Topic Covered

1. SAP IBP Webinar Overview
2. Sales and Operations Planning Concepts
3. SAP Planning Tools Overview
4. IBP Training and Integration Overview
5. IBP: Key Modules and Integration
6. IBP Architecture and Implementation Overview
7. IBP Training Overview and Objectives
8. SAP IBP Career Opportunities
9. IBBP Training and Career Options

SAP IBP Webinar Overview

Parminder introduced a webinar on SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP), explaining that participants would not have microphone access but could ask questions via chat. He outlined the session structure, which would cover IBP basics, modules, career opportunities, and include a Q&A session. Parminder emphasized the importance of understanding planning concepts before diving into IBP and mentioned that both self-paced and instructor-led training options are available, with Sam as the trainer for upcoming sessions.

Sales and Operations Planning Concepts

Parminder discussed the concept of planning in various business areas, focusing on sales and operations planning (SOP) and demand planning. He explained how these planning processes work across different industries, particularly in make-to-stock environments, and emphasized the importance of aligning sales forecasts with production and supply capabilities. Parminder also touched on the use of planning tools and SAP's offerings in managing sales and operations planning, encouraging participants to engage and think critically about the concepts presented.

SAP Planning Tools Overview

Parminder discussed various planning tools and their functionalities within SAP and other ERP systems. He explained that while basic planning is available in SAP S/4HANA with Material Requirement Planning (MRP), more advanced planning like Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and demand planning requires SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP). He noted that APo, another planning tool, is being phased out and replaced by IBP. Parminder also mentioned alternative planning solutions from vendors like Oracle, JDA, and Anaplan, and highlighted the importance of proper planning for production and supply chain management.

IBP Training and Integration Overview

Sam, an experienced consultant with 20+ years in production planning and 8 years in IBP, led a session on IBP, discussing its differences from SAP planning and PMRP. He explained that IBP is a cloud product that integrates with S/4HANA, offering more detailed solutions for complex scenarios compared to the basic long-term planning provided by PMRP. Parminder introduced various training and support services available, including self-paced, instructor-led, and one-on-one sessions, as well as on-job support, to help participants prepare for IBP-related jobs.

IBP: Key Modules and Integration

Sam explained the importance of Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and its demand in supply chain planning. He discussed various modules within IBP, including Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), Demand Planning, and Supply Planning. Sam emphasized the need for consultants to understand both the technical aspects and the process perspective of IBP, highlighting the integration with SAP S/4HANA and the importance of planning skills.

IBP Architecture and Implementation Overview

Sam discussed the dual purpose of learning IBP, which is to understand supply chain planning and gain technical expertise in implementing IBP. He explained the architecture of IBP, including its integration with master and transactional data, and the use of Excel and web-based interfaces for planning. Sam also touched on the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) cycle and the different ways to use IBP, such as through Excel-based views or web-based applications.

IBP Training Overview and Objectives

Sam provided an overview of the IBP (Integrated Business Planning) training curriculum, emphasizing its focus on supply chain planning processes and interactive, system-based learning. He explained that the training would cover topics such as demand planning, supply planning, and data integration, using practical use cases and modeling rather than configuration. Parminder highlighted the complexity of IBP and the importance of active participation, noting that while the training would start with basic concepts, it would require effort to fully understand and master the subject.

SAP IBP Career Opportunities

Parminder discussed the career opportunities and requirements for learning SAP IBP. He explained that existing consultants, particularly those in AP, PP, SD, MM, and FICO, can upskill to IBP due to its high demand and fewer resources. Freshers can also learn IBP and start as end users or key users, potentially earning more than conventional SAP consultants. Parminder outlined various job roles, including functional and technical consultants, demand planners, and solution architects. He emphasized the importance of key skills like forecasting, statistical modeling, supply chain network planning, and business communication. The training includes self-paced, instructor-led, and one-on-one sessions, with no prerequisites. Participants can expect a significant salary hike after completing the IBP training.

IBBP Training and Career Options

Parminder discussed training options for IBBP, explaining that both instructor-led and self-paced training are available, with instructor-led being preferred for discipline and interaction. He advised participants to choose a training method based on their personal preference and schedule, noting that self-paced training is suitable for those with specific time constraints. Parminder also addressed questions about career paths in EWM, TM, and IBBP, emphasizing that the right choice depends on one's interest and experience in areas like planning, transportation, or inventory management. He encouraged participants to reach out with any remaining questions via email or WhatsApp, and thanked them for attending the session.