Gilead Sciences, a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation, operates across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company specializes in developing and delivering life-saving medicines, but faced significant challenges in demand planning due to scalability issues, fragmented systems, and inefficiencies in real-time data integration. Despite using SAP S/4HANA and Oracle EBS, its previous demand planning tool, Oracle Demantra, struggled to meet evolving business needs. 

Challenges Faced by Gilead Sciences 

Prior to implementing Kinaxis Demand Planning, Gilead encountered several key roadblocks impacting its supply chain performance: 

  • Lack of Real-Time Visibility: Limited visibility into demand at an aggregated part-customer level led to frequent demand-supply imbalances. 
  • Siloed Planning Systems: Different regions operated on separate planning tools, affecting collaborative demand planning. 
  • Inconsistent Demand Forecasting: Inaccurate forecasting methods resulted in excess inventory and stock shortages. 
  • Regulatory Compliance Risks: Demand planning needed to align with stringent FDA, EMA, and GMP requirements. 
  • Limitations with Oracle Demantra: Struggled with real-time data integration, scalability, and what-if scenario modeling. 
  • Complex System Integration Needs: Required seamless connectivity with SAP S/4HANA, Oracle EBS, Salesforce Packaging, Orchestrate, and external reporting systems. 

Despite having robust execution systems, Gilead lacked an AI-driven, real-time demand planning solution capable of dynamically adjusting forecasts and enabling seamless collaboration across teams. 

Solution: NexInfo Implements Kinaxis Demand Planning 

To address these challenges, NexInfo deployed Kinaxis Demand Planning, providing an integrated and automated demand planning solution that included: 

  • Real-Time Demand Aggregation: Enabled accurate forecasting at an aggregated part-customer level. 
  • AI-Powered Demand Sensing: Leveraged AI to predict market trends and reduce inventory risks. 
  • What-If Scenario Modeling: Allowed proactive adjustments based on supply chain disruptions and regulatory shifts. 
  • Seamless System Integration: Connected Kinaxis with SAP S/4HANA, Oracle EBS, Salesforce Packaging, Orchestrate, and external reporting tools. 
  • Automated Demand Reporting: Used Tableau, Spotfire, and GSIM (LIS) for real-time data analysis and optimization. 

kinaxis-demand-planningImplementation Strategy 

NexInfo executed a structured, phased approach to implementing Kinaxis Demand Planning: 

  • Phase 1: Migrated from Oracle Demantra to Kinaxis Demand Planning, integrating with SAP, Oracle EBS, Salesforce Packaging, and Orchestrate. 
  • Phase 2: Deployed AI-driven forecasting models for aggregated demand optimization and automated master production schedule (MPS) generation. 
  • Phase 3: Enabled real-time collaboration across sales, manufacturing, and supply chain teams using Kinaxis Rapid Response. 
  • Phase 4: Passed MPS data from Kinaxis to SAP S/4HANA for execution, ensuring seamless integration with Salesforce Packaging and Orchestrate. 
  • Phase 5: Established a closed-loop system with S/4HANA execution for real-time, continuous demand planning optimization. 

Results & Business Impact 

The implementation of Kinaxis Demand Planning delivered measurable improvements: 

  • 95% Demand Forecast Accuracy: Enhanced demand planning optimization, reducing imbalances. 
  • 30% Reduction in Excess Inventory: Optimized working capital by improving aggregate planning strategy. 
  • Faster Response to Market Changes: AI-driven forecasting enabled proactive decision-making. 
  • Enhanced Compliance Management: Aligned demand planning with FDA, EMA, and GMP regulations. 
  • Improved Execution Efficiency: Seamless collaboration between Salesforce Packaging, Orchestrate, and manufacturing teams. 

nexinfo-Business-Impact 

Why Choose NexInfo for Kinaxis Demand Planning? 

  • Proven Expertise: Deep experience in migrating from Oracle Demantra to Kinaxis. 
  • Advanced Demand Planning Solutions: AI-driven forecasting and demand aggregation techniques. 
  • Real-Time Data Integration: Ensures supply chain transparency and automation. 
  • Seamless ERP & Supply Chain Connectivity: Integrated with SAP, Oracle, Salesforce Packaging, and Orchestrate. 
  • Regulatory Compliance Excellence: Aligns pharmaceutical production with FDA, EMA, and GMP requirements. 

Conclusion 

By partnering with NexInfo, Gilead Sciences successfully transitioned to an AI-powered, real-time demand planning system with Kinaxis. This transformation improved forecast accuracy, streamlined collaboration, and strengthened regulatory compliance. With optimized MPS integration across Salesforce Packaging and Orchestrate, Gilead can now proactively manage production schedules, ensuring supply chain resilience and agility. 

Contact NexInfo for Consultation 

Are you ready to optimize demand planning with AI-driven insights? Contact NexInfo today to explore how Kinaxis Demand Planning can transform your pharmaceutical supply chain and drive sustainable growth.Â