S&OP MasterClass

How to balance AI in supply chain planning with human judgement

AI is moving fast and it’s changing the way supply chains are run. But a big question remains: how do you tap into its power without losing control or replacing the judgment you and your team bring to the table?In this episode of the S&OP MasterClass, Søren Hammer Pedersen sits down with Benjamin Obling, a supply chain expert with 16 years at Roima.You’ll hear real examples of how companies are using AI in demand forecasting and inventory planning without cutting people out of the process. If you’ve been wondering how to get AI working for you, without creating blind spots or overreliance, you’ll want to listen in. We talk about practical ways to build trust, add smart governance, and use AI where it makes sense while keeping human judgment front and center.In this episode, you'll learn about:How to balance AI automation with human judgment in planning.Key AI-driven improvements in demand forecasting and inventory management.Importance of trust and governance in adopting AI strategies.How to determine what to automate and where humans are needed.Embracing AI while maintaining control through guardrails and alerts.Episode content00:44 The rise of AI in supply chain planning03:39 Current challenges in AI integration for planning04:51 Trust and governance in AI predictions07:03 Finding starting points for AI automation in planning08:45 Leveraging AI across different planning disciplines09:13 Identifying critical areas for human oversight12:19 Balancing automation and human judgment16:56 Knowing when to trust AI predictions19:18 Ensuring transparency in AI-driven processes23:36 Impacts of AI on sales and operations planning29:10 Future outlook for AI in supply chain planning Production This podcast is brought to you by Roima.This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Why your MRP is insufficient in the real word of S&OP and what do do about it

Do you actually trust the MRP output you get every day, or are you stuck with unrealistic plans and constant firefighting?In this episode of the S&OP MasterClass, host Søren Hammer Pedersen is joined by Roima colleague Benjamin Obling, who brings 16 years of experience in inventory, demand, supply planning, and IBP, for a deep dive into one of the most critical engines in supply chain execution: MRP.They explain why MRP often becomes unstable in real-world complexity such as BOM levels, lead time variation, MOQs, capacity rules, and multiple factories or ERP systems. They also walk through the warning signs and the business impact when MRP is not under control, including lost sales, excess inventory, air freight, and frequent changeovers.Most importantly, they share practical ways to diagnose and stabilize MRP. Topics include timestamping MRP outputs to improve transparency, fixing key inputs where data quality drives outcomes, and using a direct-derived demand view to separate stable consumption from MRP-driven volatility. If supplier forecasts keep changing and planners spend too much time correcting proposals manually, this episode is highly relevant.In this episode, you will learn about:Why MRP is a critical link between S&OP decisions and execution in daily operationsCommon signs that MRP is producing unrealistic and costly plansWhy rule-based MRP struggles in complex and constraint-heavy environmentsHow to analyze MRP volatility using locks, timestamps, and BOM-level tracingA practical approach to stabilizing supplier and capacity views using direct-derived demandHow to prioritize master data fixes without launching an endless cleanup effortWhere scenario planning and rough-cut capacity planning can support better decisions before changes reach ERP and MRPEpisode content 00:00 Welcome and why MRP matters01:05 Meet Benjamin Obling, IBP and supply chain planning expert02:10 How MRP turns S&OP decisions into execution03:35 When MRP works and when complexity breaks it05:25 Red flags: unrealistic plans and manual firefighting07:05 The business cost of poor MRP output08:30 How MRP becomes a black box over time10:40 Diagnosing MRP volatility with locks and timestamps12:35 Fixing the inputs: forecast, safety stock, MOQs, lead times15:10 Prioritizing master data fixes by impact18:05 Direct-derived demand vs. MRP noise21:10 Better decisions with rough-cut capacity and scenariosProduction This podcast is brought to you by Roima.This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Skip the honeymoon and make vendor selection work

