Challenge: A global energy technologies company needed a digital supply chain that could support its aggressive growth and innovation goals. Key challenges included managing seasonality, improving lead times, optimizing inventory and linking operational and long-range plans. The company also wanted to boost customer service and accelerate new product introductions.

Fascinators – the ornately compelling “headpieces” that women wear to British nuptials – are fascinating. Whether or not you appreciate these pieces of headgear whimsy, they present a perfect example of the challenges of sales and operations planning (S&OP).