Synchronizing supply and demand has always been difficult. Before the unprecedented challenges created by COVID-19, it was a perennial struggle for most businesses. Most companies found ways to balance cross-functional trade-offs effectively or facilitated decision making to help their P&Ls.
IBP processes are essential for building high-performance supply chains. A well-functioning IBP process includes five building blocks: a business-backed design, high-quality management, accountability and performance management, data, analytics, and technology. Mature IBP processes significantly improve coordination and reduce supply chain surprises. The average mature IBP practitioner realizes one or two percentage points in EBIT over companies that lack an IBP process.
When IBP processes are set up correctly, they help companies to make and execute plans, monitor and adapt strategic assumptions, and succeed in their markets. Companies should treat IBP not just as a planning process upgrade but also as a company-wide business initiative.