Efficient Supply Chain Solutions

Supply Chain Optimisation
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Our methodological approach
Services & Solutions
FAQs

Supply Chain

Supply Chain Optimisation for Resilient, Efficient Supply Chains

Supply chain optimisation integrates procurement, planning, inventory management, production, logistics and distribution into an efficient end-to-end supply chain. Metroplan compares processes, data and structures with best-practice solutions, develops robust target scenarios and supports the subsequent implementation. The results are lower overall costs, improved delivery capability and greater transparency.

Our supply chain consultancy ranges from network and site optimisation, through S&OP, procurement optimisation and e-procurement, to optimal outbound logistics to the customer. In doing so, we combine strategic planning and digital models with operational implementation.

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What is supply chain optimisation?

Supply chain optimisation is the continuous improvement of the entire supply chain – from suppliers and procurement, through production and inventory planning, to warehousing, transport and customer delivery. The aim is to strike a robust balance between supply reliability, service levels, speed and costs.

The end-to-end perspective is crucial: local improvements must not result in additional stock, long waiting times or new risks elsewhere. That is why we combine process expertise with data analysis, network modelling and economic assessment.

Supply Chain Optimisation: Identifying Trends, Realising Potential

Volatile markets, geopolitical risks, rising service requirements and new sustainability targets are increasing the pressure on supply chains to take action. Rather than focusing on individual functions, we consider the overall interplay between procurement, planning, production, stock levels, transport and distribution.

Using data-driven analyses, digital scenarios and proven standards, we identify bottlenecks, cost drivers and risks. Together, we develop an actionable roadmap that measurably improves service levels, resilience and cost-effectiveness – tailored to your strategy, organisation and system landscape.

Building trust through projects

Our success stories

Supply Chain

Infrastructure

Modernization of Procurement Processes: Implementation of a Scalable E-Procurement Solution

Successful Implementation of a Flexible E-Procurement Solution for the Modernization and Efficiency Enhancement of Procurement Processes.

To reference

Modernization of Procurement Processes: Implementation of a Scalable E-Procurement Solution

Supply Chain

Infrastructure

Digitalization Roadmap and E-Procurement System Implementation

Future-Oriented Digitalization Strategy and Successful Implementation of an E-Procurement System.

To reference

Digitalization Roadmap and E-Procurement System Implementation

Supply Chain

Consumer & Food

Benchmarking and Optimization of Fulfillment Conditions in E-Commerce

Comprehensive Realignment of Supplier Relationships and Fulfillment Processes to Increase Efficiency and Service Quality in Online Business.

To reference

Benchmarking and Optimization of Fulfillment Conditions in E-Commerce

Our approach to supply chain optimisation

01 Define objectives and KPIs We define the scope, service requirements, constraints and measurable success criteria.
02 Analyze data and current processes We create transparency across volumes, inventory, costs, capacities, suppliers, locations and material flows.
03 Develop scenarios We evaluate options for network, planning, procurement, organization and systems using robust models.
04 Develop business case and roadmap Measures are prioritized according to impact, effort, risk and dependencies.
05 Support implementation and management We support implementation, change management and KPI tracking to ensure improvements remain effective over the long term.

Below you will find an overview of our services designed to optimise your supply chain

E-procurement in the supply chain: selection and implementation

The introduction of an e-procurement system optimises the procurement process and creates sustainable competitive advantages. From needs analysis through to selecting the right system and successful implementation – Metroplan supports you every step of the way. Drawing on our expertise in the digitalisation of procurement and our in-depth market knowledge, we develop bespoke solutions that reduce costs, boost efficiency and comply with the requirements of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG). In this way, we ensure seamless integration into your IT landscape and optimise your procurement processes in the long term.

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Nahaufnahme eines E-Procurement-Systems auf einem Tablet – Symbol für digitale Beschaffung, optimierte Einkaufsprozesse und Effizienzsteigerung

Nahaufnahme eines Smartphones und Laptops mit einer digitalen Beschaffungsplattform – Symbol für Prozessoptimierung, Automatisierung und Digitalisierung in Unternehmen

Process optimisation and digitalisation of the supply chain

We analyse end-to-end processes, roles, interfaces and data flows to identify media breaks, waiting times and unnecessary complexity. Building on this, we develop standardised target processes and a realistic digitalisation roadmap. Whether it’s automation, platforms, analytics or new governance frameworks: what matters is not the technology alone, but its measurable contribution to process quality, speed and manageability.

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Procurement optimisation across the supply chain

An effective procurement strategy not only reduces prices, but also stabilises supply, quality and collaboration with suppliers. Metroplan combines spend and process analyses, product group strategies, supplier management and digital tools. This creates a transparent basis for decision-making, robust sourcing options and more efficient procurement processes – tailored to risks, sustainability targets and the requirements of the entire supply chain.

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Zwei Geschäftsleute analysieren Einkaufsstrategien mit Laptops und Notizen – Symbol für Einkaufsoptimierung, Kostensenkung und Lieferantenmanagement

Containerterminal mit Lastwagen, Containerschiff und Flugzeug – Symbol für internationale Logistik, Transportoptimierung und effizienten Einkauf von Logistikdienstleistungen

Procurement of logistics services

Choosing the right logistics service providers is crucial for efficient operations and cost savings. Metroplan supports companies in the tendering, negotiation and implementation of logistics solutions – from sea freight and air freight to road transport and CEP services. Through a thorough analysis of requirements, detailed market research and continuous monitoring of service providers’ performance, we achieve optimal results for your logistics processes. In this way, we secure long-term competitive advantages and ensure an efficient, seamless logistics chain.

