The Effects of Advanced Planning Tools in Integrated Business Planning for Oatly

Abstract

Effective Integrated Business Planning (IBP) is essential for aligning strategic goals and
resources across an organization, especially in today's volatile and complex market environment.
This master's thesis evaluates the implementation of Anaplan, an Advanced Planning System
(APS), within the IBP framework of Oatly, exploring both benefits gained and encountered
challenges. By employing a single case study approach, this study explores how the
implementation of an APS impacts organizational alignment, decision-making capabilities, and
operational efficiency through the combination of qualitative insights from interviews and
qualitative analysis of various key performance indicators (KPIs).
Key benefits include improved forecast accuracy, enhanced cross-functional collaboration, and
increased visibility into business operations, which collectively aid a more resilient and agile
planning process. However, obstacles and challenges such as the need for extensive employee
training and system complexity pose substantial barriers to fully utilizing the potential of an
APS. This study provides Oatly with a thorough analysis of which areas where the APS is being
efficiently and effectively utilized, as well as where it is not, providing actionable insights into
where the APS can be better optimized to align its functionalities with strategic objectives.
By connecting the gap between IBP theory and practice, this thesis promotes a broader
understanding of APS in IBP contexts, thus offering strategic guidance for organizations aiming
to enhance their planning capabilities through advanced planning tools.

Popular Abstract

What does it take for a sustainable
company to grow without losing its edge?
In my thesis, I studied how Oatly – the
plant-based food company – uses a digital
planning system to coordinate complex
processes and stay ahead in a
fast-changing industry. The findings show
that smart planning tools can make
businesses both faster and smarter.
Imagine trying to plan every detail of a
fast-growing company: how much to
produce, when and where to deliver, how to
align marketing, finance, and
operations—all while customer demand
keeps shifting. That’s the daily reality at
Oatly. To handle this complexity, they
implemented Anaplan, an Advanced
Planning System that supports Integrated
Business Planning (IBP).
IBP is more than just scheduling deliveries
or crunching numbers. It is a way to connect
long-term strategy with daily
decision-making across the whole company.
My thesis investigated how this digital tool
affects Oatly’s planning processes – both the
benefits and the bumps along the road.
Through interviews and data analysis, I
studied how the tool works in practice.
Employees reported that forecasts have
become more accurate, collaboration across
teams has improved, and transparency has
increased, making it easier to make
informed decisions. Manual work also
decreased, meaning fewer errors and faster
updates when market conditions change.
However, the transition hasn’t been without
challenges. Anaplan is a powerful tool, but it
is also complex. Employees need extensive
training to use it effectively, and certain
features still do not fully meet Oatly’s
evolving needs. Some team members also
expressed resistance to change, a common
hurdle in digital transformations.
Despite these obstacles, the overall
conclusion is clear: tools like Anaplan can
be key enablers for companies navigating
uncertain markets. They allow companies
like Oatly to react faster, align more
effectively, and plan with greater confidence
– something that is essential for sustainable
growth in today’s world.
This case study does not just speak to
Oatly’s journey. It offers insights for any
company that is expanding, digitizing, or
trying to bridge the gap between strategy
and action. It also supports theory by
verifying the pros and cons of planning
tools, their alignment with company culture,
and shows their real-world business impact.
In the end, it is not just about technology – it
is about empowering people to work better
together.

• author: Karlén Jönsson, Mattias
• supervisor: Sandeep Jagtap
• organization: Production Management; Engineering Logistics
• course: MTTM05 20241
• year: 2025
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Integrated Business Planning (IBP), Advanced Planning System (APS), Anaplan, Supply Chain Optimization.
• other publication id: 6032
• language: English
• id: 9188246
• date added to LUP: 2025-06-17 17:03:45
• date last changed: 2025-06-17 17:03:45