Discrete Manufacturing Solutions
The discrete manufacturing sector faces unprecedented challenges: increasing complexity, the demand for greater flexibility, rapid innovation cycles, and relentless cost pressure. Successfully managing these forces requires more than just operational excellence—it demands an integrated business plan, end-to-end process control, and a strong capability for organisational and IT integration.
At msg Plaut, we help manufacturers turn these challenges into opportunities. Our industry expertise, strategic consulting, and cutting-edge IT solutions enable you to achieve operational agility, reduce costs, and secure long-term competitiveness.
Do you have questions?
Manufacturing Excellence Diagnostic – Is Your Business Facing These Challenges?
In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, operational blind spots can quietly erode profitability and slow growth.
Use this checklist to see where your organisation could unlock untapped potential:
-
Supply chain costs are rising, and cost-saving opportunities are unclear.
-
“Hidden” cost traps in production and logistics remain undetected.
-
Product-related costs, profitability, and small-batch economics lack transparency.
-
Sales, capacity, and production planning are not fully aligned — especially when launching new products or entering new markets.
-
Demand and production plans are difficult to reconcile across the entire supply network.
-
Reactive measures such as overtime or ad-hoc orders are frequent.
-
Process inefficiencies, overcapacity, and non-productive workflows slow down operations.
-
Inventory levels are too high in some locations while low-value “C items” tie up capital.
-
Traceability processes are not fully reliable for potential recalls or quality incidents.
-
Product configuration is not agile enough to meet diverse customer requirements.
-
Product information and master data are inconsistent or siloed across departments.
-
Centralised, accurate, and up-to-date master data is missing.
Business Steering & Control – From Strategy to Execution
Fast, informed decisions for a dynamic industry.
Our solutions empower manufacturers to plan, control, and optimise across the entire value chain:
-
Implement integrated, rolling corporate planning that unifies sales, production, and procurement data.
-
Establish cross-departmental coordination between sales, planning, and production with aligned KPIs.
-
Apply differentiated planning approaches for various product groups, sales channels, and lead times.
-
Introduce detailed capacity and workforce planning for days, shifts, and batches.
-
Manage raw material requirements, quantities, and ingredient planning with procurement integration.
-
Implement robust Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) with supporting IT systems.
-
Standardise and digitise quality management processes.
-
Integrate and control supply networks for end-to-end visibility.
-
Develop account management tools and mobile sales cockpits for profitability analysis and scenario simulations.
-
Optimise and transparently manage condition systems (planning, simulation, invoicing).
-
Establish consolidated group-wide cost and contribution margin accounting.
-
Build operational controlling dashboards and simulate raw material price impacts.
-
Implement performance measurement frameworks such as balanced scorecards.
-
Achieve seamless integration of organisations, processes, and IT systems.
-
Streamline site selection and evaluation.
-
Integrate sub-suppliers into planning, logistics, cost control, and quality management processes.
Modernisation & Digital Transformation
In discrete manufacturing, modernisation is not a single milestone—it’s a continuous evolution. We help manufacturers embrace change, optimise processes, and integrate advanced digital solutions that deliver measurable results and long-term competitiveness.
Your Transformation Journey with msg Plaut
1. Build a Future-Ready Business Model
We co-develop strategies for product innovation, market positioning, and value chain optimisation—ensuring your business is prepared for evolving industry demands.
2. Measure and Improve Performance
Establish standardised KPIs, digital dashboards, and real-time reporting to track progress, spot inefficiencies, and adjust strategies proactively.
3. Unlock Profitability Potential
Leverage detailed product and process cost analysis to increase contribution margins and make data-driven sourcing, pricing, and sales decisions.
4. Transform Operations During Change
Whether merging, acquiring, or restructuring, we align operations, optimise workflows, and eliminate process redundancies.
5. Connect Systems and Workflows
Bridge the gap between your ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and modern workplace tools (e.g., Microsoft 365) to create seamless data flows and better collaboration.
6. Elevate Customer and Partner Experience
Improve service levels, campaign execution, and responsiveness to strengthen trading partner relationships and customer loyalty.