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Vol 32 - No 04 - June 2006 Editorial Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) is the theme of this month’s ‘Control’ and what a hot topic! It seems that everyone is talking about it: everywhere I go I hear conversations about who is currently implementing S&OP; who has done it; why they are doing it; how they are doing it; and what business benefits they hope to achieve. S&OP is a topic that we in the IOM should ignore at our peril. It is reassuring that we have devoted an entire issue to the subject. However, it is slightly bemusing that S&OP, which has been around for at least 20 years, should be such a hot topic now. So, why the sudden interest, what has changed? Could it be that people have finally realised that all the modern technology and expensive systems will not fix the underlying business issues? Is it that the pace of change has accelerated beyond that with which businesses can cope? Or is it, perhaps, that modern technology has only just caught up with the concept? All good questions, and perhaps we will start to identify the answers in this issue. We have already heard from Joe Booth and Tom Wallace, both of whom have told us that the Western World is making steady progress in the field but it still has a long road to travel. Personally, I think this is a fascinating topic and one, which has raised several questions in my mind. For example: why is it that so many of the companies who successfully implement S&OP let it fall into disrepair over time? Why isn’t S&OP sustainable? If S&OP is so good, why hasn’t it been universally adopted? I was delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the other members of the S&OP SIG to look at what the IOM should be doing about S&OP. I am pleased to say that the answer to what the IOM should be doing is: “A Lot!” The S&OP SIG is looking at why S&OP is not seen as fundamental to the success of any business, rather like having a roof on the premises or a Health & Safety culture, or preparing the annual accounts! The SIG is in the process of planning a series of events and activities designed to help the members understand what we should do about S&OP, how we should use it for true business advantage, and why we should be leading the crusade! We are keen to hear from you: what do you think of the articles in this issue? What are your experiences of S&OP? Why do you think it is such a hot topic right now? S&OP is at the heart of the IOM’s field of expertise; we plan to use the current rising tide of interest to increase the IOM’s standing in the business world and to equip our members to make their businesses more successful through the correct application of S&OP. Over the coming months, the S&OP SIG will be presenting case studies and unveiling some exciting new ideas. Watch this space: make sure that you are in the know and on the ball. Carol Thomas, MIOM Related Topics:
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