A "Fun" Article! S&OP vs. Herding Cats, Key Differences You Need to Know

In the world of CPG business operations, few things are as challenging as Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). Or so you might think—until you’ve tried herding cats. Both tasks can seem equally impossible, but there are some crucial differences between them. Let’s explore!

This was the most fun I've had with AI in a while...

Clear Objectives vs. Chaotic Confusion

S&OP: The goal of S&OP is to align sales and production plans to meet demand efficiently. It’s all about forecasting, planning, and coordination. Think strategy meetings and data crunching, and a whole lot of cross-functional love.

Herding Cats: The goal here is…well, good luck figuring that out. Cats have their own agendas. One might be lounging on the couch, another chasing an imaginary bug, and a third one hiding who-knows-where.

In S&OP, you at least have a clear objective (even if it’s hard to achieve). With herding cats, the objective is as elusive as a laser pointer dot.

Data-Driven Decisions vs. Instinct-Driven Chaos

S&OP: Decisions in S&OP are based on data. Historical consumption data, promotional plans, and inventory levels up and down the supply chain all feed into the business’ master plan.

Herding Cats: Decisions are based on pure cat instinct. No amount of data will predict whether Mittens will choose the cozy bed or the inconveniently placed pile of laundry.

S&OP relies on data and rational analysis. Herding cats relies on the whims of feline behavior—which are about as predictable as a coin toss.

Structured Meetings vs. Random Meowing

S&OP: Regularly scheduled meetings with clear agendas are a hallmark of S&OP. These meetings involve cross-functional teams discussing forecasts, inventory levels, and production schedules.

Herding Cats: Meetings? Forget about it. Cats might gather around your feet when you open a can of tuna, but that’s as close to a meeting as you’ll get. And the agenda? Eat, sleep, repeat.

S&OP involves structured, goal-oriented meetings. Herding cats involves random, food-motivated gatherings with no discernible agenda other than feed me right meow!

Alignment and Coordination vs. Individualism and Anarchy

S&OP: The essence of S&OP is getting all departments—sales, operations, finance, and more—aligned and working towards the same goal using the same numbers. It’s about coordination and collaboration.

Herding Cats: Cats are the poster children for individualism. Each cat does its own thing, with no regard for what the others are doing. Coordination? Not in their vocabulary.

S&OP is about alignment and coordination across teams. Herding cats is about wrangling a group of independent-minded creatures with knives on their paws.

Predictable Outcomes vs. Unpredictable Shenanigans

S&OP: With effective S&OP, you can predict outcomes like inventory levels, production schedules, and sales targets. There are KPIs and metrics to track progress vs your budget.

Herding Cats: Predicting the outcome of herding cats is a fool’s errand. One moment they’re all peacefully napping, and the next, they’ve got a case of the zoomies, in a frenzied chase through the house.

S&OP aims for predictable, measurable outcomes. Herding cats is an exercise in enduring the unpredictable and chaotic.

Problem-Solving vs. Crisis Management

S&OP: When issues arise in S&OP, there are problem-solving frameworks and processes in place. Teams come together to find solutions based on data and strategic thinking.

Herding Cats: When issues arise in herding cats (like a cat stuck in a tree or a standoff with a vacuum cleaner), it’s all about crisis management. Improvisation and treats are key.

S&OP focuses on structured problem-solving. Herding cats requires on-the-spot crisis management and a lot of patience. That said, treats are often used in both processes.

Conclusion: S&OP is Challenging, Herding Cats is Wild

While S&OP can be complex and demanding, it operates within a framework of goals, data, and collaboration. Herding cats, on the other hand, is an exercise in managing the unpredictable, the whimsical, and the downright chaotic. Both tasks require patience and flexibility, but only one comes with the satisfaction of achieving structured goals (and possibly fewer scratch marks).

Ready to Tame Your S&OP Process?

At Modus Planning, we specialize in helping businesses streamline their S&OP processes (no cat herding involved). Contact us today to learn how we can support you in achieving operational excellence with less chaos and more control.