As a leading metals distributor, Ryerson faced mounting inventory levels, inconsistent customer service, and a workforce operating outside its SAP system due to lack of trust. In partnership with Reveal, Ryerson implemented the oVo® methodology to transform how inventory was managed, service levels were supported, and SAP was utilized. The results: a 22% inventory reduction, over 30% fewer exceptions, and more than a 20% increase in customer service performance—all achieved through operational alignment, data-driven insights, and sustainable process improvements.

The Challenge

Despite their size and reach, Ryerson struggled with operational inefficiencies that were hampering profitability:

• Inventory averages were significantly higher than needed, creating excess dead stock.
• Stock-outs and unreliable lead times led to deteriorating customer service levels.
• Users operated outside SAP due to distrust in system data and outputs.
• Forecasting was imprecise due to rapidly shifting market conditions.
• Procurement business rules and master data were misaligned with actual processes, causing friction and inefficiency.

The Decision

Recognizing the financial and operational risks of continuing down the same path, Ryerson chose to partner with Reveal. The company was drawn to Reveal’s oVo® methodology, which focuses on unlocking profit hidden in supply chains by aligning people, processes, and SAP systems to drive measurable outcomes—not just system reconfigurations.

The Transformation

Reveal deployed its oVo® methodology across Ryerson’s operations with a sharp focus on inventory optimization and SAP adoption. The transformation included:

• Empowering buyers and managers through education on SAP tools to manage inventory and service levels more effectively.
• Utilizing standard SAP functions to analyze slow-moving and dead stock, overcoverage, and stock-outs.
• Implementing new MRP strategies and exception-based planning to reduce manual intervention and drive automation.
• Identifying root causes—such as outdated business rules, poor data governance, and inefficient user behaviors—that were driving poor outcomes.
• Realigning KPIs and business rules to match procurement’s current operating reality.

The Results

The engagement delivered substantial, measurable improvements:

• 22% reduction in inventory, unlocking working capital and reducing dead stock.
• 30%+ reduction in exceptions, increasing process efficiency and reducing the need for manual intervention.
• 20%+ improvement in customer service levels, thanks to better inventory availability and lead time reliability.
• Simplified and standardized procurement processes.
• Improved alignment of KPIs to business goals, supporting long-term visibility and performance management.

Ryerson’s journey shows that operational efficiency and service excellence don’t have to come at the expense of one another. With Reveal’s oVo® methodology, SAP became a strategic business asset—driving cost savings, improving service, and creating a foundation for sustainable growth.

Unlock the profit hiding in your operations. Let’s make SAP your competitive advantage.