Fractional Ops for CPG Brands: When It Works, What It Costs
Fractional ops rates are public. The missing number is break-even: a $90K retainer clears at one documented dollar in five. A full-time COO needs 69%.
S&OP Is a Financial Lever, Not a Supply Chain Meeting
A specialty food brand grew revenue 22% while cash declined. S&OP is the reconciliation of demand, production, and cash that most brands skip.
Your Production Demand Forecast Is Wrong Because Your Stockouts Suppressed the Signal
Stockouts suppress observed velocity by 15-25%. A production demand forecast built on that data under-predicts demand, guaranteeing the next stockout.