S&OP MasterClass

Is your S&OP process really connected to your company’s goals or is it stuck in its own lane?

In this episode, Søren Hammer sits down with Benjamin Obling from Roima to talk about how supply chains can do more than just react. They can lead. They talk about what happens when operations, strategy, and finance actually work together – and what’s holding that back today.

You’ll get practical insights on connecting strategic planning with real-world capacity and demand as well as examples of how smarter forecasting and aligned priorities can drive both profit and performance.

If you're a supply chain leader who wants a stronger voice in the boardroom, this one’s for you.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

1. Why supply chain needs a strategic and financial seat.
2. Hidden costs impacting revenue and company value creation.
3. Breaking silos for strategic supply chain alignment.
4. Using demand forecasting for strategic business simulations.
5. How to integrate finance for a unified business plan.

Episode Content
00:58 Meet Benjamin Obling and his background  
01:45 Linking S&OP to finance and strategy  
04:22 Recent trends pushing for financial alignment in S&OP  
07:00 Evolving S&OP processes and addressing operational silos  
09:27 The need for a unified demand forecast  
11:57 Engaging C-suite for strategic S&OP discussions  
16:35 Balancing inventories with strategic decision-making  
19:12 Steps to integrate revenue insights into planning  
30:15 Emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision making  
33:39 Aligning systems and processes for better efficiency

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

What’s causing the most stress in your planning process?
Missed forecasts?
Late deliveries? 

The real issue might be something sneakier: variability.

In this episode of the S&OP Masterclass, Søren Hammer sits down with Benjamin Obling to talk about how variability quietly chips away at efficiency and profits. 

With 16+ years of hands-on experience, Benjamin shares real examples and smart ways to manage uncertainty across demand and supply.

If you’re working with supply or demand planning, and tired of being surprised by what *should’ve* been predictable, this one’s worth your time. You’ll walk away with advice you can actually use, and maybe a few ideas you haven’t thought of yet.

Listen in and give your planning process an advantage.

In this episode, you'll learn about:
1. Why variability is a "silent killer" in supply chain planning.
2. How to address demand planning uncertainties effectively.
3. The role of AI models in improving forecast accuracy.
4. Minimizing supply chain uncertainty through data measurement.
5. Optimizing inventory amidst unknowns for cost efficiency.
6. Balancing human factors with S&OP processes efficiently.

Episode Content
01:06 Importance of understanding uncertainty in forecasting  
04:46 Tackling uncertainty in demand planning  
05:56 Using AI to improve forecast accuracy  
08:03 Impact of promotional campaigns on demand variability  
10:14 Managing new product launches and uncertainties  
14:19 Addressing supply-side uncertainties and inventory management  
16:51 The role of MRP and its sensitivity  
21:45 Human factors affecting planning and adjustments  
25:52 Tools for measuring variability in supply chain  
30:39 Prioritizing areas to tackle based on financial impact

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Why do so many companies settle for “good enough” in supply chain planning – when better is absolutely possible?

In this episode of the S&OP Masterclass from Roima, we sit down with Søren Hammer Pedersen and Benjamin Obling to talk about how you can move from legacy processes to smarter, more automated planning that actually delivers results.
We’ll share real stories and practical steps to help you rethink how you approach demand and supply planning, get more out of your tools, and challenge old habits that no longer serve you.  

If you're tired of inefficiencies and ready to unlock real business value, this one’s for you. Listen in and pick up ideas you can immediately start using to improve accuracy, cut costs, and stay ahead.

In this episode, you'll learn about:
1. Understanding the concept of planning excellence in supply chains.
2. Balancing process optimization with tool integration.
3. Importance of challenging existing supply chain processes.
4. Identifying and automating key strategic supply chain processes.
5. Leveraging business logic for dynamic stocking strategies.
6. Effective strategies for enhancing forecast accuracy.

