The goal of every consumer-oriented enterprise is to ensure that the right product is available at the right place at the right time, in the right quality and at the lowest possible cost.

The challenge in CPG is the high transportation cost and the difficulty to optimize the route scheduling.

In the CPG environment, sales are driven largely by availability and stock freshness.

• In a difficult economy and a consolidating industry, Brown Forman – distributor of wine and spirituals - improved performance relative to competitors by a focused supply chain project implementation ensuring that inventory and production capabilities meet market demand, reducing overall inventory without compromising customer satisfaction, increasing production flexibility and simplifying transportation processes.
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• "Campina, major supplier of yoghurt, desserts and drinks, has faced continued pressure from its customers to increase their product range and packaging configurations, as well as reduce pro duct lifecycles and decrease the time to market for new product introductions. This led to a proliferation of product SKU’s and continued emphasis on high customer service in an environment of shorter order to shipment lead times. These, plus increasing levels of promotional activity, meant that the management and efficiency of their supply chain has been the primary focus for reduction of operational costs. With the business plan calling for increased margins and efficiency improvements throughout the organisation the challenge was clear – reduce supply chain costs and improve its effectiveness fast. It reacted by improving forecast accuracy, reducing safety stock levels and improving their planning processes to optimise raw material usage, plant capacity and maximise customer service and sales margin."
  Tracey Barney, General Manager Operations, Campina UK