Case Study: Criterion Catalysts & Technologies achieves rolling 12-month production scheduling and improved customer service with Aspen Technology

Transforming Sales and Operations Planning at Criterion

Criterion Catalysts & Technologies, a Shell-owned global leader in hydroprocessing catalysts, faced a fragmented Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process that limited scheduling to under three months, forced frequent ad-hoc feasibility checks, and led to occasional over‑committed orders and poor visibility of future demand. To reconcile supply and demand and drive long‑term strategy, Criterion needed a robust planning and scheduling solution that could extend planning horizons and improve inventory and capacity visibility.

Aspen Technology implemented Aspen Supply Chain Planner and Aspen Plant Scheduler as core components of the new S&OP process, modeling eight manufacturing sites, five third‑party warehouses and 21 production lines. The solution enabled six‑to‑12‑month rolling production schedules, faster schedule regeneration, better forecast accuracy, proactive identification of oversold situations and inventory issues, and higher customer service levels. Aspen Technology’s HQ scheduling model also provided consolidated capacity and inventory visibility across sites, transforming Criterion’s supply chain from reactive to proactive.

Criterion Catalysts & Technologies

Robert Trout

President, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies