Table 1

Study informants and secondary data

S&OP informants and AI experts
IDTitleExperience, interview durationAI experienceCompany profile
IndustryProduct portfolioPlant location
S&OP informants
I1S&OP manager>10 years, 120 minConsidering AIHeavy machineryRenewable energy solutionsSweden
I2S&OP manager>10 years, 90 minImplementing AIHeavy machineryPower generation equipmentSweden
I3S&OP manager>10 years, 60 minTesting AIElectrical componentsWiring devices, IT infrastructureFrance, USA
I4S&OP manager>10 years, 120 minTesting AIHeavy machineryHydraulic systemsCanada
I5Planning specialist>10 years, 90 minImplementing AIIndustrial machineryPneumatic systemsGermany
I6Demand planner>10 years, 90 minConsidering AIIndustrial machineryIndustrial machineryUK
I7Project planner>10 years, 90 minTesting AIIndustrial machineryAerospace componentsGermany
I8Supply and demand planner>8 years, 45 minConsidering AIIndustrial machineryMachining solutionsSweden
AI experts
E1AI solutions architect>10 years, 90 min>8 yearsEnd-to-end IT consultation and implementation solutionsIT transformation for high-tech manufacturingNetherlands (HQ), Germany
USA
E2Lead manufacturing and managing consultant>25 years, 60 min>6 years
E3AI adoption consultant>4 years, 75 min>4 years
Secondary materials
IDData typeDescriptionUse in this study
D1Planning toolsExcel, ERP, SIOP/MPS toolTo infer the potential for AI integration in current companywide systems
D2Process documentationS&OP PlaybookTo provide insight into current S&OP practices
D3ForecastingCurrent forecasting methods and outputsTo infer forecasting specifics concerning the potential for AI integration
D4Demand planningCurrent demand planning processesTo infer the potential for AI integration in demand planning processes
D5Accuracy metricsDemand plan accuracy metricTo demonstrate potential for controlling AI improvement in forecasting
D6Decision makingDecision logTo show current reliance on human judgment
D7Manufacturing planningCMMS SAP R/3 PM moduleTo infer the potential for AI integration in manufacturing scheduling systems
D8Issue managementEscalations and actions under SIOPTo infer the potential for AI integration in future collaboration systems
D9Continuous improvementCI need reportsTo infer the potential for AI integration through current continuous improvement processes
D10Workforce planningStrategic Workforce Planning tool (SWP) TM1To infer the potential for AI integration in workforce planning systems
D11Strategic planningStrategic planTo infer the potential for AI integration for informing strategies across S&OP practices
D12Process flowS&OP flow swim lane diagramTo show current data flow and potential for AI integration
D13SimulationPlant simulation for discrete event simulationsTo infer the potential for AI integration in current plant simulation systems
D14Change managementChange board meeting outputsTo reveal organizational approach to potential AI adoption
D15Market projectionsCustomer projections/R10To illustrate the need for AI in market forecasting
D16TrainingS&OP Playbook and training materialTo reveal current platforms for AI learning and areas where AI could enhance training
D17Sales materialsRequest for Quotation (RFQ)To infer AI integration potential in forecasting and demand planning

Source(s): Created by authors

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