How we work
We deliver the work on a fractional basis — senior planning expertise without a full-time hire — remotely and on site. For local clients, every engagement starts in the warehouse: the physical stock often explains what the reports do not show.
Process week by week
Completed in approximately two weeks*.
- 01
Before kickoff
Free 20-minute introductory call (Zoom video call) and confirmation of the engagement in the Services Agreement and Schedule A. Scheduling of the kickoff session and transmission of the Data Specification. Tier 1 data is delivered by the client within 72 hours of scheduling the kickoff.
- 02
Data and analysis
Kickoff session (one hour) and a half-day warehouse visit: the physical stock is reviewed on site. Working session with the person responsible for purchasing. Analysis: ABC/XYZ segmentation, days of coverage, excess and obsolescence valuation, and lead times by supplier, including their variability.
- 03
Findings and recommendations
Capital committed to excess and obsolete stock is quantified, together with the estimated cost of stockouts. Recommended safety stocks and reorder points are calculated from measured demand and lead-time variability. Findings are prioritized into a 90-day action plan, delivered in a written report and presented in a one-hour executive readout.
- 04
After the diagnostic
The diagnostic establishes the baseline, the ABC/XYZ segmentation, the planning parameters and the working file. This work is also the foundation for the Monthly Planning Retainer (Essential or Plus), whose monthly cycle maintains it month to month.
*The timeline is confirmed at kickoff, depending on the number of SKUs and the scope of raw materials, particularly in manufacturing operations: typically up to three weeks, or another agreed timeline. Any delay in providing data, access or decisions extends the timeline accordingly.
The monthly cycle
- Data cut-offMonthly data received and validated.
- Forecast updateSKU-level demand refreshed with the latest sales.
- Service and parameter checkResults against target; parameters updated on schedule.
- Purchase planWhat to order, how much, and when it is needed.
- Supplier follow-upOpen orders checked against promised dates.
- MeasurementFill rate and key indicators against target; causes of deviations.
- Monthly meetingEssential: monthly review meeting. Plus: S&OP light meeting — demand, inventory and supply; decisions and actions.
Beyond the monthly cycle, the following reviews take place on a longer rhythm: recalculation of A-item parameters and review of targets and of the C-item rule every three months; recalculation of B-item parameters every six months; and, in Plus, the periodic continuous improvement reviews, the annual logistics cost review and the events of each sales cycle.
What each party does
Your responsibilities and ours.
You, the client
- Provide the Tier 1 data within 72 hours of scheduling the kickoff session, and the Tier 2 records during Week 1
- Designate one point of contact with authority to answer questions and make decisions
- Provide reasonable access to premises, personnel and systems for the scheduled warehouse visit and sessions
- Make available the person responsible for purchasing for a working session during Week 1
- In the retainer: provide the monthly data extract at the agreed cut-off date, take purchasing decisions, and approve and issue purchase orders
- Take the decisions arising from the work and implement them
We, TideFlow Planning
- Carry out the analysis and deliver the deliverables within the timeline confirmed at kickoff
- Conduct the kickoff session, the warehouse visit, the session with purchasing and the executive readout
- In the retainer: manage the plan toward the agreed service target, and follow up with suppliers directly, in writing, with the client copied
- Notify the client in writing, before starting, when a request falls outside the agreed scope
- Keep the client’s information confidential and use its data solely to perform the services
- Not use the client’s name or logo in marketing materials without the client’s written consent
What you receive
Written report
Findings quantified in dollars: capital committed to excess and obsolete stock and estimated cost of stockouts; baseline service level (fill rate by line); coverage and lead-time analysis; and recommended safety stocks and reorder points.
Prioritized 90-day action plan
The corrective actions recommended, in order of priority.
Executive readout
A one-hour presentation of the findings and the action plan, on site or by video conference.
Excel working file
The complete working file with the data and analysis, including the ABC/XYZ segmentation.
Implementation, ERP configuration, supplier negotiation and physical inventory counts are not included. Spare parts and other MRO items are out of scope. Findings and recommendations are professional estimates, not guarantees of results.
Getting started
Book a free 20-minute introductory call (Zoom video call): [email protected]