Viewpoints by Mick Broekhof

Complexity Reduction Part 3: SKU Portfolio Optimization & Brand Strategy

June 6th, 2011

For most companies, complexity or SKU reduction initiatives still start and stop with transactional data, focusing on turnover, profit, and volume by customer and channel. For a more balanced outcome, consumer product companies should create a holistic view of complexity reduction that includes brand demand view and complexity rating. Read More

Topics: Brand Demand, Brand Strategies, Brand Strategy, Complexity Management, Complexity Reduction, Portfolio Complexity, Portfolio Management, Portfolio Optimization, Portfolio Prioritization, Portfolio Rationalization, Reduce Complexity, SKU, SKU Optimization, SKU Portfolio Optimization, SKU Rationalization, SKU Reduction

Complexity Reduction Part 2: The CFO’s Imperative to Drive Growth

March 8th, 2011

A previous viewpoint, Complexity Reduction Part 1: Governance Sets the Foundation for Success, discussed two critical elements for laying the groundwork for a complexity reduction initiative - sustaining the involvement of the C‐suite and establishing a process owner. This second viewpoint of the series focuses on the specific role of the CFO in complexity reduction: expectations, key success factors, and types of savings. Read More

Topics: CFO, Complexity Management, Complexity Reduction, Cost Reduction, Governance, Perspective, Portfolio Complexity, Portfolio Management, Portfolio Prioritization, Portfolio Rationalization, Portfolio Review, Process Owner, SKU Rationalization, Strategic Governance

Complexity Reduction Part 1

Governance Sets the Foundation for Success

January 13th, 2011

For a tree to grow tall and strong, regular pruning is required. Removing broken, diseased or damaged limbs encourages faster growth. The same applies to businesses. Some of the smartest CEOs realize that to grow their company they must periodically prune their product portfolio. Read More

Topics: Complexity Management, Complexity Reduction, Governance, Perspective, Portfolio Complexity, Portfolio Management, Portfolio Prioritization, Portfolio Rationalization, Portfolio Review, Process Owner, SKU Rationalization, Strategic Governance

Before You Partner With Others, Get Your Own House In Order

January 26th, 2010

Many CPG companies are jumping into the hot field of external collaboration. In this article, we examine why that frequently fails and what companies should consider before aligning with a partner. Read More

Topics: Collaborative Innovation, Consumer Goods, Consumer Products, CPG, Mick Broekhof, Perspective, Retail