S&OP + IBP Resources

Instability around the Strait of Hormuz exposes structural vulnerabilities across global pharma networks, impacting lead times, costs and medicine availability. Addressing this uncertainty requires a shift from efficiency‑led planning to more resilient, data‑driven supply chain decision‑making.

A structured, cross-functional Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process provides clear direction by bringing together sales, production and procurement planning. It enhances transparency and translates strategic objectives into concrete, executable actions.

The recent escalation involving Iran and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has exposed a critical vulnerability in global trade. This blog examines how instability in one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints is affecting energy markets, shipping routes and international supply chains.

ESG in the supply chain has evolved from a reputational concern into a core strategic priority. By integrating environmental, social and governance criteria across supplier networks, improving transparency and using digital tools to monitor performance, companies can mitigate operational and regulatory risks, strengthen resilience and enhance efficiency.

Business planning stands as a fundamental pillar, driving informed decision-making and effective resource coordination. In this scenario, methodologies such as Integrated Business Process (IBP) and Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) emerge as key approaches, offering robust structures for comprehensive operations management.

The European Union and the Mercosur bloc reached a political agreement on a wide-ranging trade and partnership deal. However, the deal has not yet entered into force. It remains subject to approval by the European Parliament, national parliaments in EU member states, and the legislatures of Mercosur countries.

In this blog, we break down the purpose of sales planning, the different types, the forecasting methods behind it and the impact it has across the business.

Customers expect choice. Customers expect next (or even same day) delivery. But as a one-stop-shop for all of your customer’s needs, you are probably all too familiar with the pains of managing a massive long tail! The question is: what can you do about it? How can?

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) is traditionally viewed as a supply chain function, focused on balancing supply and demand, managing inventory and ensuring operational efficiency. But in reality, S&OP increasingly overlaps with Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A).

How do you achieve maximum availability of inventory with minimum investment on stock. What´s the best formula?

Although Supply Chain Planning (SCP) teams are often at the core of generating data, the role of supply chain operations should not be overlooked. Decisions made during the S&OP process often affect labour, transport and warehousing, making it vital that operations have a seat at the table when these decisions are made.

S&OP is not just about forecasting and logistics. It’s about driving profitable growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, and gaining competitive advantage, all of which are core to sales and marketing. In this article, we will explain why Sales & Marketing’s contribution is critical in the S&OP process.

The building materials industry faces complex challenges including vast product ranges, unpredictable demand, and growing costs. With Slim4, companies gain the visibility and control needed to optimise inventory, reduce waste, and make smarter decisions backed by real success stories

How can businesses access this untapped reserve of cash to fuel growth, boost profits, and increase viability? Say goodbye to cash flow hell

A global supply chain is a complex ecosystem that combines tangible elements, such as raw materials and finished goods, with intangible flows like data and services. It involves a wide range of international players...

Ensuring your supply chain, sales, and operations teams have the data they need, when they need it, and in a standardised and clear format, will enable the communication that is needed to drive a transformational Sales and Operations Planning process.

IBP must stop being a technical process and become a strategic one, connected to the company’s ambition. If the CEO isn’t in the room, if the data lacks quality, if decisions are still made in isolation, we’re not really doing IBP

When it comes to supply chains, everything is interconnected. We have seen this with the recent supply chain disruptions and, of course, with the US-driven tariffs. In this context, logistics hubs have established themselves as key infrastructure to ensure the smooth movement of goods on a global scale.

Frequent supply chain disruptions demand resilient planning. Discover how S&OP helps businesses stay competitive and prepared for future risks.

In this article we will explore how Trump’s import tariffs might impact key sectors in the European Union.

Intralogistics is the operational core of any distribution centre or warehouse, encompassing critical warehouse processes that ensure the efficient movement of goods. From reception and storage to picking, packing, and shipping, each of these activities directly contributes to operational speed, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction...

Companies succeed by offering tailored value to customers. S&OP ensures this value is effectively delivered through improved operations and engagement. In this post, we explain everything about S&OP and how it can enhance your customer relationships

In this article, we will delve into how effective management of reverse logistics can set your business apart from the competition.

From technological advancements to sustainability imperatives, the future of supply chain management (SCM) in 2025 promises efficiency, resilience, and environmental consciousness. In this article, we explore ten key trends shaping the future of supply chain management and how organisations can position themselves for success

In this second part of our CSRD series, we’ll guide you through the essential double materiality assessment, which should be carried out before the financial year even begins. This critical step helps you determine which sustainability topics are relevant to your business and must be reported.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, Slimstock is preparing to meet CSRD compliance by 2025. In this article series, we aim to explain the directive and share our journey toward becoming fully compliant.

In modern supply chain management, the exponential growth of product assortments and the increasing number of stores and warehouses present a constant challenge. As catalogues expand with new entries, the complexities of efficiently managing each item also increase...

Strikes are predictable, but tariffs add uncertainty. By modeling their impact, supply chains can turn uncertainty into informed decisions—because a prepared business is always stronger.

Achieving greater operational efficiency not only improves financial outcomes but also enables businesses to adapt to changing customer demands and position themselves as leaders in their industry.

Progressing towards a more efficient—and ultimately, better—supply chain relies on optimising the processes within your company. However, to optimise something, we must first be able to describe it and understand the sub-processes that comprise it...

Inventory management is a business process that directly influences a company's profitability and competitiveness. The key lies in achieving a balance between having enough stock to meet demand and minimising storage costs and the risk of obsolescence...

Pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in ensuring that life-saving medicines reach the people who need them most...

Many companies implement Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), but what they don't realise is that S&OP goes way beyond processes and systems. 'You have to deal with clashing interests, emotions and people who have different mindsets,' says Slimstock's Sales Director Jan Kraaijeveld. In his eyes, S&OP is where art and science meet.

The intelligent software Slim4 ensures optimal in-season allocation, reduces stockouts, overstock, and markdowns, and contributes to a higher full-price sell-through rate.

Various challenges have been thrust upon distribution businesses of late, and there’s little sign of this stopping in the near future.

Elevate your business competitiveness with expert insights on Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). Learn from industry leader Prof. Jan Stentoft.

Optimize your Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) strategy. Discover how scenario planning enhances supply chain resilience and agility.

Unlock your business potential with Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). Enhance service, optimize costs, and thrive in dynamic markets.

Navigate the Middle East´s dynamic supply chain landscape with Slimstock. Drive growth, cut waste, and embrace sustainable innovation

Explore S&OP KPIs to measure success. Evaluate process effectiveness and leverage efforts for optimal results in supply chain management.

Unlock success with Integrated Business Planning (IBP). Learn key strategy transformation insights and avoid pitfalls for business excellence.

Carrying over 14,000 shipping containers with a combined $270 billion in cargo annually, the Panama Canal is perhaps one of the most crucial pieces of the supply chain puzzle.

Explore strategies to optimise your omnichannel supply chain. Discover trends, solutions, and best practices for seamless customer experiences.

In volatile and changing environments, sales and operations planning (S&OP) helps businesses work in a far more agile way.

Unlock S&OP supply chain excellence with our insights, strategies, and resources. Streamline operations, gain a competitive edge.

As a modern CEO, you must embrace the fact that the only constant in the current business landscape is change.