Strategic Planning & Analytics Services
How I Can Support Your Company's Growth
Is your company growing so quickly that planning, analytics, or reporting processes are struggling to keep pace? Are cross-functional processes becoming inefficient, or are valuable insights remaining siloed across departments? Is your planning team overwhelmed by increasing workload or finding it difficult to uncover actionable insights from data?
I provide customized solutions to meet your organizational goals.
Data Analysis
Expert in uncovering insights from complex data sets
Planning & Forecasting
Bringing best practices in planning, forecasting, and operations
Process Transformation
Redefining workflows for maximum efficiency
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Bridging gaps between teams for seamless operations
About Me
- Expert in planning, forecasting, BI reporting, and data analytics, with a strong record of delivering process transformations that drive operational efficiency, cost savings, and inventory control in the consumer goods industry.
- Recognized for translating complex concepts into clear, actionable documentation that drives initiative adoption and success.
- Deliver strategic game plans that transform underperforming KPIs into growth assets, resolve workflow bottlenecks, and implement data-driven solutions to streamline operations.
- Expertise spans across hardgoods and softgoods consumer products industries from start ups to multi-brand, globally matrixed organizations.
Outlined below are my key service offerings and the unique value they can bring to your organization. I am available for part-time to full-time roles, customized to meet your specific project or organizational needs. Please feel free to reach out to discuss how I can support your goals.
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence for IBP and S&OP Processes
I excel in developing and generating recurring reports and data visualizations that drive Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes. My analytical skills extend across various crucial business areas:
- Sales & Demand Planning: Forecast accuracy, historical sales trends, open orderbook & fill rate analysis
- Supply & Inventory Planning: Forecast accuracy, inventory performance summaries, excess & obsolete stock analysis
- IBP and S&OP: Executive review dashboards, sales vs. demand analysis, supply constraint reporting
- Pareto/ABC Analysis: Applying the 80/20 rule to focus on high-impact areas
Data Visualization
Creating clear, insightful visual representations of complex data sets
KPI Dashboards
Developing interactive dashboards to track key performance indicators
Forecast Accuracy
Improving demand and supply forecast accuracy through data analysis
Inventory Optimization
Analyzing inventory performance to optimize stock levels and turnover
Executive Level
Facilitate informed decision-making with executive summaries.
Associate Level
Provide insights for workflow prioritization at the associate level.
Demand and Inventory Planning
My expertise in demand and inventory planning enables organizations to optimize their inventory management and improve overall operational efficiency. My approach includes:
Multi-Channel Demand Planning
I develop comprehensive demand plans based on historical trends, existing order books, and qualitative insights from sales teams. This multi-faceted approach ensures accurate forecasting across various sales channels.
Inventory and Supply Planning
I create robust inventory and supply plans that take into account lead times, turnover objectives, and cash flow dynamics. This strategic planning helps minimize stockouts while optimizing working capital.
Product Hierarchy Implementation
I develop and implement product hierarchies and attribution systems to facilitate meaningful product-level forecasting and aggregate supply planning efficiencies.
IBP and S&OP Reporting
I generate comprehensive IBP and S&OP reports for executive-level review and meetings, ensuring all stakeholders have visibility into key metrics and performance indicators.
By implementing these improvements, I help organizations achieve better forecast accuracy, optimized inventory levels, and improved overall supply chain performance.
Process Creation and Improvement
My expertise in process creation and improvement is crucial for organizations looking to streamline their operations and enhance cross-functional collaboration. I'm skilled at facilitating communication and collaboration between departments that may be 'set in their ways.' My approach focuses on:
Workflow Definition
I meticulously define process workflows, ensuring each step is clearly outlined and understood by all stakeholders. This includes establishing timelines, scheduling milestone meetings, and identifying key deliverables.
Role Clarification
By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, I eliminate confusion and improve accountability within teams. This is particularly important in cross-functional processes like S&OP and IBP.
KPI Establishment
I work with teams to identify and establish relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with organizational goals and provide measurable benchmarks for success.
RACI Matrix Development
I implement RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrices for various processes, ensuring clear communication and decision-making channels.
My process improvement expertise spans various areas, including planning team workflows, seasonal go-to-market calendars, and comprehensive IBP and S&OP processes. My focus on creating clear, manageable steps and well-defined roles ensures smooth and achievable transitions in process implementations.
Industry-Specific Interest
While my skills are applicable across various industries, I have a particular affinity for brands that align with personal passions including:
Outdoor Adventure
Specialized knowledge in seasonal demand planning. And an avid slow hiker up big mountains.
Health & Wellness
Experience optimizing for wholesale and B2B wellness-focused businesses. Committed to supporting a healthy mind and body.
Home Furnishings
In another life, I'd be an interior designer.
Conscious Consumerism
My moto is less is more and quality over quantity. I align with brands who focus on long term impact.
My passion for these industries, combined with my professional expertise, allows me to provide tailored solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities in these dynamic sectors.
Collaborative Approach and Flexibility
My approach is collaborative and flexible, tailored to each organization's unique needs:
- Flexible Engagement: Available on a part-time to full-time basis, adapted to project requirements
- Customized Solutions: Developing tailored strategies and tools that address specific organizational challenges
- Knowledge Transfer: Ensuring that implemented processes and tools are replicable, automated, and fully integrated for long-term success
Initial Assessment
Thorough understanding of your organization's processes, challenges, and goals.
Strategy Development
Collaboratively developing a tailored strategy that aligns with your business objectives.
Implementation
Working closely with your team to implement new processes, tools, and best practices.
Ongoing Support
Providing continued guidance and refinement to ensure long-term success and adoption of new practices.
My goal is to empower your team with the knowledge and tools to maintain and build upon improvements long after the engagement ends.
Get in Touch
Reach out to me directly to discuss your company's needs and how I can support your growth.
Connect with me on LinkedIn to learn more about my professional background and experience:
Emily Tharpe