Animex

Animex

Our collaboration with MPM started in November 2018. We were looking for a company with experience in implementing solutions supporting integrated supply chain management and  knowledge of the best practices and methods used in this area. We were also looking for a company that understands and knows the conditions of doing business in Poland and Europe.

We began with a series of training sessions. In total, over a dozen individuals participated in several training modules, covering a wide spectrum from the broader perspective of the entire supply chain, through S&OP and MPS planning, inventory management, to production scheduling. We wanted all members of our project team to have reliable, in-depth and balanced knowledge of the best methods of managing an integrated supply chain. We have involved over a dozen individuals from diverse business areas in the project.

In December 2018, a comprehensive diagnosis of our supply chain management processes was conducted at one of our plants. Following a review of the diagnosis report with the MPM consultant, we made the decision in early January to proceed with a project implementation pilot at one of our plants.

Alongside the training, in May 2019, we initiated work on the project, which has been managed by three implementation teams. These teams convene monthly to review progress, plan upcoming tasks, and share insights and experiences. During these meetings, facilitated by an MPM consultant supporting the project, we collectively assess outcomes and refine strategies. Among our consultants, we selected one who had led some of the training sessions attended by members of our implementation teams. Our criteria were not only sound theoretical expertise but also extensive practical experience in integrated supply chain management—a combination we found in our chosen consultant at MPM.

The implementation of integrated planning proved to be an exploratory journey, with the team encountering surprises almost daily as they navigated through uncharted waters, gaining fresh insights into their company's dynamics from a new SCM perspective.

Initially, we grappled with assigning individual indexes of finished goods to the appropriate key categories. Much time was dedicated to defining suitable horizons and level of detail for sales forecasting. With guidance from the MPM consultant, we gained clarity that not all indices required forecasting over the same extended horizon.

We initiated regular monitoring of customer service level results and sales values disaggregated into individual product categories, a practice we had only sporadically conducted previously.

With the guidance of the MPM consultant, we defined or redefined key KPIs for each element of the supply chain.

Additionally, the consultant advocated for the utilization of the RACSI model to structure processes and allocate responsibilities effectively.

Despite the comprehensive knowledge gained from the training sessions, disagreements arose frequently regarding various issues, change implementations, or process trajectories. In such instances, the MPM consultant adeptly steered discussions back on track, providing valuable reference points, recommending best practices, and elucidating the repercussions of suboptimal solutions. Their unwavering support has proven invaluable to the implementation team.

We are pleased to report the successful achievement of the SCM implementation pilot's objectives. Specifically, we have made substantial and sustainable enhancements to the completeness and timeliness of deliveries, as measured by the On-Time In-Full (OTIF) index, within the product group encompassed by the pilot's scope, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness in our processes.

Animex has made significant strides in enhancing its supply chain management system, laying the groundwork for MPS and MRP implementation while also establishing demand forecasting processes. Through meticulous analysis, numerous obstacles hindering resource efficiency were identified and addressed. The initiation of the S&OP process marks a pivotal step forward, fostering a comprehensive approach to supply chain management and enabling the systematic resolution of underlying issues.

Following a thorough evaluation of the pilot project's outcomes, the Management Board opted to extend the initiative to encompass additional categories and plants, underscoring Animex's commitment to continual improvement in its supply chain processes. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our efforts remained steadfast. Initially apprehensive about navigating through the era of isolation and travel restrictions, we swiftly adapted by leveraging remote communication channels to ensure uninterrupted project momentum.

While the methods and frequency of communication underwent modification, our collaboration with MPM and internal teams remained highly effective, enabling us to identify and address new areas for improvement on a regular basis. We wholeheartedly endorse partnering with MPM, even amidst significant travel restrictions, as their adaptability to remote working environments ensures seamless project continuity. By embracing remote support mechanisms, we have capitalized on enhanced accessibility and efficiency, allowing us to advance our journey without disruption.

Andrzej Abramowicz, Managing Director        

Paweł Stępniak, Procurent

2020