Last spring, I ran my first marathon in Rotterdam. My goal was mainly to complete it entirely without a specific finishing time in mind. In my work, I spend a lot of time implementing Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes. Here too, it is mainly about a good implementation rather than a speedy one. And there are many more parallels to be drawn! Both require thorough preparation, dedication, and a systematic approach to be successful. Here are some similarities:
1. Thorough preparation
Marathon: To successfully run a marathon, you first need a good training schedule. This includes various forms of training, and attention to nutrition and rest.
S&OP Implementation: Before starting the implementation of an S&OP process, it is necessary to understand the company’s goals well, involve the right people in the project, and most importantly, create support within the company.
2. Long-term vision
Marathon: Running a marathon is a long-term goal that cannot be achieved overnight. It requires continuous effort and patience. Even in bad weather, you need to train, and conversely, when facing potential injuries, you need to rest. Although this may seem contradictory in the short term, it is essential for the long-term goal.
S&OP Implementation: Implementing an S&OP process is also a long-term project that requires consistent effort and adjustments to be effective and achieve lasting results. Setbacks, such as low availability of people, must be overcome by continually emphasizing the importance of the S&OP process while being realistic about the pace at which an organization can handle such a change.
3. Step-by-step approach
Marathon: In the first weeks of the training schedule, the distances are relatively short. Week by week, the distance is increased and the intensity is raised so that the body can adapt.
S&OP Implementation: At Involvation, we see the implementation of an S&OP as a journey: start with a simple version of the process and make improvements and expansions month after month. Each month, the process is evaluated and improved at a pace the organization can handle.
4. Data and Feedback
Marathon: Professional runners use a lot of data from their training (such as speed, distance, stride length, power, and heart rate) to monitor their progress and adjust their training plan. I limited myself to monitoring my heart rate during training to run each session at the right intensity.
S&OP Implementation: In an S&OP process, it is crucial to measure how good the plans are. Starting with a good sales forecast, but also the available capacity in production and the expected output. By regularly comparing plans and actuals and determining the causes of any differences, plans can be adjusted in the next cycle.
5. Overcoming obstacles
Marathon: The biggest obstacles during the training period for a runner are injuries. Physiotherapy and rest can help overcome them. During the race itself, "the wall" is usually the biggest obstacle: around 35 kilometers in, you hit a physical and mental low, but you have to push through. Willpower and support from others are indispensable at this point.
S&OP Implementation: Companies can face organizational resistance, limited availability, incorrect or incomplete data, and inadequate IT support during S&OP implementation. Along with the willpower to overcome these hurdles, it is important to keep improving in small steps and be mindful of what the organization can handle.
6. Team Support and Collaboration
Marathon: 
During preparation, it is beneficial to have the support of those around you. Professional runners have a whole team from physiotherapists to dietitians. You run the marathon as an individual, but in Rotterdam, you certainly don't run it alone. Tens of thousands of people cheer you on and ensure you keep going. Lee Towers has been right all these years: "You'll never walk alone!"
S&OP Implementation: The success of S&OP heavily depends on collaboration between different departments such as sales, production, finance, and logistics. The Supply Chain Management department is often the driver and organizer of the process, but without the effort and contribution of other departments, the process will not work.
7. Celebrating Success
Marathon: When you finally cross the finish line and the medal is placed around your neck (because you're too tired to put it on yourself), you feel a sense of pride and personal accomplishment. Flowers from supporters and congratulations from friends and colleagues complete the celebration.
S&OP Implementation: The biggest reward for a successful implementation is that better decisions are made and less crisis management is needed. Additionally, in my opinion, there should be more attention to celebrating successes during the implementation process. A lot is demanded of people, and small celebrations from time to time make people feel recognized and keep them motivated.
Conclusion
Both a marathon and an S&OP process require thorough preparation, iron discipline, the right data, and interdisciplinary collaboration. But with a lot of perseverance, the taste of victory proves to be sweet for both. Both bring great satisfaction and results if you follow all the steps correctly.
