Navigating uncertainty: How Johnson & Johnson is transforming advanced planning
At the 2025 Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ in Orlando, Joseph Bitterman, VP of Supply Chain at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, presented how its global planning transformation APT 2.0 is shaping the future of supply chain planning. With increasing product complexity, global risks, capacity challenges, and a rich launch pipeline, J&J has taken a bold, digitally enabled approach to planning transformation.
APT 2.0 focuses on unlocking agility, visibility, and intelligence across the end-to-end supply chain — empowering planners to anticipate variability, automate routine processes, and accelerate decision-making. With OMP as a partner, J&J is building the foundations for scalable excellence in forecasting, inventory optimization, and integrated business planning.
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How J&J is reimagining planning through advanced planning transformation
Johnson & Johnson’s Advanced Planning Transformation (APT) 2.0 is anchored around three strategic imperatives:
Automate, anticipate, and accelerate — a framework designed to empower planners and drive value across the organization. A few key drivers include:
- Scenario planning capabilities are integrated into the IBP cycle, allowing J&J to rapidly evaluate trade-offs and visualize outcomes under changing assumptions.
- Inventory optimization is enabled through a cloud-based IOP (Inventory Optimization Planning) solution, supporting better cash flow and service level performance.
- Control tower capabilities provide real-time alerts and proactive parameter management, supporting consistent service and supply reliability.
Enabling the planner of the future
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J&J’s vision for the “Planner of the Future” goes beyond platforms. It is about building a data and insight-driven capability within the organization. Planners now leverage:
- A self-service analytics suite with drag-and-drop dashboards.
- An AI-powered personal insights assistant for real-time decision support.
- A structured learning management system to drive sustainable adoption.
- Seamless integration of digital tools across local market planning and site operations.
This transformation has improved service levels, reduced repetitive planning tasks, and aligned planning more closely with commercial and financial objectives.
