021
Strength lies in differences, not in similarities. (Stephen R. Covey) ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ผ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ ๐ฒ๐ผ ๐ญ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ท๐ฐ ๐ธ๐ป๐ฐ๐ช๐ท๐ฒ๐ผ๐ช๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ท๐ช๐ต ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฏ๐ธ๐ป๐ถ๐ช๐ท๐ฌ๐ฎ! โจ Traditional organisations with a โpredict and controlโ approach recognize (and sometimes overestimate) the importance of โ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒโ, more

S&OE in turbulent times
01.06.2021
The Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) process has been especially critical to manage the pandemic crisis and for some companies the focus shifted excessively to short term firefighting. One interesting insight: The ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง๐ฏ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฏ๐๐ the ๐-๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ board is in the operational execution, the better. A solid S&OE process is run ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ฎ๐ฉ โ escalation to […] more

S&OE – The “ugly duckling”
27.05.2021
S&OE – the “ugly duckling” is becoming “the most beautiful bird”. ๐&๐๐ and ๐๐๐ are core business processes in many organisations and we love to be ๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐พ๐ธ and ๐ ๐๐ธ๐ถ๐ธ๐๐พ๐๐ฎ. What about ๐&๐๐, where it seems to be all about ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ธ๐๐พ๐๐ฐ on current challenges? Many companies focus mainly on day to day operational activities in their […] more

Business Organisations and Natural Ecosystems
25.05.2021
The extermination of Yellowstoneโs gray wolf provides an example of the consequences of a “๐ฑ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐ช๐ค๐ต ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ต๐ณ๐ฐ๐ญ” approach, where a change is imposed onto a complex system from outside. ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ and ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ have a few things in common: โจ Complex systems are in a ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ state of ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฑ. โจ Cause and effect relationships […] more

The Magic Formula for Customer Centricity
19.05.2021
In our IBSing pioneers call we discussed โCustomer Centricity” with nearly 20 S&OP experts from different industries. Pierre Milleย provided a great introduction speech with storytelling around 3 simple steps to drive customer centricity: ๐ #1 – Address the right number: manage the metrics and KPIs which matters to your Customer ๐ #2 – Address the […] more

Measure the metrics and KPIs in the way your Customer does!
14.05.2021
๐ #2 – Address the number right: measure the metrics and KPIs in the way your Customer does That is one of three steps proposed byย Pierre Milleย in his recent LinkedIn Articleย https://lnkd.in/dXtQyQu Looking forward to the IBSing pioneers call today on Monday, 17th May from 16:00 to 17:00 CET with Pierre Mille as guest! Please let […] more

Star Performance vs. Team Performance
06.05.2021
Traditional ๐๐ Performance Management is about ๐ข๐ง๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ, ๐&๐๐ Performance Management is about ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค. A whole new ball gameโฆ Collaboration in S&OP is often hampered by contradicting financial ๐ซ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ. The ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐ ranking of high, medium & low performers can be a painful exercise, that also undermines S&OP teamwork. Personal performance targets, that are based on ๐ฉ๐๐ฌ๐ญ […] more

Performance Management Challenges
05.05.2021
โPERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT CHALLENGESโย was the topic of Mondayโs IBSing Pioneers call. PERFORMANCE refers toย how well an activity or job is done. On discussing the topic โHIGH-PERFORMERSโ and what we admired most, we came to the conclusion that โINTRINSIC MOTIVATIONโ is the key to excellent performance. The traditional โcarrot and stickโ approach that is still being used […] more

A conscious decision how to take decisions
29.04.2021
๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง-๐ฆ๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ has traditionally been the most popular way to resolve business challenges in large corporations. Especially in functional areas like NPD, Operations and Business Planning . While consensus decision making has its merits in allowing all stakeholders a voice and it fosters a climate of engagement, there is sometimes a cost associated with this […] more

Action is the foundational key to success! (P. Picasso) …
26.04.2021
but….No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. (A. Einstein) Reflecting on the evolution of SC Management, it was initially focused on storage of products and its ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ flow. Planning systems then shifted its focus towards mastering the E2E ๐ข๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง flow. With the implementation of S&OP and IBP, SC […] more

