To create a quality product and provide an outstanding customer experience, your business processes should be fine-tuned to every step - from manufacturing to delivery - is well-executed. The sales and operations planning (S&OP) process is crucial to any successful business. To coordinate across business units, increase transparency, balance supply and demand, and to achieve profitability. S&OP can occur on a monthly, yearly, or even two or three-year basis, depending on the company and its goals.