Yes! You CAN Still Get More Value Out of Your APO Solution.
Transitioning to a New Platform is Inevitable, but You Don’t Have to Throw Away APO Just Yet.
By Robert Birdsall, Director SCMO2
At SCMO2, we find quite a number of clients are not yet ready to throw away APO in favor of a new planning solution. Let’s face it, there still is much more you could be getting out of your existing solution. If you’re just trying to maximize the performance of your current system, you have options!
Here are a few indicators that validate how a low-cost assessment could bring you greater benefits from your existing solution.
Are many of your processes performed outside of APO in MS Excel spreadsheets?
This is a common symptom that your solution just isn’t making the grade. Dumping data to Excel, manipulating it and pushing it back into the planning process means that your users are bypassing your system. You may no longer be realizing your original APO benefits because you are no longer using the tool the way it was intended. But that does not mean that APO is no longer the right tool for you today.
Are your master data processes poorly defined?
Bad data results in the classic Garbage In, Garbage Out scenario. Frequently, we encounter organizations that do not implement a robust master data maintenance process. Without a clearly defined process and responsible stakeholders, organizations will see their solution degrade over time. Planners may lose sight of the key business rules driving data settings and unforeseen results may arise. If there is a significant amount of manual planning taking place outside of APO, it could time for a quick refresh on how to properly maintain—and maximize—your current solution.
Have people forgotten how to use advanced APO functionality?
If your re-alignments are a problem, or your product lifecycle management a nightmare, sometimes you just need to get back to basics. Only then can you talk about how best to address your business’s more complex problems. A simple assessment could give you the guidance you need to close training gaps and implement your own fixes. Real benefits can be recaptured with a simple refresher program; no need to wait for a new planning solution to bring dollars back on the table today.
Has your APO solution not been upgraded in years?
Plenty of new functionality has been injected into APO over the past years. Yes, the new SAP planning solutions offer exponential returns; but if you aren’t prepared to throw away your current tool you may still reap benefits. Look at your current version and consider if a short-term investment in an APO reboot is the right solution for your organization.
SCMO2 can help you quickly evaluate what functions and features are potential matches for your business needs and assist in building a business case to utilize new features and functions. There are still great benefits to be found in APO. If you have needs that aren’t being addressed, our rapid assessments can give you a leg up on the competition. Consider them as your next step in supporting your planning solution for 2019 and beyond.