Artificial Intelligence will not replace S&OP Teamwork
20.04.2021
In yesterday’s IBSing pioneers call, S&OP leaders from different industries talked about โArtificial Intelligence (AI) in S&OPโ. It took us about 2 minutes to come up with > 20 examples of AI in private life. However we struggled to come up with really exciting AI examples as part of our S&OP. Do you have examples? […] more

What I dream of is an art of balance (H. Matisse)
14.04.2021
Running a big corporate business is an ๐๐ก๐ฃ! The ๐๐ก๐ฃ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข are the S&OP and IBP leads who balance โStandard Workโ, โS&OEโ and โIBPโ. Thanks to participants of last weekโs IBSing pioneers group meeting for sharing practical insights on that topic! On Monday at 16:00-17:00 CET we will talk about how to bring ๐๐ก๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐ Intelligence into […] more

“7 Habits of Highly Effective People”
12.04.2021
๐๐๐๐๐ toย Nathalie Tuย ๐ for that awesome visualization of the book โ7 ๐๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐โ from ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น. ๐ช๐๐๐๐. That book had a profound impact on my ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ life & new ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ venture (ย www.IBSing.comย ). Many other insightful books fit nicely into the frame of the โ7 HABITSโ: โฐ 1) BE PROACTIVE โจ Full Catastrophe […] more

30% success rate is no longer good enough!
07.04.2021
โ70% ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ to achieve their goals, largely due to employee resistance and lack of management support.โ (๐. ๐๐ธ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ด๐ต๐ฆ๐ช๐ฏ, ๐๐ค๐๐ช๐ฏ๐ด๐ฆ๐บ, 2015) McKinsey article The journey towards success in change programs is never a direct one. We always encounter ๐๐ข๐๐๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ, ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ซ๐ฌ, and ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ญ. When a teamโs potential is fully exploited in overcoming a challenge […] more

I am so ๐ฅ-cited!
31.03.2021
๐ฅ-cellent Easter! Run ๐ฅ-strashifts in the hen house Build ๐ฅ-cess inventory to cover the ๐ฅ-ceptional seasonal demand Prevent inventory ๐ฅ-spiry issues Secure ๐ฅ-sternal supplier capacity Strengthen ๐ฅ-schange of information Ask your IBSIng ๐ฅ-sperts for ๐ฅ-samples and always ๐ฅ-spect the un-๐ฅ-spected You are an ๐&๐๐/๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ซ in a corporate company? You are passionate about the ๐ฉ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ […] more

“Machine Learning” and “Consciousness in Business”
29.03.2021
โ๐๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ โ and โ๐๐ธ๐ท๐ผ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ธ๐พ๐ผ๐ท๐ฎ๐ผ๐ผ ๐ฒ๐ท ๐๐พ๐ผ๐ฒ๐ท๐ฎ๐ผ๐ผโ in combination have the potential to make our workplace ฬณaฬณwฬณeฬณsฬณoฬณmฬณeฬณ! ๐๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ is an important trend to master the ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐๐ activities in organisations. That insightful article more

“People say, you are a wimp!”
25.03.2021
“All the things which you don’t like about yourself are your greatest assets. They are simply overamplified.”ย Debbie Ford. Dark Side of the Light Chasers (Hodder & Stoughton) More than 20 years ago, in the early stage of my career, I was leading a production team. One day, the most senior leader on the site provided […] more

Is your S&OP fit for a global raw material shortage?
23.03.2021
Yesterday 12 S&OP experts from different industries discussed how to address a global RM shortage. Instead of jumping directly onto solutions, we first identified underlying changes in fixed, governing and enabling constraints. The excellent EU field guide โmanaging complexity (and chaos) in times of crisisโ (Dave Snowdenย andย Alessandro Rancati) more

My Customer is out of stock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
18.03.2021
โALLOCATION BY DECIBELโ is a chaotic way of reacting to sudden product shortage. โALLOCATION BY DECIBEL” may damage relationships and overall business results. Without robust processes, that’s a natural way of behaving. Commercial teams are doing everything possible to protect supply for key customers, and supply chain professionals want the same and feel overwhelmed by […] more