Case Study

Transforming End-to-End Planning at Novartis

How Infosys helped Novartis build an integrated, data-driven planning foundation to improve supply chain visibility, optimize inventory, reduce write-off risk, and enable faster, more collaborative decision-making across a complex global network.

Situation

Novartis embarked on a large-scale supply chain transformation to move beyond fragmented, site-focused planning toward a more integrated and enterprise-wide planning model. The organization was operating across 17 ERP systems, managing approximately $6B in inventory, and facing more than $400M in write-off exposure, with additional complexity created by intricate BOM structures, manual planning processes, inconsistent data quality, and limited data governance.

The challenge was not merely to implement a planning package, but to recalibrate the way planning was done across the enterprise. Novartis needed a solution that could standardize processes across divisional ERP systems while still allowing flexibility for regional requirements. It also required improved end-to-end network visibility, stronger collaboration among planners, scenario modeling, inventory optimization, and a mindset shift toward holistic, synchronized planning.

Solution

We supported Novartis in implementing an end-to-end planning solution designed to create one integrated planning view across the global supply chain. The program enabled capabilities across S&OP, demand planning, inventory planning, supply planning, scenario modeling, and what-if simulation, helping Novartis anticipate supply shortages, optimize inventory, and shorten planning cycles through live scenarios and dashboards.

The implementation included global scoping workshops with 100+ users, clarification of 247 business requirements, and establishment of 40+ key design decisions to anchor program success. Infosys also helped create a global solution template for sites and plants, harmonized data across multiple source systems to establish a single source of truth and enabled full closed-loop and double closed-loop integration between ERP systems and RapidResponse. The result was a more interconnected, synchronized, and continuously balanced supply chain planning environment.

Novartis, a leading global pharmaceutical organization, embarked on a large-scale transformation to modernize its supply chain planning landscape. Operating across 17 ERP systems with complex BOM structures and approximately $6B in inventory, the organization faced fragmented, site-specific planning processes that were largely manual and lacked integration.

This resulted in data inconsistencies, limited visibility, and significant inventory write-offs exceeding $400M, highlighting the need for a unified planning approach.

Infosys partnered with Novartis to design and implement an End-to-End (E2E) planning solution that would standardize processes while enabling flexibility for regional operations. By leveraging integrated business planning capabilities—including demand, supply, and inventory planning—Infosys enabled a shift from siloed execution to collaborative, data-driven decision-making.

The transformation was not limited to technology deployment but involved business process recalibration, change management, and governance improvements, ensuring sustainable adoption. The program established a unified planning foundation that enabled real-time scenario modeling and optimization, positioning Novartis for long-term operational resilience and efficiency improvements.

17 ERP Consolidation

Consolidated ERP systems into integrated planning view

Unified planning across fragmented ERP landscap

$6 B Inventory visibility

Inventory under improved visibility and control

Enabled end-to-end inventory transparency

$400 M Write-off reduction

Reduction of write-off risk exposure

Improved expiry planning and risk mitigation

100+ users Collaboration scale

Stakeholders involved in global scoping workshops

Increased cross-functional alignment globally

247 BRs Process Standardization

Business Requirements captured and implemented

Improved governance and success criteria tracking

The Solution

End-to-end integrated planning solution enabling visibility, optimization, and synchronized decision-making

Infosys implemented a comprehensive end-to-end planning solution that unified demand, supply, and inventory planning processes across Novartis’ global network. The solution enabled network-wide visibility and standardized planning processes while maintaining flexibility for local regulatory and operational requirements.

Key capabilities included Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and supply planning, all integrated within a single planning environment. Advanced scenario modeling and what-if simulations empowered planners to proactively address supply disruptions and optimize decisions.

The implementation leveraged harmonized data models, enabling a unified and consistent data foundation across disparate ERP systems. Additionally, closed-loop integration ensured real-time synchronization between execution and planning layers, improving responsiveness and accuracy.

Established a unified planning system delivering “one view” across supply chain

Improved operating efficiency through faster scenario evaluation

Enhanced capacity utilization through better visibility and forecasting

Reduced inventory risks through optimized planning and expiry management

Enabled proactive decision-making through real-time scenario analysis

Strengthened supply chain collaboration across functions and geographies