Mastering vendor selection = cut risk and pick the right partner.Are you still choosing vendors based on pitch decks and checklists? You're absolutely not alone. It's aslo costing more than you think.In this episode of the S&OP Masterclass, Søren Hammer Pedersen talks with Benjamin Obling from Roima. Benjamin brings 15+ years of integrated business planning experience, offering insights into what works, what fails and what often slips under the radar.We cover what to look out for beyond the first demo, why finance should always be at the table early in the RFP process and how to spot misalignment before it slows everything down. This one's short, sharp and full of smart ways to fine-tune your vendor selection process.If you’re planning for a new IBP tool, or want to make sure your current setup supports the big picture, this is for you. In this episode, you'll learn about:1. Importance of aligning management before vendor selection.2. How to demo and validate vendors effectively.3. Key factors for a successful RFP process.4. Four critical tracks to focus during RFP.5. Role of concrete proof-of-concept in evaluations.6. Avoiding common pitfalls in vendor selection.Episode Content02:42 Importance of a good vendor selection process07:35 Defining business outcomes and requirements09:40 Stakeholder management in vendor selection14:02 Shortlisting vendors: Number and criteria15:31 Importance of live demos during vendor evaluation26:05 Value of proof of concepts in selection30:43 Finance’s role in strengthening the business case32:05 Four tracks to consider in the RFP process33:58 Importance of cultural fit and vendor relationships39:01 Reinforcing simplicity and avoiding overcomplicationProduction This podcast is brought to you by Roima.This podcast is produced by Montanus.

Future-proofing supply chains: From Excel to AI-driven planning

How ready is your supply chain for the next disruption?In this episode of the S&OP MasterClass, Søren Hammer Pedersen talks with integrated business planning expert Benjamin Obling about what it really takes to keep your planning sharp and resilient - especially as budget season approaches.They’ll get into why many companies still rely on tools like Excel (and the hidden cost of doing so), what agility and scalability really mean today, and where AI actually fits in. Even more importantly, they’ll focus on how to make a solid, practical case for investing in better planning infrastructure, so you’re not left patching things up when the pressure is on.If you're weighing where to allocate budget or just want a clearer view of what comes next in planning, this one's for you. It’s short, sharp and full of insights you can use. Hit play when you’re ready.In this episode, you'll learn about:How to future-proof supply chain planning for budget season.Key areas for enhancing supply chain efficiency and agility.The vital role of scenario planning in modern supply chains.Exploring the intersection of AI and supply chain planning.Leveraging cloud technology for scalable supply chain solutions.Episode Content00:39 Overview of budget season in supply chain planning  01:11 Importance of future-proofing your supply chain planning  04:28 Competitors are becoming more professional in planning  12:57 Emphasizing scalability in supply chain operations  18:01 The growing need for scenario planning in uncertain times  30:10 Structure and data governance in AI applications  32:42 Costs of inaction: stockouts and working capital issues  36:33 Building a data-driven business case for investment decisionsProduction This podcast is brought to you by Roima.This podcast is produced by Montanus.

The revenue insights hiding in your S&OP process – and how to find them

Is your S&OP process really connected to your company’s goals or is it stuck in its own lane?In this episode, Søren Hammer sits down with Benjamin Obling from Roima to talk about how supply chains can do more than just react. They can lead. They talk about what happens when operations, strategy, and finance actually work together – and what’s holding that back today.You’ll get practical insights on connecting strategic planning with real-world capacity and demand as well as examples of how smarter forecasting and aligned priorities can drive both profit and performance.If you're a supply chain leader who wants a stronger voice in the boardroom, this one’s for you.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why supply chain needs a strategic and financial seat.Hidden costs impacting revenue and company value creation.Breaking silos for strategic supply chain alignment.Using demand forecasting for strategic business simulations.How to integrate finance for a unified business plan.Episode Content00:58 Meet Benjamin Obling and his background  01:45 Linking S&OP to finance and strategy  04:22 Recent trends pushing for financial alignment in S&OP  07:00 Evolving S&OP processes and addressing operational silos  09:27 The need for a unified demand forecast  11:57 Engaging C-suite for strategic S&OP discussions  16:35 Balancing inventories with strategic decision-making  19:12 Steps to integrate revenue insights into planning  30:15 Emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision making  33:39 Aligning systems and processes for better efficiencyProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Roima.This podcast is produced by Montanus.Production This podcast is brought to you by Roima.This podcast is produced by Montanus.