Overview

planLM software architecture founded on single data repository to enable rapid deployment of our solutions. All relevant supply chain data, planning configuration parameters, user interface structures and data synchronization settings reside on this repository. Deployment of a planLM supply chain solution constitutes simply population of this repository.

Scope of our deployment services include:

• Defining the planning functionality requirements by analyzing your existing planning process
• Identifying data requirements
• Setting up the data synchronization module, for all required input and output data
• Configuring applications in accordance with the plannig requirements
• Functionality and performance testing with parallel run

As long as the scope is clearly defined, and quality data is available, uncertainty in any planLM solution deployment is minimal. We offer it as a fixed fee per application, with a project duration of 4-6 weeks per application.

planLM supply chain solutions and our deployment services are designed to work effectively with proven implementation methodologies for strategy projects, and planning systems.

Implementation Methodology

Effective implementation of a software system requires more than software deployment, a comprehensive implementation methodology that we offer to manage and execute through our consulting partners, or directly by our service personnel for select customers.

Strategy Project Implementation

Supply chain strategy projects are usually one off analyses for long term decisions that are mostly triggered by strategic initiatives; such as rationalizing supply chain infrastructure after an acquisition. Effective execution of a strategy project goes through following steps:

• Scoping: define the strategy question, gain concensus on the comprehensive scope, identify data requirements
• Data Collection/Generation: identify internal and external data sources, extract and validate data, generate non existent data with sound assumptions; utilize planLM User Interface for validation, and segmentation
• Baseline Modeling: build an as-is scenario to validate the model, and serve as a basis against strategy scenarios; use planLM Baseline Extractor and planLM Supply Chain Simulator to speed up this step
• Strategy Modeling: build and optimize strategy scenarios; use planLM Supply Chain / Inventory Optimizer to conduct this step
• Scenario Analysis: use planLM User Interface to build reports, compare scenario results, gain insight, and do sensitivity analysis;
• Strategy Planning: drill down on selected strategies for timing of actions, and other external implications; use planLM Supply Chain Optimizer / Simulator for detailed optimization and analysis on selected scenarios

Planning System Implementation

Supply chain planning systems are live sytems for regular decision making that are closely integrated into daily operations and business process; such as a weekly production planning system. Efective implemention of a planning sytem goes through following systems:

• Scoping: gather information of current planning practices, define functionality requirements, identify input data requirements, relevant sources, and plan output destinations
• Data Synchronization: use planLM Data Synchronization module to configure inbound and outbound data transfer functionality and frequencies
• Solution Configuration: configure planLM applications that are in scope for the planning functionality
• Testing: ensure implemented functionality meets functional requirements, scalability testing
• Training: train end users for daily use of the configured planLM planning and reporting functionality
• Transition: run in parallel with existing planning processes for trial and confidence gain
• Online Support: continuous monitoring of data feeds, application performance, and model maintenance