Smart IP&O

Pros

We customized SDP to give us visibility on customer’s business by finished SKU. SDP Dashboard provides historical sales in a glance both by number and in graphical view. Depending on the scenario and preference data presentation either in text or visual provides key insights in past usage. SDP automatically picks up the most appropriate forecast method based on the trend.
SDP provides us framework for the tiered customers identified for forecasting. SDP’s forecast is often the starting point of conversations with customers driving our 80% of business (revenue). Customer and account manager collaboration helps fine tuning the forecast in SDP platform. For rest of the customers driving 20% business, we let SDP drive the forecast, in other words we use system generated forecast. This process is working in great favor for us as forecast vs. actuals (revenue) is within 3-5%.
Forecast accuracy is also a great tool and provides means to dig deep if forecast is off for specific customer and/or SKU

The product took some time for team to get familiar with. There were several iterations where we took team’s feedback to Smart team and tweaked the tool and data presentation to our need. Smart team was very helpful and efficient throughout the process.

Cons

We needed Smart’s help to apply some of the more advanced functions, such as the treatment of new or zero demand items, but the functionality was solid
The application is powered by transactional data automatically delivered from our Epicor ERP. This can introduce some complexity at first, but the benefits are great – eliminating the need for database creations and management, and providing fine-grained data for sophisticated analysis

Pros

Smart IP&O is user friendly, easy to learn, and navigate. It's ability to leverage various mathematical forecasting techniques is one of my favorite attributes. It is a great help in our capability to respond to unplanned demand changes, without creating obsolescence.

Cons

Smart IP&O does not have the functionality to perform an ABC stratification. This feature would be useful to our business segments and a time saver for us.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Smart IP&O

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Smart IP&O

Pros

The software UI is effortless and easy to navigate.

Cons

Not necessarily a con, but initially it does take a while to customize the settings to your business operational goals. However, the learning curve is not that steep.

Pros

The people at Smart are the key to their success. Over the years we have sent them a variety of challenges that required a range of skill sets within their organization. They have demonstrated the ability to understand the challenges, scope and document the solutions in detail, and then deliver the intended results on time and in budget.

Cons

We are currently turning what we feel is today’s biggest weakness into tomorrow’s greatest strength. Reporting out of Smart has been of limited use for us up to date. We are working to implement the next generation of reporting, the ‘Smart Studio’, into our S&OP process.

Pros

The tight integration with our Epicor ERP\Kinetic software. Without a solution to generate demand for our high mix - low volume products we would be in the dark. This tool replaces a bunch of spreadsheets that where never populate with live data.

Cons

The cost is a bit high for our size company. There are many features we do not use. This product is like any feature rich product it takes ownership and dedication to fully utilize.