Learning to apply an end-to-end mindset when developing POP displays (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

Before becoming a CPG display customer, I worked for Westrock, a turnkey display supplier to Nestle USA. I knew how to develop displays, but never fully understood how what we delivered to customers fit into a much larger picture.

Then I took a job developing and managing displays for Nestle USA. Doing this role effectively required acting as a hub connecting 8 functional teams and keeping them aligned toward a common goal.

My weekly cross-functional meetings became my informal business education. Between meetings, I'd delve into each functional team’s role in the business, their priorities, and KPIs. I began to understand the interdependencies and context of each team's contributions to the process. I learned about retailer-specific expectations and requirements. Absorbing all this knowledge led to the development of my end-to-end mindset. I started evaluating display development through the POV of the other functional teams.

Over time, I began recognizing opportunities to streamline, reduce waste, and drive cost savings. A few examples: Modularizing display structures. Developing more cost-effective methods for managing promo graphics – reducing remnant packaging and simplifying flow-through. Increasing the reusability of outer cases and pallet caps by stickering SKU info instead of printing.

This accumulated knowledge and experience transformed my capabilities. I went from just developing displays to writing RFPs that made it easy for suppliers to follow and for our team to compare pricing. It enabled me to significantly reduce lead times while still meeting all mandatory requirements. I could now pivot quickly to any unexpected, sudden changes in direction.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: An end-to-end mindset saves time, improves profit, and builds better teamwork.

⬇️ Reduces the chance of creating unforeseen downstream consequences.

✏️ Sharpens your ability to anticipate problems before they surface.

👍 Ideas are far less likely to get shot down on first presentation.

🏎 Shortens development lead times by more effectively briefing suppliers.

😤 Minimizes chasing ideas that prove unworkable or unmanufacturable weeks later.

🤜🤛 Builds team leader credibility across functions — by understanding how things actually work, not how someone thinks they should work.
  • You know realistic deliverables and lead times.
  • You get better at parallel pathing actions.
  • You start anticipating retail customer expectations.
  • You improve at prioritization.
  • You know where there's flexibility — and where there isn't