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Business Process Optimisation

Business processes only realise their full potential when responsibilities, decision-making and information flows are aligned. We identify gaps between management, core and support processes, develop practical target workflows and prioritise improvements based on their impact and feasibility. Metroplan provides support throughout the entire process – from analysis, through pilot schemes and change management, to the long-term embedding of these processes within the organisation, its systems and key performance indicators.

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Grafik zur Geschäftsprozessoptimierung mit Führungs-, Kern- und unterstützenden Prozessen – Symbol für effiziente Unternehmensabläufe und strategisches Management

Karte mit optimierten Distributionsnetzwerken und Standortverbindungen – Symbol für datenbasierte Netzwerkoptimierung und strategische Logistikplanung

Network optimisation for cost, service and resilience

Using digital twins and operations research methods, we simulate sites, capacities, stock levels and transport flows before presenting decision recommendations to management. Different scenarios quantify costs, service levels, lead times and risk. This results in robust business cases covering site decisions, network structures, stock strategies and transport concepts, paving the way for implementation plans ready for decision-making.

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Make-or-Buy: Evaluating services strategically

Whether insourcing or outsourcing – the decision to handle certain processes in-house or to outsource them to external partners is complex and has long-term implications. Metroplan offers a structured approach to finding the optimal balance between cost, quality and flexibility. Through in-depth analysis, strategic planning and practical support, we help you make well-informed decisions that secure both short-term savings and long-term competitive advantages. In this way, we ensure that your resources are utilised to the full and that your business remains on the path to success.

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Grafik mit Puzzleteilen zur Make-or-Buy Entscheidung – Symbol für strategische Unternehmensentscheidungen, Kernkompetenzen und Outsourcing-Strategien

Karte mit farbigen Stecknadeln – Symbol für strategische Standortanalyse, Standortwahl, Expansion und Standortoptimierung

Site selection for production and logistics

In industry and logistics, the choice of location determines success and delivery reliability. Selecting the right location is a strategic decision with long-term implications that must be carefully planned. With over 25 years’ experience, Metroplan supports companies across all sectors in the search for, selection and realisation of their ideal locations – whether for setting up, relocating or expanding. From the initial needs analysis through to the feasibility study and construction supervision, we offer you a full range of services from a single source. In this way, we ensure not only the optimal choice of location, but also a successful start at the new site.

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Sales and Operations Planning

An effective Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process is crucial for optimising order processing and proactively avoiding disruptions. Many companies face challenges such as inaccurate sales forecasting, communication breakdowns and a lack of coordination between departments. Metroplan helps you to resolve these issues: We develop bespoke S&OP processes that integrate all relevant functions – from sales to production. With clear planning cycles, cross-functional milestones and a structured approach, we ensure transparent and efficient collaboration. This enables you to improve your on-time delivery rate and boost the efficiency of your processes. Get advice now and successfully integrate S&OP!

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Globale Supply-Chain-Grafik mit Logistiknetzwerk-Icons vor einem Lager mit gestapelten Kartons – Symbol für Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) und optimierte Lieferkettenprozesse

Digitale Weltkarte mit globalen Verbindungen – Symbol für optimierte Produktionsnetzwerke, Standortstrategien und Ressourcenallokation

Production Footprint

Companies with multiple production sites face the challenge of optimally allocating capacity and resources and responding flexibly to changing market conditions. External factors such as geopolitical uncertainties make this task even more difficult. Metroplan supports you in realigning your production footprint: from the integration of new sites and M&A activities, through the consolidation of existing plants, to the strategic reallocation of resources. With bespoke solutions and well-founded business cases, we lay the foundations for a production strategy that is both successful in the long term and adaptable.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Supply Chain Optimisation

What areas does supply chain optimisation cover?

Depending on the initial situation, we consider procurement, suppliers, planning, stock levels, production, central warehouses, regional warehouses, transport, distribution, networks, organisation and IT systems. The end-to-end perspective is crucial: the selected levers must collectively contribute to service, costs and risk.

How do you get a supply chain optimisation project off the ground?

We start by defining the target vision, scope and data foundation. Through workshops and analyses, we map out the network, processes, volumes, costs and relevant constraints. By comparing these with best-practice solutions, we identify initial opportunities, scenarios and a coordinated project plan

What data is required for the analysis?

We typically use data relating to orders, quantities, stock levels, locations, suppliers, transport, capacity and costs. The level of detail required depends on the specific question. We highlight any missing data and fill in the gaps in a pragmatic manner using assumptions, random samples or even joint workshops.

How soon will the first results be visible?

Depending on the scope, data quality and implementation effort, initial results may be available as early as 4 weeks or as late as 3 months. Initial insights and prioritised areas for action usually emerge as early as the analysis phase. Operational benefits are then realised through quick wins, pilot schemes and a robust roadmap; the timetable and target figures are always agreed on a project-by-project basis.

Which KPIs can be improved?

The focus is often on on-time delivery, service levels, stock levels, working capital, forecast accuracy, lead times, productivity and cost-to-serve. At the start of a project, Metroplan defines appropriate baseline figures, targets and measurement criteria – all without making any blanket promises regarding results.

What sets Metroplan apart from a pure strategy consultancy?

We combine strategy, planning and implementation. Data models and business cases are developed in such a way that decisions can be put into practice; where required, we support the selection process, tendering, implementation, change management and KPI monitoring right through to operational phase. Our results impress not only senior management, but also the supervisory board and those funding the investments.

Optimise your supply chain in a targeted manner

Do you want to improve costs, delivery capacity, stock levels or resilience – but aren’t yet sure which lever to pull first? In an initial consultation, we’ll clarify your vision, current situation and the appropriate scope of the analysis. You’ll receive a clear assessment of the next steps.

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