The S&OP process can vary from organization to organization, as each company’s departments and goals will be slightly different. However, there are a few common steps that most planners tend to implement, as presented by Thomas Wallace and Robert Stahl. Data gathering: Information is collected on past sales and trends and used to create forecasts. Demand planning: This step includes checking forecasts, accounting for possible variability, revising customer services policy, tracking sources of demand, and creating promotion plans. Supply planning: The company’s ability to meet current and future demand is assessed. This is done by reviewing available inventory and capacity and then scheduling future operations. Plan reconciliation: Supply and demand plans are measured against the organization’s financial considerations. Finalize and present the S&OP: The plan is finalized and is ready to present to the organization and shareholders.