<Ul> <Li> Rely on a phased approach: S&OP is much more an integrated set of business processes and technologies than a single, all - encompassing process or technology . If you just focus on the implementation of a new technology and think that S&OP will miraculously take shape, you're wrong . </Li> <Li> Develop an "outside - in" sequence of S&OP initiatives: typically, the events that will have the most profound and negative impact on your sales and operations planning are those outside of your control . For the most part, these are due to the decisions and actions of your customers, partners, and competitors, which have a direct impact on your revenue and your competitor's strategy . </Li> <Li> Focus on more information, less data: another key to successful S&OP is clean, current, and accurate data . Plans are often slowed down by the effort of gathering data that has minimal importance to the overall project . It is important to ensure that you know exactly what business problem you are trying to resolve and understand the minimum data necessary for the project . </Li> <Li> Provide effective leadership for the process . S&OP crosses organizational boundaries--that is its strength but also its vulnerability . Many businesses find that their attempts to implement S&OP are frustrated by internal tensions between departments . Classic best practice suggests that S&OP must be owned to the Chief Executive Officer . If that is not possible then a strong united coalition of department heads may be able to lead the process if they set clear ground rules and boundaries for working together . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Rely on a phased approach: S&OP is much more an integrated set of business processes and technologies than a single, all - encompassing process or technology . If you just focus on the implementation of a new technology and think that S&OP will miraculously take shape, you're wrong . </Li> <Li> Develop an "outside - in" sequence of S&OP initiatives: typically, the events that will have the most profound and negative impact on your sales and operations planning are those outside of your control . For the most part, these are due to the decisions and actions of your customers, partners, and competitors, which have a direct impact on your revenue and your competitor's strategy . </Li> <Li> Focus on more information, less data: another key to successful S&OP is clean, current, and accurate data . Plans are often slowed down by the effort of gathering data that has minimal importance to the overall project . It is important to ensure that you know exactly what business problem you are trying to resolve and understand the minimum data necessary for the project . </Li>

Which part of the organization is not normally involved in the sales & operations planning process