Supply chain switches on with advanced planning

Better forecasting, improved stock visibility and accountability, better warehouse planning and enhanced customer service are being reported by Salton Europe, which has completed one of the first implementations of SAP’s APO (Advanced Planner and Optimiser) v3.1. The firm, which distributes household and personal care appliances, including the George Foreman, Russell Hobbs and Carmen brands, installed APO with Diagonal Consulting. It’s the first stage in Salton’s drive for a more efficient supply chain across Europe and Asia, and the project was completed on time and budget in nine months. Head of IS Brendan O’Shea says: “This project provided a catalyst for quite dramatic changes within the organisation. We have restructured several parts of the business creating new roles to support the implementation. “The fundamental objective was to enable Salton to move from an essentially reactive to pro-active approach to the management of its supply chain and customer service. The go-live of the APO demand planning system is the first step in a plan which will yield significant benefits to both Salton and its customers.”