Overview of the Client

The client is a US-based multinational food manufacturer primarily producing cereal and other convenience food items like crackers and toaster pastries. They have manufacturing units in more than 15 countries, and their products are distributed worldwide.

Overview of the Client

Business Objectives and Challenges

The client encountered the following business challenges:

  • Complex solution and process inefficiency causing low adoption of tools and reduced usability.
  • Poor performance in promotion planning.
  • “Blind Planning” due to the lack of proper promotion plan guidelines and checks.
  • Inability to effectively monitor their Trade Promotions Spend.
  • Limited visibility into the effectiveness of trade promotions due to undefined KPIs.

The Solution

Here are the details of the solution that aimed to simplify processes and improve usability:

  • Utilized a range of technologies, including SAP ATPM, Design Studio/Lumira, BW on HANA, SAP CRM, SAP HANA, ABAP, and Business Objects.
  • Migrated SAP BPS-TPM to SAP ATPM on HANA by transferring processing to HANA through HANA scripts.
  • Simplified promotion types through updating user interface with a more straightforward design.
  • Revamped back-end processing to differentiate between planning and reporting.
  • Changed the system to a day-level planning approach.
  • Upgraded mod-ship (special pack) scenarios functionality, improved reporting, and analytics capabilities.
  • Implemented a custom sales volume planning module using Integrated Planning and Design Studio(Lumira).

Business Outcomes and Benefits

  • SAP and TekLink collaborated to deliver the first-ever TPM on HANA Project.
  • Tool adoption and usability improved significantly through the rationalization of promotion planning processes.
  • Planning performance was enhanced, and live reporting was improved with the addition of online checks.
  • The data accuracy was improved by implementing a day-level planning process and a new module-shipper process.
  • The user interface was simplified, and the tool eliminated redundant promotion types by implementing automated EDLP (Everyday Low Pricing) processes.
  • There was enhanced integration with SAP Supply Chain Management.
  • The solution enabled KAMs (Key Account Managers) to make better decisions during planning by providing comprehensive online checks and alerts.
  • Sales leaders and KAMs enjoyed increased productivity and better decision-making abilities.

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