Global S&OP—Do You Need It?

Global S&OP is an essential tool for companies dealing with complex demand and supply issues worldwide. Its mission: To coordinate an organization doing business in many different countries, on many different continents, without inhibiting accountability and stifling local initiatives, and ways of doing business. However, it is not needed by every company selling product around the world, only those with worldwide production locations as well as sales resources. This article explains when to use and when not to use Global S&OP. TOM WALLACE | Tom Wallace is an author and teacher specializing in Sales & Operations Planning. He has written twelve books, including Sales & Operations Planning: The How To Handbook, 3rd Edition (2007). His books have been translated into Chinese, Italian, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Thai, Mongolian, and French. His latest book is Sales & Operations Planning: Beyond the Basics. T T he marketing vice president at the Acme Widget Company recently said to me: “Tom, you’ve gotta talk to our president—she needs to know about Global S&OP. We sell product all around the world, so we really need it.” My reply: “Oh really? I’m not so sure.” ...