As cross-channel retailing and other multi-faceted distribution models continue to push companies to do things faster, better, and smarter - and as the agonizingly slow economic rebound forces them to do all of that with fewer resources - sales and operation planning (S&OP) solutions are gaining in popularity. A business management process that helps firms ascertain optimal manufacturing output levels, S&OP plays a key role in balancing supply and demand, avoiding waste, enhancing top-line revenues, and optimizing production resources.