Case Study: Driving Transformation: How a Global FMCG Manufacturer Optimised Its Supply Chain Planning and ESG Performance

19 Mar

Posted by: Rob Berry

Category: Case Studies

Global FMCG manufacturer case study image showcasing procurement optimisation and supply chain efficiency in fast-moving consumer goods.

A global FMCG leader was undertaking one of its most ambitious supply chain planning transformations to date—introducing new technology, new data structures and new operating models across multiple regions. Barkers was brought in to provide the commercial clarity and assurance needed to keep the programme on track and maximise long-term value.

Barkers was appointed to provide commercial strategy, assurance, and delivery oversight for a large-scale supply chain planning transformation involving multiple technology partners and significant change dependencies. By consulting with senior stakeholders, identifying risks early, and guiding commercial decision-making, Barkers helped the client navigate a highly complex programme spanning new Blue Yonder technology, a new data hub, and an ERP transition. The programme is still underway, but in its first 18 months Barkers has delivered substantial cost efficiencies, improved supplier accountability, and strengthened the client’s ability to meet ESG goals through waste reduction and improved supply chain transparency.

Challenge

The client needed independent commercial assurance and support to deliver a major IT transformation programme built around a new suite of supply chain planning technology. This included procuring and commercially assuring the implementation of Blue Yonder solutions, alongside a data hub delivered by two additional suppliers.

The data hub required extracting, cleansing, and migrating data from the client’s legacy SAP system—made significantly more complex by a simultaneous ERP replacement. As the primary source data platform evolved, the supply chain planning programme faced elevated risk, added dependencies, and increased uncertainty in sequencing and delivery.

The challenge extended across a vast global supply chain operating in multiple geographies. The programme had to adapt continuously to changing data, shifting technology landscapes, and competing business priorities—all while maintaining momentum and safeguarding value.

Solution

Barkers was engaged to provide commercial assurance and equip stakeholders with an independent, balanced perspective to support confident, informed decision-making. Drawing on extensive experience across complex IT and supply chain transformations, the team assessed the delivery roadmap, identified commercial risks, and set out clear mitigation strategies.

A comprehensive review of the programme’s constraints enabled Barkers to present a suite of contracting options, outlining the implications of each to ensure alignment with cost, risk, and delivery objectives. This included ensuring commercial models supported not only technical progress but also the client’s wider goals for efficiency, resilience, and ESG outcomes—recognising that improved planning accuracy reduces waste and strengthens sustainability reporting.

Barkers then executed the commercial plan on the client’s behalf, managing supplier relationships, negotiating favourable terms, and holding all delivery partners to the expected standards of quality and timeliness. This proactive, commercially driven approach ensured the programme remained focused, efficient, and resilient despite constant change.

Results

Within the first 18 months, Barkers delivered material value while strengthening the foundations of a globally scalable supply chain planning capability.

£11.7m p/a portfolio oversight: Barkers established full commercial transparency across three technology suppliers.
£500,000 annual savings: Achieved by renegotiating statements of work and driving supplier value.
Improved payment terms: Shifted £4.7m from 30 to 60 days, and £5m from 30 to 90 days—supporting stronger cashflow and reducing borrowing requirements.
Enhanced supplier accountability: Ensured defect resolution and adherence to quality and delivery expectations.
Global rollout blueprint: Barkers developed a commercial framework based on the Poland pilot, to be extended across the US, Europe, and Africa—dramatically reducing future contracting effort.
Embedded social value: Through improved supply chain data quality and planning accuracy, the new technology will minimise waste, increase operational efficiency, strengthen ESG reporting, and help the client meet evolving sustainability regulations.

“Barkers’ contribution to our supply chain transformation programme has been significant. They have provided a depth of commercial experience and market knowledge that has enabled us to drive substantial incremental value from all our key suppliers.

Moreover, Barkers has quickly become a trusted partner to the wider leadership team. Their calm approach, strong work ethic, and commercial acumen have made them a well-respected and extremely valuable part of the team.” – Global FMCG Manufacturer

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Driving Transformation: How a Global FMCG Manufacturer Optimised Its Supply Chain Planning and ESG Performance – Case Study

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Tags: Rob Berry, Technology Procurement - Case Studies

Author: Rob Berry