Suppliers that take action to maintain metrics-based supply chain strategies, execute robust supply chain processes, and institute variable and flexible supply chain models will generate superior supply chain performance in the short and long term.

The sales and operations planning process has taken various forms throughout the decades, but ultimately became standard practice for many organizations. Today’s customer-driven business environment poses new obstacles for companies, particularly in the consumer products industry, that is experiencing short product life cycles in tandem with high demand volatility.