Digital S&OP

Many organizations have invested in digital S&OP tools, yet planners still rely on spreadsheets, manual updates, and offline conversations to get through the monthly planning cycle. Technology alone doesn't solve planning challenges if the underlying process is unclear or the tools don't fit the way people work. This session will explore how organizations can identify technology that supports better planning without adding unnecessary complexity.

Using examples from UWEBC member organizations, we'll explore practical approaches such as:

• improving visibility by bringing demand, supply, and inventory data into one place
• how tools such as dashboards and alerts help focus discussions on exceptions instead of reviewing every number
• selecting tools that make cross-functional collaboration easier and reduce complexity
• evaluating AI and advanced planning features based on real business needs 

Participants will leave with practical ideas they can apply right away, whether they're considering a new planning platform or trying to get more value from an existing one. We'll discuss how to evaluate technology against your S&OP process, avoid common implementation mistakes, and choose tools that help teams spend less time preparing data and more time making decisions.