Business

A Brief Guide To Business Integrated Planning

Arnab Dey

Business Jun 20, 2022

First, let’s begin by stating the definition of integrated business planning (IBP). While used across vast industries, it also can’t be denied that it’s not exactly the most popular term in the business sector. To set it straight this early on, IBP is an enhanced form of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) that includes the entire value chain of the business that uses it.

The whole premise of IBP is that it ties together profit-related and strategic business objectives with short and mid-term operational planning decisions through a cross-functional scenario analysis.

Despite its importance, so many businesses still struggle to get started with IBP. Likewise, once they’ve created it, the struggle may not end there since they may find it challenging to integrate it into their entire operations.

To further convince you that it’s definitely worth giving business integrated planning (IBP) a second look. Here’s a brief guide to help you get started as you enrich your knowledge with more information and realize that it’s ideal and feasible for your business.

What business Integrated Planning (IBP) Does

Compared to S&OP, business integrated planning has various advantages. To begin, one of its most significant benefits is that it assists in aligning all of an organization’s different divisions and activities toward a common purpose. This results in ‘soft’ benefits such as increased trust and confidence.

Companies using IBP in their system can expect the following benefits:

1. It Supports Business’ Long-Term Strategy

S&OP methods are most commonly used to support medium-term planning strategies with a maximum period of 18 months. IBP, on the other hand, operates for a longer time to coincide with long-term strategic planning. This includes budgetary planning, as information is entirely compatible with budgets.

2. It Increases Visibility

The term ‘visibility’ refers to supply chain and strategic plan projections. Cross-departmental visibility will improve, allowing those projections and plans to be consolidated into a single corporate strategy, both on your own and with the help of professionals such as a business development consultant. This has the additional advantage of potentially generating better and more robust financial ventures.

3. It Measures Performance In Financial Terms

IBP can evaluate financial performance goals and achievements, mainly when they’re applied from a financial standpoint. This proves to be a significant advantage for firms because it allows them to track their financial objectives. Keep in mind that when your business has that information, effective business management can now be within reach.

4. It Consistently Delivers Outstanding Results

IBP leaders have consistently shown timely and well-delivered outstanding results. This brings in improvements in both the bottom-line and top-line customer service of a company.

5. It Fosters Better Supply & Planning Decisions

Supply chain planning is one of the most critical components that firms must understand. Poor supply chain planning can have disastrous consequences, affecting corporate operations.

You can’t meet client requests if you don’t have enough supplies at any particular time. Not only will you lose economic potential, but you’ll also lose consumer satisfaction. On the other hand, if the supply is overabundant, there will be a lot of waste and surplus storage. This can cause unduly high warehouse operating expenses.

Additionally, if you’re finding it challenging to have optimal supply chain operations, that’s when IBP will come in handy. The information it carries can help support supply chain planning. Now, it’s possible to identify decisions that can improve the bottom line, influencing supply chain planning while enhancing profits.

6. It Improves Accountability Throughout The Organization

Accountability means that you can immediately identify failure to deliver and unsatisfactory performance. That way, they may be addressed before the problems worsen. Better accountability is a natural result when each department has a better knowledge of its plans and responsibilities.

What Are The Basic Elements Of Business Integrated Planning

IBP’s ability to integrate its finances with its business operations is critical. Other fundamental requirements, on the other hand, are as follows:

1. Marketing & Sales Strategy

This is what closes the loop with strategic planning and market research. The sales strategy can be considered successful when the products and services are sold at the expected level.

2. Demand Forecasting & Predictive Analysis

This refers to the use of qualitative methodology, which is regularly checked against the actual sales results.

3. Market Research & Strategic Planning

With this, all documents needed to develop the research and planning methods are available to all employees who need them. Moreover, goal-setting and strategy processes are also well-achieved, without any exceptions.

4. Profitability Analysis

The profitability of a business is shaped by specific financial metrics identified as the cost of goods sold (COGS), net and operating profit margin, and the business’ cash flow. Furthermore, a more accurate profitability analysis can be achieved when all this information is adequately identified.