Episode Content
00:10 Introduction to supply chain planning excellence
03:29 Common mistakes in change management
05:33 The need for process challenges
08:04 Demand planning: key considerations for improvement
09:18 Data integrity and forecast quality
11:19 Human behavior and forecasting
14:05 Inventory planning and automation opportunities
16:40 Stocking strategies and rethinking business logic
20:35 Master data's role in supply chain efficiency
25:42 Structured approach to process re-engineering
28:12 Business value of planning excellence
30:50 Ensuring follow-up and sustaining improvements
35:50 Start your transformation journey

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Is your demand plan giving you the accuracy you need – or are you reacting more than you’d like?

In this episode of the S&OP MasterClass, Søren Hammer Pedersen, sits down with Benjamin Obling from Roima to talk about something that’s changing the game in demand forecasting: AI. 
Benjamin brings 15 years of practical experience and shares how Roima is using AI – specifically neural networks – to fine-tune forecasts down to the SKU level and across channels.

They cover what’s working, what’s not, and what it actually takes to move from manual to machine-assisted planning.

If you're looking for smarter ways to manage demand and gain an edge in your supply chain, this one’s worth your time.

Give it a listen.

In this episode, you'll learn about:
1. What is demand AI and its significance in forecasting?
2. How does demand AI enhance forecast accuracy?
3. The best techniques for implementing demand AI effectively.
4. Practical benefits realized from adopting demand AI methods.
5. Common challenges and solutions in demand AI implementation.
6. How demand AI transforms demand planning dynamics.
# Episode Content01:07 What is Demand AI? Overview by Benjamin Obling  
02:14 Improving Forecast Accuracy with Demand AI  
04:24 Demand AI: A Game Changer for Supply Chains?  
05:42 Techniques Behind Demand AI Models  
10:00 Continuous Improvement: Learning from Forecasts  
15:41 Real-Life Benefits of Demand AI Implementations  
20:55 Steps for Getting Started with Demand AI  
26:09 The Demand Planner's Evolving Role with Demand AI  
29:22 Future Predictions: Expanding Beyond Demand AI  
35:02 Final Thoughts: Embrace Demand AI for Success
# ProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Roima. 
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

AI can certainly boost your supply chain management.
But how? And what risks are there to avoid?

This is the topic of todays episode, where er take a good look at five pitfalls using AI, and what you can do to mitigate the risks.

The pitfalls we’ll cover is: 

1. How to avoid the Black Box Pitfall?
2. How to succeed with limited resources?
3. How to strengthen the weakest link datalink?
4. How to prevent AI from learning the wrong things?
5. How to avoid AI conflicting with employee incentives

Tune in, and get the most out of your supply chain AI initiatives.

Today’s guest
Today, we are joined by Stephan Skovlund, founder of former Perito Consulting, and now partner in Perito IBP, Roima. 

Stephan has worked with supply chain optimization and control for the last 10-15 years, and have worked closely with AI in supply chain management long before the topic became hot with the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022.

Your host is, as always, Søren Hammer Pedersen, CCO in Perito IBP, Roima.

Episode contents
00:09 – Introduction to the topic
01:36 – Assisting organizational readiness for AI adoption
06:40 – The critical role of data quality in AI implementation
10:59 – Pitfall 1: The black box and explainability
12:19 – Pitfall 2: Getting started with limited resources
14:28 – Pitfall 3: The data strength
17:20 – Pitfall 4: Preventing AI from learning the wrong things
18:26 – Pitfall 5: AI conflicting with employee incentives
23:38 – Conclusion and advice for beginning the AI journey


The podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus. 




Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

You know that AI is transforming supply chain planning. But can you differ buzzwords from business? 

In this deep dive episode, Søren Hammer Pedersen and Stephan Skovlund guide you through the transformative journey of AI in supply chain planning. 

From the basics of AI and machine learning to the sophisticated use of language models like ChatGPT, we uncover the layers of AI applications that are revolutionizing the industry. 

Get insights on how AI not only enhances operational efficiency but also redefines strategic planning and decision-making processes in supply chain management. 

