A sales and operations planning (S&OP) system of differentiation (SOD) is a software solution that supports a Stage 4 or higher-maturity S&OP process. It may do this in conjunction with other supply chain planning (SCP) SODs (such as supply chain modeling, multienterprise inventory optimization and demand sensing), and with the support of a foundational SCP system of record (SOR). Gartner defines five maturity stages for S&OP. Stages 1 to 3 are typically supported by various solutions, including ERP solutions, SCP solutions, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and business intelligence (BI) reports. Stages 4 and 5 are typically supported by SOD solutions that emphasize the characteristics of more advanced S&OP processes.