This advanced course provides comprehensive coverage of forecasting methodologies and demand planning best practices used by leading organizations. Participants will learn how to develop accurate demand forecasts, implement robust planning processes, and align supply chain operations with market requirements. The curriculum covers statistical forecasting techniques, collaborative planning approaches, and technology solutions that enhance forecast accuracy and reliability. Through practical exercises and industry case studies, attendees will gain the skills needed to optimize inventory levels, improve service levels, and drive business performance through effective demand management.
Best Practices in Forecasting and Demand Planning
Supply Chain Management and Procurement
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Apply advanced forecasting techniques
- Design effective demand planning processes
- Implement collaborative planning frameworks
- Utilize forecasting software tools
- Measure and improve forecast accuracy
- Integrate market intelligence into planning
- Manage demand planning teams
- Align demand plans with business strategy
- Optimize inventory through better forecasting
Target Audience
- Demand planners and forecasters
- Supply chain managers
- Inventory management specialists
- Sales and operations planning staff
- Business analysts
- Supply chain directors
- Operations research analysts
- Procurement managers
Methodology
- Statistical software exercises
- Forecasting case studies
- S&OP simulation workshops
- Accuracy measurement exercises
- Technology tool demonstrations
- Group collaboration exercises
- Industry benchmarking analysis
- Expert panel discussions
Personal Impact
- Enhanced analytical capabilities
- Improved decision-making skills
- Career advancement in supply chain
- Expanded technical knowledge
- Increased confidence in forecasting
- Professional network development
Organizational Impact
- Improved forecast accuracy
- Reduced inventory carrying costs
- Enhanced customer service levels
- Better resource allocation
- Increased sales through better availability
- Improved cross-functional alignment
Course Outline
Forecasting Fundamentals
Demand Planning Framework- Role of forecasting in supply chain
- Demand planning process flow
- Organizational structures for planning
- Key performance indicators
- Forecasting maturity models
- Data quality assessment
- Historical data analysis
- Outlier detection and treatment
- Data normalization techniques
Statistical Forecasting Methods
Time Series Analysis- Moving averages and exponential smoothing
- Trend and seasonality detection
- ARIMA modeling techniques
- Causal regression methods
- Machine learning applications
- Multivariate analysis
- New product forecasting
- Intermittent demand patterns
Collaborative Planning
Sales and Operations Planning- S&OP process design
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Consensus forecasting
- Executive review preparation
- Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment
- Vendor Managed Inventory
- Customer demand sharing
- Joint business planning
Demand Intelligence Integration
Market Factors Analysis- Promotional impact forecasting
- Pricing elasticity modeling
- Competitive intelligence integration
- Economic indicator analysis
- Sales force composite
- Executive judgment integration
- Delphi method applications
- Market research utilization
Technology and Tools
Forecasting Software- Demand planning system selection
- System implementation best practices
- Advanced Planning System features
- Excel-based forecasting templates
- Workflow automation
- Exception-based management
- Reporting automation
- Integration with ERP systems
Performance Management
Accuracy Measurement- Forecast error calculations
- Bias detection and correction
- Statistical control charts
- Root cause analysis
- Process optimization techniques
- Team performance management
- Benchmarking against industry
- Best practice implementation
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