This new approach is made possible not by any particularly new capability of SAP's APO software. SCP and ERP systems have two key differences. First, ERP looks backwards. Every transaction, once committed, is history. SCP systems look forward.
Every transaction changes the framework on which the view of the future is based.
Second, ERP systems are built around the transaction. SCP systems model the business as a whole. That's a powerful achievement in itself. Supply Chain Performance Contract, which maintains both uptime and continuous improvement. Businesses can use the SCOR model to set goals and benchmarks against which to measure performance, and any progress in improving that performance.