Demand Planning

Demand Planning is usually the start point in any S&OP process, typically, in companies which serve end consumers, trade partners of distributors / dealers etc. It typically is done on a Rolling basis (1-month firm and 2 months tentative). 

Demand Planning is usually done using a Statistical forecast which is adjusted for various factors and given as a guide to the Sales team. The Sales Team and the Management use this as base and add impact of market knowledge, annual operating plan, marketing drives, strategic/tactical plays into account to collaboratively arrive at a consensus forecast. 

The first step towards Demand Planning is arriving at the statistical forecast. The Module applies various methods of forecasting on the historical Sales data to arrive at the forecast in the coming months. The forecasting can be done at various levels such as SKU-Depot / Brand-Region / SKU Region etc. 

The tool also allows the top down numbers as well as recent history to be displayed along with the statistical forecast. Finally, the tool allows for forecast updation using a bottom up approach by the Sales person. This ensures that ground realities are taken into account. 

The Tool also allows for rationalization of the forecast at the higher Area/Region level in line with rolling sales plan etc. that is Top- Down Rationalization. 

Key Features 

• Forecasting at multiple Hierarchies e.g. SKU-Location, SKU-Sales Office 

• Various Forecasting Techniques integration with R 

• Selection of Techniques based on different Error Measures with ability to add custom Statistical Techniques 

• Collaborative Bottom Up Planning and Top Down Demand Normalisation as per Organisation Design 

• Classification of SKUs according to various methods 

• Supersession allows linking of old to new items to provide meaningful history for effective forecasting new product 

• Data viewed in units, cost, selling price, margin, volume, weight, and percentages making up aggregate 

• Allows for Promotion data to be entered; can be subsequently used for Elasticity and Forecast normalisation 

• Workflow designed to ensure communication across organisation 

• Performance measurements allows for responsive corrective action 

• Graphical displays