Accenture and SAP are combining forces to develop extended materials requirements planning (MRP) solutions based on SAP S/4HANA to optimise manufacturing industry ROI through more responsive, real-time digital supply chains that both improve materials flow and reduce costs.

The solutions will augment Demand Driven MRP planning capabilities with predictive MRP functionality in SAP S/4HANA, providing MRP simulations that support analyses and forecasts to address capacity issues, component demands for negotiations with suppliers, and engineering changes, while enabling organisations to evaluate the impact of demand changes and supply disruptions.

“Because today’s consumers expect short lead times and higher flexibility when ordering products, it’s time for product companies to change the status quo,” said Eric Schaeffer, senior managing director and head of Accenture’s Industrial practice.

Accenture will provide best practices, business case analysis and deployment support to accelerate customer adoption of demand driven MRP in the industry.

“We believe this work will expand our joint solution portfolio built on SAP S/4HANA,” said Hans Thalbauer, senior vice president, digital supply chain and IoT, SAP.

“Collaborating with Accenture, we plan to offer customers exciting new planning capabilities, while supporting real-time, end-to-end supply chain visibility and responsiveness,” he added.

Hershey selects Accenture to implement SAP S/4 HANA

Historic US chocolate manufacturer, The Hershey Company, recently chose Accenture to implement SAP S/4HANA as part of its overall growth strategy to streamline manufacturing and supply chain processes and gain real-time customer insights to improve decision-making at the more than 120-year-old company.

“We are focused on helping Hershey bring innovation to market, maximise its business performance, and operate even more efficiently,” said Richard Simon, a managing director in Accenture’s Consumer Goods and Services practice.

“Our collaboration with Accenture will enable us to increase competitive advantage and support our growth ambition through greater collaboration and innovation, as well as service delivery built around the needs of our customers,” said Terry O’Day, chief product supply and technology officer, The Hershey Company.