Supply Chain Planning Software Improves On-Time Delivery to 99%
As a manufacturer, two keys to remaining competitive are the abilities to accurately plan capacity and perform sales and operational planning (S&OP). ASK Power, an Aurora, IL-based manufacturer of electrical power connectors for the transportation, military, telecommunications, and OEM markets, couldn’t get the level of detail in these two areas it needed as the company expanded to take advantage of a new market opportunity.
A Detailed View of Capacity
The company really wanted to see the impact of planned and open orders on work center and machine capacity, specifically on certain days and on specific machines. As Steve Kase, ASK Power CEO, searched for a solution he discovered DemandCaster supply chain planning software with integral Capacity Planning. With this solution, Kase can get detailed visual capacity planning to forecast 45 or 60 days out, and regenerate planning according to the company’s machine layout, as and when needed. DemandCaster also syncs with daily updates from the company’s ERP/MRP for an updated, more accurate demand and supply plan. Now ASK Power can see actual capacity and work center performance to stay on top of its demand.
Effective S&OP for Accurate Inventory
ASK Power serves a variety of markets so the challenge is not building up too much inventory to meet demand—and attempting to manage optimum inventory using spreadsheets is not accurate, or sustainable. With DemandCaster Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) functionality, the company collects sales and order data from its ERP system and develops forecasts based on segments unique to its business. After reviewing available capacity, inventory targets, and production scheduling, ASK Power can realistically plan supply with a master schedule and MRP. DemandCaster proved to be an excellent planning solution for the company’s operations. This resulted in going from two or three inventory turns to as many as six as well as dramatically reducing waste. Discover about how ASK Power can provide responsive service with shorter lead times while effectively managing inventory with DemandCaster. Read the full case study and watch the video here.
