Title: Benefits of deploying supply chain analytics: a case study in a renewable fuel company

Authors: Marjut Hirvonen; Katariina Kemppainen; Juuso Liesiö

Addresses: Neste Corporation, P.O. Box 95, 00095, Neste, Finland ' Flovio Oy, Tekniikantie 4 A, 02150, Espoo, Finland ' Department of Information and Service Management, Aalto University School of Business, P.O. Box 21210, 00076, Aalto, Finland

Abstract: Decision-making regarding supply chain efficacy is vital for organisational success/company performance. However, while analytics can enhance these decisions, it is not evident that the benefits outweigh the costs of analytics development and deployment. This research studies how Neste Corporation, a major pioneer of renewable fuel products, has leveraged prescriptive analytics through a network optimisation model for mid- and long-term planning of material sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution. More specifically, we conducted computational experiments with real data to compare the performance of the decision recommendations produced by the advanced analytics tool and the legacy planning tool. Furthermore, planners and managers involved in developing, deploying, or using the analytics tool were interviewed to assess its impact on the company's planning and decision-making processes. Our findings show substantial business benefits from deploying the advanced analytics tool, including profit growth and faster, smoother, and more efficient planning.

Keywords: analytics benefits; analytics deployment; supply chain analytics; case studies; renewable fuels; decision-making; prescriptive analytics; network optimisation; linear programming.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPSCM.2026.154579

International Journal of Business Performance and Supply Chain Modelling, 2026 Vol.16 No.2, pp.151 - 178

Received: 26 Apr 2024
Accepted: 07 Jun 2025
Published online: 06 Jul 2026 *

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