What Are The Common Pitfalls

A discussion on business integrated planning can’t be complete without discussing the pitfalls and risks when applying it to your business. In addition, awareness of those risks can give you an idea of what needs to be avoided for your IBP efforts and pursuit to be successful.

To start, here are some of the common risks related to business integrated planning:

A lack of commitment comes from the departments responsible.
A thorough understanding of what the trade-offs may be lacking.
Targets and forecasts can be mixed.
Decisions and plans may be too granular.
Information may not be readily available as you expected it to be.

Final Thoughts

Business integrated planning may be highly technical, but it’s not hard to master, especially when you make it a clear-cut goal to learn and adapt for your business. In essence, it combines classic planning, cloud-based solutions, and modern machine-learning heuristics to make better predictive functions.

If you’re keen on applying IBP in your business, it would be best to consult the experts to guide you through the right process. When you have an expert team working to implement this, you can be sure how IBP can benefit your business and yield exemplary results in the long run.

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Arnab Dey

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

FOB vs CIF: What Are The Differences?

FOB vs CIF: What are the differences between the two? – There are many differences between CIF and FOB. However, there is one principal difference. In FOB, the seller gives up responsibility for the goods once they are loaded onto the ship. However, in a CIF agreement, the seller has the responsibility for the goods until they reach the destination port. After that, the buyer assumes responsibility. FOB vs CIF: A General Overview Of Shipping Agreements According to Investopedia, “Cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) and free on board (FOB) are international shipping agreements used in the transportation of goods between buyers and sellers. They are among the most common of the 11 international commerce terms (Incoterms), which were established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in 1936.” Although the definitions of FOB and CIF differ with countries, both contracts contain details on origin and destination information. These data help in determining the beginning and end of liabilities. Apart from that, these pieces of information also outline the responsibilities of both buyers and sellers based on scenarios. What Is Free On Board (FOB)? Under the free-on-board (FOB) agreement, the supplier of the product does not take responsibility for the goods after they go into the shipping vessel. Hence, the supplier pays only for the transport of the good to the port and onto the vessel. As a result, the seller of the product has limited responsibilities for the goods under the contract. After the goods go into the ship, the buyer of the product takes on the responsibility of the goods. The buyer takes full responsibility once the voyage starts. This includes transport, insurance, and other added fees. The buyer also pays for the unloading of the goods. What Is Cost, Insurance, And Freight (CIF)? Sellers use this technique mostly during large deliveries, especially for oversized goods that they ship by sea. The seller of the good takes responsibility for the good until it is delivered to the buyer’s port. The buyer assumes full responsibility for the goods as soon as it reaches the destination port. Hence, if there are extra costs after the good reaches the destination port, the buyer will need to take responsibility for the same. After the payment, the transport service transfers the documentation for the goods over to the buyer. FOB vs CIF: Major Pros And Cons According to an article on Alibaba.com, “With a CIF agreement, the seller is liable for the goods during transit, and with a FOB, the buyer is liable for the goods during transit. […] Generally, FOB is considered a more cost-effective approach. This is because buyers can make more cost-effective decisions about the shipment, such as buying the minimum insurance policy or going with a lower-cost freight company since they are in control.” The following are the major pros and cons of FOB and CIF that you must know: Pros And Cons Of Free On Board (FOB) Here are the major pros of FOB that you will benefit from: The buyer of the product has more control over the delivery process. It is possible for the buyer to make various cost-effective decisions in some cases. The seller does not have to take responsibility for added costs. Here are the major cons of FOB that you need to be aware of: Since the buyer has more responsibilities, the individual will need to deal with added costs if necessary. If the goods are damaged during transit, the seller is not responsible for that. This might send the buyer into an absurd situation. Pros And Cons Of Cost, Insurance, And Freight (CIF) Here are the major pros of CIF that you will benefit from: The seller has more control over the goods delivered to the customer. Also, the buyer of the product has little to no responsibility when it comes to the delivery of the product. The buyer gets a more seamless experience with the CIF process. As a result, the delivery process is less stressful for the buyer. As the buyer is getting more convenient with this process, it gives the seller a certain advantage over its competitors. Here are the major cons of CIF that you need to be aware of: The seller has to take full responsibility for the damage to goods in transit. Buyers of the product have little to no control over the cost of the delivery process. There can be additional costs for sellers. This raises the costs of the goods at the time of delivery. FOB vs CIF: Which Is The Best One To Buy? During international shipping, most companies opt for either Free on Board (FOB) or Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) agreements. According to Investopedia, “Inexperienced buyers typically prefer CIF, which places much of the shipping responsibility on the seller, including shipping costs, insurance, and freight to the destination port, while giving the buyer greater convenience. However, because the seller takes on more risk and responsibility, CIF often comes with a higher cost.” Basically, in CIF, the seller of the product takes care of almost everything up to the final delivery at the destination port of the buyer. On the other hand, the ones that have enough experience in international shipping tend to prefer FOB. This is because they have more control over the goods in this case. When the goods leave the ship, the responsibility for the goods goes to the buyers. The seller considers the goods as delivered once they clear the goods for export and load them onto the shipping vessel. Apart from that, the FOB also offers flexibility over logistical details. These are to learn the needs of the buyer and to lower the costs since the seller cannot negotiate directly with shipping companies. On a side note, the scale and expertise of the company also determine the choice between FOB and CIF. Wrapping Up FOB vs CIF: Hope this article was helpful enough to provide accurate information. You can see from the article that, in general, sellers choose FOB more than CIF. However, if it is a big item and you want to have more control as a seller, choose CIF. Consider sharing your ideas and opinions with us in the comments section below. Explore More Finance By Clicking Below!! Periodic Inventory System: What Is It, How It Works, Applications, And More What Is Free Alongside Ship? Essential Things To Know About It Cost Insurance Freight? Everything You Should Know About It

