UWEBC
Supply Chain and ManufacturingSales and Operations Planning

Breaking Down Silos: S&OP Cross

functional Collaboration

Discuss practical ways S&OP teams can work together more collaboratively across the organization to improve communication and make faster, better decisions.

- 11:00 am
Virtual

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Description

Many organizations find that their S&OP process breaks down not because of tools or data, but because teams struggle to work together effectively. Sales, operations, supply chain, and finance often come to the table with different goals, assumptions, and pressures. This session will explore why these disconnects happen in everyday practice (missed handoffs, unclear decision rights, competing goals, etc.) and how they impact the S&OP process.

Using real examples from UWEBC member organizations, we’ll look at simple, practical ways teams have improved collaboration. Topics may include:
  • creating shared definitions of demand
  • making assumptions visible early
  • setting up short “pre-meetings” to resolve issues before the main S&OP review
  • using consistent formats for data and updates
We’ll also discuss how teams build trust by explaining the “why” behind their numbers, not just sharing spreadsheets and presentations.

Participants will leave with specific ideas they can try right away to reduce surprises in monthly meetings, encourage honest discussion when plans don’t match reality, and keep decisions moving when departments disagree. Whether your S&OP process is new or well established, this session will offer practical steps for helping teams work together more comfortably, openly, and effectively.