Efficient Supply Chain Management with Kinaxis Maestro and TraceLink

In this document, we will walk you through the process of optimizing supply chain planning, orchestration, and collaboration using Kinaxis Maestro and the TraceLink Opus platform. This method enables seamless coordination across various stakeholders and helps to ensure timely and efficient fulfillment of orders.

Step 1

Begin by launching Kinaxis Maestro. As a comprehensive supply chain planner, ensure that both actual customer orders (indicated in green) and forecasted orders (in blue) are met in full and on time across the planning horizon.

Step 2

Currently, there are no anticipated demands at risk within the planning horizon. The oncology products handled possess a complex bill of materials that includes various levels, such as CMOs, CPOs, and material suppliers.

Step 3

Take, for example, the component D1510, sorbic acid, which is pivotal within the bill of materials. Any disruption in its supply could lead to shortages and affect customer service levels. Review the planning sheet for D1510, with the planning horizon organized in weekly increments.

Step 4

In the short-term horizon, observe the firmed purchase orders, while in the longer-term horizon, view the planned orders produced by Kinaxis Maestro's concurrent planning engine. Ensure that CMOs and suppliers, including partners like Novocurex, commit to this forecast to secure the plan. Prior to utilizing the TraceLink connector, planned orders had to be manually extracted into Excel files, sent via email to partners, and their feedback manually inputted back into Maestro.

Step 5

Previously, this manual process was disconnected, time-consuming, and prone to errors. The TraceLink connector now allows the automatic conversion of supply plans consisting of planned orders into a forecast plan, digitally distributed to the partner network.

Step 6

Connect to TraceLink Mint, where partners like Novocurex review the forecast plan from Biogenica. Partners have the option to integrate this forecast plan into their ERP or planning systems, facilitated by TraceLink Mint's support for various integration types.

Step 7

The supply chain planner at Novocurex receives a notification to review the forecast plan. With a single click, the forecast is copied into a new transaction termed Forecast Plan Response. Novocurex can modify dates and quantities according to their ability to meet supply forecast requirements.

Step 8

In this scenario, Novocurex indicates an inability to fulfill some required quantities. The planner submits the forecast plan response via TraceLink Mint. Back in Kinaxis Maestro, download the scenario reflecting the forecast plan response from Novocurex.

Step 9

The TraceLink forecast response transaction is visible on the planning sheet, highlighting shortages anticipated in July for the component. Maestro's concurrent planning capability shows the implications for finished products, revealing shortages and delays for customers, which are indicated in yellow.

Step 10

It is evident that normalcy will not be restored until the end of the year, impacting oncology product availability for the upcoming months. Dual sourcing is available for this component.

Step 11

Consider utilizing the dual sourcing option to alleviate the supply shortage of part D1510 in a new planning scenario. Maestro generates new planned orders for an alternate supplier to balance supply against demand and prevent at-risk forecast quantities. Submit these new planned orders to the alternate supplier, already onboarded and integrated via TraceLink network success teams on the TraceLink Mint network.

Step 12

The TraceLink connector has eliminated the need to onboard partners and establish costly point-to-point integrations. Additionally, CMO Novocurex can send real-time inventory balance transactions for materials stored in their facilities, enhancing inventory visibility and preventing delayed inventory adjustments.

Step 13

This real-time reflection is automatically updated in Kinaxis Maestro, improving end-to-end planning accuracy and enhancing replenishment calculations to avoid excess inventory and shortages. You can visualize actual inventory in the planning sheet and make more informed decisions. Thank you for participating in this demonstration of supply chain planning, orchestration, and collaboration using Kinaxis Maestro and the TraceLink Opus platform.