Transforming an Inherited Platform into a Planning Enabler
Tea & Beverages • Global
Challenge
LIPTON Teas and Infusions began its transformation journey with an "inherited" Kinaxis Maestro platform. Originally implemented as part of a broader parent company rollout, the solution provided a strong foundation, yet it wasn't fully aligned to LIPTON Teas and Infusions' specific planning needs.
Configuration, processes, and data structures didn't reflect how planners worked day to day, leading to complexity and disconnection from the planner's reality.
Adoption was extremely low, confidence in the tool had faded, and the system had become an administrative burden rather than an enabler of planning excellence.
LIPTON Teas and Infusions recognised the need to retune Maestro, transforming the platform from an inherited system into a fit-for-purpose solution capable of supporting their digital supply chain ambitions.
Solution
LIPTON Teas and Infusions partnered with Grange and Kinaxis to lead a full-scale, transformational change across people, process, and technology.
The focus was clear: make Maestro work for LIPTON Teas and Infusions, not the other way around.
Grange's remit spanned programme management, process design, training, and change management - all to bridge the value gap between technical implementation and real-world adoption.
Key Elements of the Approach:
Reconnecting System and Process
Grange helped LIPTON Teas and Infusions to align system design with actual planning practices, by reviewing the Maestro configuration through an end-user lens approach - putting yourself in the Planner's shoes to identify and validate gaps.
Designing for the Future
Together, the teams built 'To-Be' processes, linked to Day in the Life, Week in the Life, and Month in the Life scenarios. These playbooks made the process tangible and gave planners a shared understanding of what good looked like.
A real lightbulb moment for the teams was seeing how Maestro fits into Planners' actual work and how the system supports them every day.
Building Capability and Confidence
Grange designed and delivered a global enablement programme, including a tailored Supply Chain Planning education curriculum. Training was interactive, role-based, and gamified to make learning engaging and practical.
The training wasn't just about clicking through the system; it was also about understanding Maestro capability and using that insight to make better decisions.
Driving Change and Engagement
Grange helped LIPTON Teas and Infusions navigate the human side of transformation through stakeholder engagement, change impact assessments, and readiness tracking. A Change Agent Network and validated Centre of Excellence (CoE) structure created ownership and sustainability.
The focus was on creating the right rhythm and methodology for LIPTON Teas and Infusions - the right forums, the right conversations, the right champions.
Leading with Partnership
Grange's open, collaborative approach built trust and alignment across all parties.
"Grange didn't behave like consultants; they behaved like us. When there was an issue, it wasn't our problem; it was our shared problem."
Impact
The results were transformative.
In just a few months, user adoption rose from 0% to 60%, and then to 90%, driven by renewed confidence, clarity, and capability.
Planners now understand, trust and use Maestro as a core business decision-making tool - not just a system. The CoE and Planner community are driving progress, ensuring continuous improvement and moving towards digital evolution rather than a one-off transformation.
User adoption in just a few months
Improved adoption across all regions
Key outcomes include:
- Dramatically improved adoption across all regions
- Simplified, consistent planning processes aligned to real business needs
- Empowered planners equipped to drive ongoing optimisation
- Sustainable capability through CoE and community-led enablement
- Stronger collaboration and decision-making across global teams
"Before, Maestro felt like something we had to use. Now, Maestro helps us do our jobs better."
- LIPTON Teas and Infusions Programme Lead
Customer Quotes
"Grange helped us translate technical system language into the language of planning. They made it real."
"Grange brought calm, clarity, and connection, translating between the technical and the practical. That made all the difference."
Grange in one word?
"Irreplaceable"
- Aga, Transformation Lead, LIPTON Teas and Infusions
Project Details
Customer
LIPTON Teas and Infusions
Industry
Tea & Beverages
Region
Global
Platform
Kinaxis Maestro
Services
Key Result
0% → 90% Adoption