Needle In A Haystack: Unlock The Secrets Of Top-Notch Local SEO In The Big City

As a new or small business, competing with other larger, more established businesses can feel like a towering impossibility, however, with the right approach to your local SEO, you can carve out a slice of the proverbial pie. In this article, we’re going to show you how to unlock the secrets of top-notch local SEO in the big city. Read on if you want to take things to the next level! 1. Create & Optimise your Google My Business profile First things first you need a GMB profile. This is the key to growing your online awareness in your local area. Provide detailed descriptions using the appropriate localised keywords (e.g., best New York City deli). Choose the appropriate category / sub-category for your business. Verify your profile by providing the relevant contact details (i.e., Name, Address, Phone Number, Email, etc.). Upload quality photos of your establishment, products and/or services (street-view shots help tremendously). Add extra details including parking, accessibility, and other useful information. 2. Go all out on your keyword research Don’t underestimate the value of proper keyword research. It’s not enough to simply write some generic info about your business, you need to flesh your GMB page and website out with various keyword search phrases that people in your local area are actively searching. If you’re up against some stiff competition, look for ‘long-tail keywords’ with less competition and lower search volumes (don’t worry, when done right these can have impressive conversion rates). Then, start leveraging content marketing and build your authority. 3. Engage in local link-building and community outreach There are many ‘white hat’ methods for link building and partnering with local businesses in your area is one of them. For example: If you are a local gym, you could write a blog post about the best gym attire and link to a local sports clothing store. They could then return the favour by creating a blog post about the best local gyms to train in, linking back to you. 4. Submit your business to local directories Having a website and a well-optimised GMB page is great, but why stop there? Get your information up on as many local directory websites as possible. Every little helps with expanding your online awareness. 5. Get active on social media and engage with your local audience Social media is an immensely powerful tool that you can utilise to grow your online awareness and engage with your target audience in your local area. Set a regular content posting schedule Gather feedback on various topics Respond to all engagement on your posts (and all reviews – positive and negative) Leverage trending topics to your advantage Create funny and relevant memes. There’s so much you can do to build an audience and convert those clicks into customers. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the work involved, you can hire a New York City SEO company to help strategize and manage your campaigns to lighten the load. Final thoughts The above five tips are essential for establishing a solid local SEO presence. If you can commit to all of the above and continue creating content on a weekly basis, before long you’ll surely see your online presence rise higher than you thought possible! Remember, SEO is a marathon. So, lace up those running shoes and hit the road! Additional: Digital PR: The Gamechanger Of The Marketing Landscape Trollishly: How To Establish Your E-Commerce Brand On Tiktok? 6 Tips For Growing Your Small Business And Boosting Your Bottom Line

