Why Spreadsheets-Based Supply Chain Planning Enterprise Solutions Do Not Scale

Spreadsheets are a common tool for businesses of all sizes, and they are often used for supply chain planning. However, as your business grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to rely on spreadsheets as the primary supply chain planning tool. Here's why spreadsheets-based supply chain planning enterprise solutions do not scale:

Limited data capabilities:
Spreadsheets are limited in their ability to handle large amounts of data. As your business grows, you will likely have more data to manage, including orders, inventory, and demand. A spreadsheet-based supply chain planning solution will struggle to handle all of this data effectively, leading to errors and inefficiencies.

Lack of real-time capabilities:
Spreadsheets are not designed to handle real-time data. If you need to make adjustments to your supply chain based on changing demand or other factors, it will be difficult to do so quickly using a spreadsheet-based solution. This can lead to delays and missed opportunities.

Inability to collaborate:
Spreadsheets are not designed for collaborative work. If multiple team members need to access and update the same spreadsheet, it can be difficult to keep track of changes and ensure that everyone has the most up-to-date information. This can lead to confusion and inefficiencies.

Limited reporting and analytics:
Spreadsheets do not have advanced reporting and analytics capabilities. This makes it difficult to get a comprehensive view of your supply chain and make data-driven decisions.

Manual processes:
Spreadsheets require manual input and updating, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. As your business grows, these manual processes become increasingly inefficient and may require additional staff to manage.

In short, spreadsheet-based supply chain planning enterprise solutions do not scale well as businesses grow. They are limited in their data capabilities, lack real-time capabilities, are difficult to collaborate on, have limited reporting and analytics capabilities, and require manual processes. If your business is looking to scale, it's time to consider a more robust supply chain planning solution.

Watch this webinar to see how AmeriCo. Group improved their planning performance by switching from using +60 Excel spreadsheets to  SAP IBP (and keeping the same Excel template)