The harmonized planning system delivers a single-source planning process

providing AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals with real-time visibility

Achieving a harmonized S&OP process involved creating a common planning system for all Business Units with Arkieva.

Starting the Journey to Harmonized Planning

As one of Arkieva’s oldest clients, AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals began their S&OP improvement in 2001. The Specialty Chemicals business units previously used a variety of solutions to manage demand planning and inventory optimization, including both software and spreadsheets. With the Arkieva One-Plan
implementation, the company now has a harmonized supply chain planning process – bringing everyone into a single system for planning and measuring metrics.

Arkieva One-Planning for All Business Units Under AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals
In 2016, the team at AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals embarked on a journey to build a harmonized system across all Business Units, starting with Demand Forecasting, with a primary objective to allow users to collaborate in real-time, plan, and create reports from one single environment. This project eliminated the need for manual Excel spreadsheets.

“We are impressed by the company’s commitment to providing improved collaboration and visibility even as you move higher up within the organization. The partnership with Arkieva shows the dedication of AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals to delivering innovative products in the chemical manufacturing space while having streamlined processes that allow for better service levels. Simply put – we are extremely honored to be part of this journey. AkzoNobel has been able to achieve an enviable level of S&OP maturity with their supply chain that many businesses only dream of achieving. The progression and results have been amazing to see!” says Shankara Gurumurthy, Supply Chain Optimization Practice Director, Arkieva.

One-Planning Process
The AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals division now has a harmonized planning process using the Arkieva Supply Chain Planning Suite. The one-plan S&OP process begins with an integrated model that carries out demand, inventory, supply, financial planning and S&OP reporting for the entire business. The multi-user collaborative features of Arkieva allow 1500+ global users including on-the-road sales managers access in the Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America at different security levels while providing offline Excel integration and collaboration.

Arkieva One-Plan Benefits Include:

• Harmonized S&OP process across all AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals Business units.
• Integrated financial planning system used by Controllers and Financial Analysts to create and manage budgets.
• Event-based triggers to alert planners and key stakeholders of possible disruptions across the Supply chain.

Future Outlook
The team at AkzoNobel employs a continuous improvement strategy that allows for ongoing enhancements to existing processes. AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals is looking to use Arkieva’s web-based dashboards to enhance visibility and decision-making in the near future.

About AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals

Industries worldwide rely on our essential chemistry in the manufacture of everyday products such as paper, plastics, building materials, and personal care items. Building on the dedication of our employees and our shared commitment to safety, sustainability, and open innovation, we have established a world-class business and built strong partnerships with our customers. We operate in over 80 countries around the world, and our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Eka, Dissolvine, Trigonox, and Berol.

About Arkieva Supply Chain Software

Arkieva is more than a supply chain software technology company. We are a team of dedicated data scientists, software developers, and supply chain optimization consultants with one simple goal – to help manufacturers improve results through better supply chain planning. To achieve this goal, we create the link between people, process, and technology by providing easy-to-use, configurable, collaborative planning solutions that encourage a more synchronized planning process.