How To Start A Dropshipping Business In 2021 – A beginners Guide

Are you willing to start your dropshipping business in 2021? If yes, you need to follow certain norms that can help you achieve the same for your business. Here you must plan the things in proper order. It will help you to achieve the desired goals for your dropshipping business. Many of you have questions in your mind about how to start a dropshipping business? The answer to this question is quite simple you have to follow certain norms as per the situation’s needs. It will help you achieve your goals effectively. Proper planning can help you to get things done in the correct order. Different Ways To Start The Dropshipping Business Multiple ways are using which you can start your dropshipping business. Here you must plan things well to get the desired goals for your business. Proper planning can help you to achieve your goals effectively. 1. Select A Niche You first need to dive into the concept that which is the best niche for your dropshipping business. Here, proper planning can help you to achieve your business goals effectively. How to start a dropshipping business is not a big question? Instead, which niche will you select to start your dropshipping business is a huge question. The reason is whichever product you select or choose; you will have to face the competition. You need to have the confidence with you that you can bypass the competition properly. Here, you need to innovate things properly. It will help you to achieve your goals. 2. Perform the Competitor Product Research You must know your competitors well, and you must do your research correctly. It will help your business to expand and proliferate at the right moment in time. Proper planning can help you to achieve your business goals properly. How to start a dropshipping business is not a big question to ask here? Instead, you must know how you can outsmart your competitors in your dropshipping business. More effectively, you need to do proper competitor research. It will help your business expand rapidly. You need to make some careful considerations here. 3. Find A Reputable Dropshipping Supplier You need to find out a reputable Dropshipping supplier that can help you achieve your business goals effectively. The reputation of the supplier will help you increase your affiliate products’ sales to a great extent. Here, you need to plan things as per your requirements that can help your business expand beyond the boundaries. The selection of the right supplier will help you build mutual trust between your customer and your business. You cannot take these factors casually at your end. 4. Build An Online Store You need to build your online E-commerce store to make your products available to your potential customers. You need to plan things properly here. How to start a dropshipping business is no longer a big question if you have a proper online store with you. Adequate planning here holds the key to developing your business in the right direction at the right point in time. Having an online store will help you achieve your desired goals for making your dropshipping business successful and providing a platform from where you can earn money at your wish. Proper arrangement of the product line will play a vital role here. You must select the best product that can help you to achieve your goals effectively. 5. Improve & Analyze Your Store All the products in your online store may not have equal demand. You need to analyze the product line that will provide you the maximum returns and have less potential to give you the required profitability. The more you know the market, the better you can develop your brand image. Identify the products in your store that are resulting in the loss of your business. Find out the critical areas of their defect and make the proper solution to eliminating these defects adequately. It will help you to achieve your business goals effectively. You need to make the right decisions at the right time to avoid the wastage of your products from your online store. Proper planning can help you to achieve your business goals effectively at the right time. 6. Properly Market Your Dropshipping Business You need to build awareness of your dropshipping business effectively. It will help you to achieve your desired goals effectively. Your potential target audience will search for the best offers from your company. Now I think that the concept is clear how to start a dropshipping business? If you can provide them the best offers that they are searching for from you, it can help you increase your profitability in the long run. Proper planning here holds the key. It can help you determine whether your potential customers will buy from you or your competitors. You must make a robust branding policy to help your business grow at a rapid pace. Is Dropshipping A Profitable Platform Now? With the growing popularity of the affiliate business model, dropshipping is one of the best business models or the platform that can help you earn in millions. It can help your business grow to the next level as you want to develop it from your counterpart. Proper planning can help you to achieve your goals in the right direction. Here you need to make your niche popular as it will help you increase the profitability of your business in the long run. The demand for dropshipping is growing at a rapid pace now. Conclusion Hence, if you plan to develop your dropshipping business in such a way that it can help you grow your affiliate marketing business effectively. Selection of the niche here is crucial as it can make or break your business in the long run. Before you start your dropshipping business, you must give a complete idea of the niche you will market your product in the market. Select the best product that can help you to select the best profitability in a short time. Ensure that you have made the right choices from your end. Read Also: What Is A Mass Market Paperback? Explained In 2021 How To Start A Landscaping Business With Less Investment In 2021 What Is A Business Development Consultant, And What Are Their Job Roles?

