Case Study: Hershey achieves faster, data-driven supply chain optimization with SAP

Unlocking growth opportunity for Hershey supply chain through data science-driven network portfolio optimization

Hershey faced a disconnected, time-consuming process for managing production portfolios and scheduling across 20+ manufacturing networks, with manual methods that could not scale to complex scenarios. Working with SAP, the company needed a more data-driven way to assess trade-offs, improve network utilization, and uncover growth opportunities in its supply chain.

SAP implemented a scalable optimization solution on SAP Business Technology Platform, using SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Fiori, SAPUI5, and Kyma runtime to centralize data, run machine learning and mathematical optimization models, and support scenario analysis. The result was a 75% reduction in data analysis effort, 6 manufacturing networks modeled globally, 5 SAP data sources integrated, and the discovery of $35 million in hidden KitKat production capacity, helping Hershey improve product mix, utilization, and revenue.

Hershey

Will Bonifant

VP Supply Chain Strategy & Manufacturing