Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) is becoming a necessity for successful supply chain execution. With globalization of sourcing and manufacturing, shifting resources, facilities and inventories across the world, more and more companies are relying on effective supply chain planning to truly synchronize supply, based upon actual and forecasted demand. Keys to success include a dedicated governance model, an integrated, networked and formal S&OP process from sales and marketing to the supplier base, with an added "spicing" of innovation and vision.