Whether you're a novice eager to understand AI's potential or a seasoned professional looking to integrate AI technologies into your operations, this episode is your gateway to the future of supply chain planning.

Key Take-Aways:

• The role of ChatGPT and AI in transforming supply chain planning
• Key benefits of integrating AI into supply chain strategies
• Practical steps for beginning with AI in supply chain planning
• The impact of AI on sales forecasting and customer service
• Overcoming challenges and leveraging AI for optimal results

Episode Contents
00:08 Introduction by Søren Hammer Pedersen
01:05 Stephan Skovlund's background and expertise
02:00 Discussing the impact of ChatGPT on AI perception in supply chain
07:24 How AI benefits supply chain planning
16:05 Utilizing language models in supply chain and inventory planning
21:36 AI in customer service as an extension of the chatbot
24:54 Round off of conversation

Today’s Host and Guest 

• Søren Hammer Pedersen, Host 
• Stephan Skovlund, Co-Founder of a Perito IBP, Roima

The podcast is brought to you by Roima, Perito IBP  
This podcast is produced by Montanus. 

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

You may have heard about “Data-driven Supply Chain Assessment”, but do you know what it means?

Why is it necessary? Who does it? And how will it impact your supply chain planning?

In this episode, Benjamin Obling, COO at Perito IBP, digs into the questions surrounding a supply chain assessment, and will answer questions like:

• What is required to conduct a data-driven supply chain assessment?
• What elements should be assessed?
• How do you actually do it – the toolbox you need.
• How to build a business case from the assessment.

Get ready to learn!


Your host is Søren Hammer Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Perito IBP.

Visit Perito IBP
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Inventory levels, working capital, safety stock.

All are hot topics in the world of supply chain planning, but the real question is: How do you optimize your supply chain without sacrificing service levels?

All of this and much more we’ll talk about in this episode of S&OP MasterClass™, where we’ve once again invited the knowledgeable Benjamin Obling to the table.

Benjamin will share his insights on:

• The influence of internal and external factors to the supply chain planning
• Stock policies and strategies
• Balancing inventory with data and gut-feeling
• And much much more.

Your host is Søren Hammer Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Perito IBP.

Visit Perito IBP
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

How do you operationalize sustainable initiatives in a huge supply chain?

In this second part of the DLG S&OP MasterClass, we ask our guest, Flemming Højsager Persson, what being part of the Science Based Targets initiatives entails, seen from the supply chain point of view.

Flemming Højsager Persson is the Head of Supply Chain Development at DLG, and will in this episode tell you about:

• Supply Chain Maturity and Sustainability
• How to handle owners and other stakeholders when investing in sustainability
• Consequences of sustainability for future supply chain planners

Your host is Søren Hammer Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Perito Consulting.

Visit Perito Consulting
Visit DLG

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This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

How does a large corporation like DLG work with sustainability? Industriously!

(Please note that this is part 1 of a 2-part mini-series on DLG's sustainability work in their supply chain. Stay tunes for part 2 in episode 10.)

DLG has just been approved by the Science Based Targets initiatives. For DLG this means mapping emissions diligently (also scope 3) as well as committing to and operationalizing ambitious sustainability targets.

This is part 1 in a 2-part-series on DLG's supply chain setup. Make sure to listen in on episode 10, where we'll continue the talk.

In this interview, you will meet Head of Supply Chain Development, Flemming Højsager Persson at DLG, who will elaborate how the sustainability commitment impacts supply chain.

In the episode, you’ll learn about:

• How the Science Based Targets impacts the DLG supply chain
• How DLG expects supply chain planning will change over the next years
• The business case behind emission targets and goal setting
• And much more …

Your host is Søren Hammer Pedersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Perito Consulting.

Visit Perito Consulting
Visit DLG

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This Podcast is brought to you by Perito Consulting
This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Production
This podcast is brought to you by Roima.
This podcast is produced by Montanus.