Future-proof supply chain planning with SAP IBP
Replace rigid APO planning with dynamic, integrated scenario planning with SAP IBP. Achieve up to 20 % higher forecast accuracy and lower Inventory costs by up to 15 %.
The challenge: Limits of classic planning software
Many industrial companies today are faced with the challenge of organising their supply chains flexibly and resiliently – and are increasingly reaching the limits of their existing SAP APO planning software. Planning that focuses on the plant level hinders a holistic view of the network and leads to isolated decisions that have a negative impact on stock levels, capacity utilisation and delivery reliability.
The lack of simulation options means that risks and alternatives cannot be assessed in a well-founded manner – scenarios are often mapped in Excel, which slows down processes and increases the susceptibility to errors.
There is also a lack of transparency regarding stocks, requirements and capacities in the overall network, which makes proactive management more difficult. In a dynamic market environment with fluctuating demand, supply bottlenecks and short-term changes, this planning practice leads to unnecessarily high costs, inefficient use of resources and limited responsiveness along the end-to-end supply chain.
Our solution: From APO to SAP IBP - Integrated real-time planning with cbs
- Development of an IBP target image and roadmap design
- Introduction of rolling planning with real-time data and AI-based algorithms
- Harmonisation of S&OP processes across locations
Intelligent optimisation and seamless integration
- Implementation of multi-echelon optimisation for inventories and capacities
- Implementation of scenario analyses for risk hedging
- Integration into the SAP S/4HANA system landscape
Focus on customer benefits
Up to 20 % better forecast accuracy
Up to 20 % better forecast accuracy Accurate planning with AI-supported forecasting
By using innovative algorithms and continuously learning models, SAP IBP significantly improves the prediction quality – over a period of up to 24 months.
Up to 15 % lower inventory costs
Up to 15 % lower inventory costs Reduce stock, secure service level
New safety stock models based on real-time data enable needs-based stocking – and at the same time reduce capital commitment and storage costs.
Up to 3 % lower production costs
Up to 3 % lower production costs Utilise capacities more efficiently
Production programmes can be stabilised and additional costs avoided through cross-location planning and improved transparency regarding bottlenecks and resources.
Greater supply chain agility
Greater supply chain agility React flexibly – locally and globally
Networked planning across all plants and locations creates the conditions for rapid reactions to market changes, supply bottlenecks or fluctuations in demand.
The switch from APO to SAP IBP is much more than a technical upgrade - it is a strategic lever for harmonising planning processes, identifying risks at an early stage and making the supply chain more resilient. Deciding today means reliable delivery tomorrow.
Success Story
60 % time saving
- 60 % less planning effort in day-to-day business
- Rollouts in APAC, EMEA and USA
- Seamless transition APO → IBP in 6 months
"Every day, the company has new ideas and new requirements on how the process can be improved. Our way of working enables us to keep the process of continuous improvement going."
Get started now with SAP IBP
Process model & project approach
Analysis of the initial situation, target definition, architecture design
Technical implementation, integration of data sources, user enablement
Parallel operation, go-live, stabilisation, continuous optimisation
Project duration: 2 to 12 months - depending on complexity and scope
From silos to synchronisation
Find out in detail how the path to integrated planning with SAP IBP works in this blog post.
Why cbs?
Methodology M-cbs
Our M-cbs method is designed for the complex challenges of company-wide change projects. M-cbs is our DNA.
From strategy to integration
Design-to-Operate
More info & downloads
Deepen your knowledge of the transformation from SAP APO to SAP IBP: discover practical success stories, white papers and further materials on strategic planning along the supply chain.
