Strengthening Demand Planning & Collaboration at Smith & Nephew
Medical Technology • Global Virtual Delivery
Challenge
As a global medical technology leader operating across multiple product categories and geographies, Smith & Nephew faces complex challenges driven by the rapidly evolving global supply chain landscape.
With increasing pressure on demand planning, coordination, and responsiveness, the organisation identified the need for external expertise to help teams respond more effectively and build stronger internal alignment. The goal was to uncover performance gaps and empower the team with practical methods to address them.
Solution
Grange delivered a comprehensive transformation programme that went far beyond traditional training. Our approach combined virtual classroom learning with hands-on change management support for Smith & Nephew's critical Maestro system implementation and user adoption journey.
Virtual Classroom Programme Features:
- Realistic scenario-based exercises tailored to Smith & Nephew's supply chain context
- High-pressure, real-world decision-making simulations
- Experienced facilitators creating safe and engaging learning environments
- Structured modules to diagnose and address demand planning challenges
- Focus on weaknesses in cross-functional collaboration
- Behavioural habits limiting team alignment and performance
Maestro User Adoption & Change Management:
- End-to-end change management strategy for Maestro system implementation
- User adoption roadmaps tailored to different stakeholder groups
- Comprehensive training programmes aligned with system rollout phases
- Change readiness assessments and resistance management strategies
- Communication plans to ensure organisation-wide alignment
- Post-implementation support and continuous improvement frameworks
- Success metrics and adoption tracking mechanisms
The programme was strategically timed to align with internal transformation efforts, team restructuring, and the critical phases of the Maestro system deployment across Smith & Nephew's global operations.
Impact
The comprehensive Grange programme delivered transformational value across multiple dimensions:
Immediate Organisational Benefits:
- Revealed serious process gaps in planning and collaboration
- Provided practical, applicable solutions for immediate implementation
- Created shared language and mindset for moving forward
- Established cultural shift reinforcing collaborative behaviours
Maestro Implementation Success:
- Accelerated user adoption rates across global teams
- Reduced change resistance through proactive engagement strategies
- Improved system utilisation and process compliance
- Enhanced cross-functional collaboration within the new digital environment
- Sustained behavioural change beyond initial implementation phase
The integrated approach ensured that participants not only gained confidence and clarity from the virtual classroom experience but also successfully navigated the Maestro system transformation, embedding both technical proficiency and collaborative behaviours into long-term team dynamics.
Virtual Delivery with Real-World Relevance
Despite being delivered remotely, the virtual format maintained strong interactivity and practical depth. The use of real-life simulations ensured that participants remained highly engaged - and left with actionable insights tailored to their actual roles.
Customer Quote
"When I first attended the training course, it was optional for Marketers - by the end of day two, I made this mandatory training for all Marketers!
The exercises mirrored the real-world situations we face, and were delivered in a fun and safe environment. The course exposed serious gaps in our demand planning and cross-functional collaboration, but also provided realistic ways to move forward. These lessons will be embedded in our culture. Thank you, Grange team!"- Jon Osborne, VP of Marketing, Smith & Nephew
Project Overview
Customer
Smith & Nephew
Sector
Medical Technology
Regions Covered
Global (Virtual Delivery)
Focus Areas
Demand Planning, Cross-Functional Collaboration & Maestro System Implementation
Services Delivered
Virtual Classroom Programme & Change Management
Key Systems
Maestro User Adoption & Training