In the new world of abundant choices, fragmented markets, and distributed supply networks, is it possible to satisfy demanding customers efficiently and profitably? The answer is a resounding yes, but it requires the ability to anticipate and respond to dynamic demand and supply signals.

The traditional function- and enterprise-centric method of planning limits a company's ability to anticipate and avoid surprises. What is needed is the capacity to include all elements of demand, whether influenced by your own or your customers' actions. At the same time, all channels that make up your extended network must be able to respond instantly if demand or supply varies. In essence, collaboration across the network is the key to faster and smarter response to changes in supply and demand.

SAP helps companies manage their supply networks by enabling collaborative demand and supply planning processes that continuously sense and profitably respond to customer demand fluctuations, supplier delivery volatility, and operational disruptions.

By synchronising demand with supply and increasing responsiveness, companies have been able to:

• Achieve high customer service and on-time delivery.
• Significantly reduce cycle times, inventory, and supply chain costs.

SAP solutions help achieve these results by creating visibility and effectively connecting three interrelated core processes to establish the right resource framework, understand dynamic demand, and respond to market dynamics in real time:

• Sales and operations planning – Optimise operating margins by balancing global demand and supply across enterprise functions and network participants, while establishing the right resources to fulfill demand profitably.
• Collaborative demand management – Maximise revenue by understanding and anticipating real demand, while reducing reliance on inaccurate or short-sighted forecasts.
• Supply planning – Improve customer service by synchronising the supply network with distribution and manufacturing to help ensure that the right product is at the right place at the right time.

By integrating internal and external data sources with the SAP NetWeaver platform and applying business intelligence solutions from Business Objects, an SAP company, you can enable unparalleled global visibility into demand, inventory, and production across the entire supply network. In addition, SAP NetWeaver simplifies that task by allowing you to leverage SAP partner applications – such as multi-echelon inventory optimisation software from SmartOps and demand-signal capture software from Vision Chain – to further strengthen your end-to-end processes.

SAP's business and IT strategic consulting services and partner services can help drive transformation and secure the benefits of faster and more reliable responsiveness.

Learn More about Demand Management Planning

• Get involved: Visit Inside Access.
• Find out more about SAP partner solutions and services.