Vital Tips For Packing And Shipping Items Safely

Packing and shipping items safely is an essential part of ensuring that your package arrives at its destination in the same condition that it left your hands. Whether you are sending a gift to a loved one or shipping a valuable item for business purposes, it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect the contents of your package during transit. Here are some essential tips for packing and shipping items safely: Choose The Right Packaging Materials Choosing the right packaging materials is the first step in ensuring that your package arrives safely. Consider the size and weight of the item you are shipping and choose a box or envelope that is appropriate for the contents. Use sturdy, high-quality boxes made from corrugated cardboard for heavy or fragile items. For smaller items, padded envelopes or bubble wrap mailers can provide adequate protection. Be sure to use packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or shredded paper to fill any empty space in the box and prevent movement during transit. Label Your Package Clearly Label your package clearly and legibly with the recipient's name and address, as well as your own return address. Use a permanent marker or label printer to ensure that the label does not smudge or rub off during transit. For added protection, consider placing a duplicate label inside the package in case the outside label becomes damaged or lost. Consider Insurance Consider purchasing insurance for your package to protect against loss or damage during transit. Most shipping carriers offer insurance options for an additional fee. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and choose a coverage level that is appropriate for the value of the contents of your package. Use Secure Packing Tape Use high-quality packing tape to seal your package securely. Avoid using duct tape or masking tape, as these may not hold up during transit. Apply tape to all seams of the box and reinforce any edges or corners that may be vulnerable to damage. Take Special Care with Fragile Items If you are shipping fragile items, take extra care to protect them during transit. Use bubble wrap or foam wrap to wrap the item and provide cushioning. Be sure to mark the package as "Fragile" or "Handle with Care" to alert the carrier to the delicate contents of the package. Ship Items Early Shipping items early is one of the best ways to ensure that your packages make it to their destination quickly and securely. Studies have shown that when shipping boxes are sent out ahead of time, they are less likely to get lost in transit during busy times like the holiday season. Furthermore, you can usually save a bit of money on shipping costs by sending items out as soon as they’re ordered rather than waiting until a few days before Christmas. Whether you’re planning your own shopping or preparing items for your customers, make sure to capitalize on the benefits of early shipping - you may have some last-minute stringers, but when it comes down to it, having those packages delivered in time for the holidays will give everyone peace of mind this holiday season. Consider Temperature And Climate Consider the temperature and climate conditions of your shipping destination when packing your item. Extreme temperatures or moisture can damage some items, such as electronics or perishable goods. If necessary, use insulated packaging or ice packs to protect items that are sensitive to temperature changes. Follow Shipping Regulations Be sure to follow all shipping regulations and restrictions for the carrier you choose. This may include restrictions on hazardous materials or prohibited items. Failure to comply with shipping regulations can result in delays, fines, or even legal consequences. Track Your Package Use tracking services offered by your carrier to monitor the progress of your package during transit. This can help you identify any delays or issues and allow you to take action to resolve them quickly. Summary In summary, packing and shipping items safely require careful attention to detail and planning. Choosing the right packaging materials, labeling your package clearly, using secure packing tape, taking special care with fragile items, considering temperature and climate conditions, following shipping regulations, and tracking your package are all essential steps to ensure that your package arrives at its destination safely and intact. By taking these precautions, you can have peace of mind knowing that your valuable or sentimental items are protected during transit. Read Also: Why Create A Powerful Business Continuity Plan? What Is Network Marketing And How To Do It In 2021 How To Start A Business In 2021 – Best Business Strategies

A Brief Guide To Business Integrated Planning

What business Integrated Planning (IBP) Does