valueXstream helps planners to grow proactively in their field
valueXstream offers ambitious planners an engaging learning trajectory tailored to the changing demands of the profession.
valueXstream offers ambitious planners an engaging learning trajectory tailored to the changing demands of the profession. 'In the past, a planner was purely a number cruncher,' says Marc Van Hoeck, CEO of valueXstream. 'Today, they are the conductor orchestrating information flows from various departments, harmonizing them, and translating them into appropriate actions. When someone joins us, we guide them to sharpen these skills on the job, providing our valueXstream clients with a competitive advantage.'
The role of a planner has significantly evolved in recent years. The world has become more complex, with factors such as geopolitical uncertainty, technological and ecological innovations, rising energy costs, and inflation having a daily impact on supply chains. The logistics chain is shifting from linear product and information flows to multidimensional networks of products, services, data, and information, including reverse flows.
One of the most common challenges planners face is the instability of the variables they work with. Stated production capacity is often unstable or inaccurate. Late transports lead to disruptions in the chain, and inventory is suboptimal due to significant deviations between predicted demand and actual sales. Customers are becoming more demanding and unpredictable, making the job more complex and challenging.
The role of a planner has significantly evolved in recent years. The world has become more complex, with factors such as geopolitical uncertainty, technological and ecological innovations, rising energy costs, and inflation having a daily impact on supply chains. The logistics chain is shifting from linear product and information flows to multidimensional networks of products, services, data, and information, including reverse flows.
One of the most common challenges planners face is the instability of the variables they work with. Stated production capacity is often unstable or inaccurate. Late transports lead to disruptions in the chain, and inventory is suboptimal due to significant deviations between predicted demand and actual sales. Customers are becoming more demanding and unpredictable, making the job more complex and challenging.
Complex skills required
'Being just a number cruncher is no longer sufficient,' says Marc Van Hoeck of valueXstream. 'In the past, planners worked with the data provided to them. Today, they must ensure they have the right data themselves. Excellence in execution and analytical thinking are still crucial, but not enough alone. The path to a good plan has become longer and more complex, which also makes it fascinating.'
Today's successful planner understands the business and knows how to add value. They can assess the risks and feasibility of a plan. With a holistic view of the supply chain, they connect people from various functions and departments. A good planner questions things and communicates easily with both the financial director and the machine operator. They possess analytical skills, derive insights from data, and translate them into the right planning decisions. In addition to IT knowledge, they are proficient in statistical and mathematical modeling tools and are familiar with the possibilities of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Complex skills required
'Being just a number cruncher is no longer sufficient,' says Marc Van Hoeck of valueXstream. 'In the past, planners worked with the data provided to them. Today, they must ensure they have the right data themselves. Excellence in execution and analytical thinking are still crucial, but not enough alone. The path to a good plan has become longer and more complex, which also makes it fascinating.'
Today's successful planner understands the business and knows how to add value. They can assess the risks and feasibility of a plan. With a holistic view of the supply chain, they connect people from various functions and departments. A good planner questions things and communicates easily with both the financial director and the machine operator. They possess analytical skills, derive insights from data, and translate them into the right planning decisions. In addition to IT knowledge, they are proficient in statistical and mathematical modeling tools and are familiar with the possibilities of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Short classroom training and intensive on-the-job guidance
'We are looking for planners with several years of experience who want to develop these skills further,' says Hilde Lenaerts, senior supply chain expert. 'We take them out of their comfort zone and help them grow in their profession through intense guidance.'
After a classroom training program, the planner begins their assignment with the client. Hilde Lenaerts explains, 'For a few weeks, they create a plan as they always have. We then critically analyze this plan together. Our experienced consultants, with expertise in various sectors, provide input. How can it be improved? What are the quick wins? Where is the potential?
Short classroom training and intensive on-the-job guidance
'We are looking for planners with several years of experience who want to develop these skills further,' says Hilde Lenaerts, senior supply chain expert. 'We take them out of their comfort zone and help them grow in their profession through intense guidance.'
After a classroom training program, the planner begins their assignment with the client. Hilde Lenaerts explains, 'For a few weeks, they create a plan as they always have. We then critically analyze this plan together. Our experienced consultants, with expertise in various sectors, provide input. How can it be improved? What are the quick wins? Where is the potential?
Learning by doing
In the following months, planners apply the new insights to continuously improve planning processes within the company and their output. 'We strongly believe in learning by doing,' says Hilde Lenaerts.
'There is no better way to learn than in practice, with real data and actual product flows. The profession is changing so rapidly; standing still is not an option. To make a difference in the future, continuous learning is essential, and at valueXstream, we gladly invest in our talent. This benefits not only the client but also the planner and our company. As supply chain experts, we have our eyes set on the future. We want specialists in our ranks who excel in their field, and we are willing to make the effort for that.'
Learning by doing
In the following months, planners apply the new insights to continuously improve planning processes within the company and their output. 'We strongly believe in learning by doing,' says Hilde Lenaerts.
'There is no better way to learn than in practice, with real data and actual product flows. The profession is changing so rapidly; standing still is not an option. To make a difference in the future, continuous learning is essential, and at valueXstream, we gladly invest in our talent. This benefits not only the client but also the planner and our company. As supply chain experts, we have our eyes set on the future. We want specialists in our ranks who excel in their field, and we are willing to make the effort for that.'
If you encounter increasing complexity in the supply chain in your work and dream of having more impact on end-to-end supply chain processes as a planner, contact Marc Van Hoeck or Hilde Lenaerts.