This practical training course focuses on developing essential forecasting skills and demand management capabilities for supply chain professionals. Participants will learn fundamental forecasting techniques, demand planning processes, and inventory optimization methods that drive business success. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on application of forecasting tools and methodologies, with practical exercises designed to build confidence in demand management decision-making. Through real-world examples and interactive workshops, attendees will develop the competence needed to create reliable forecasts and implement effective demand management strategies.
Forecasting and Demand Management Training
Supply Chain Management and Procurement
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Understand basic forecasting principles
- Apply statistical forecasting methods
- Create demand plans for business units
- Interpret forecast accuracy metrics
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams
- Use Excel for forecasting calculations
- Manage demand variability
- Support inventory optimization efforts
- Communicate forecast assumptions effectively
Target Audience
- Junior demand planners
- Supply chain analysts
- Inventory control specialists
- Operations coordinators
- Sales operations staff
- Procurement assistants
- Recent supply chain graduates
- Small business owners
Methodology
- Hands-on Excel exercises
- Forecasting case studies
- Group collaboration workshops
- Accuracy calculation practice
- Presentation skill development
- Process mapping exercises
- Industry example analysis
- Peer feedback sessions
Personal Impact
- Enhanced analytical skills
- Improved Excel proficiency
- Increased confidence in forecasting
- Career foundation development
- Better communication abilities
- Professional network expansion
Organizational Impact
- More reliable demand plans
- Improved inventory management
- Better cross-functional collaboration
- Reduced stockouts and overstocks
- Enhanced decision-making support
- Standardized planning processes
Course Outline
Introduction to Forecasting
Demand Management Concepts- Importance of accurate forecasting
- Demand planning process overview
- Types of demand patterns
- Forecasting horizon considerations
- Basic forecasting terminology
- Data collection methods
- Data cleaning techniques
- Historical data analysis
- Seasonality identification
Basic Forecasting Methods
Quantitative Techniques- Moving average calculations
- Exponential smoothing methods
- Simple linear regression
- Seasonal adjustment techniques
- Market research applications
- Sales team input collection
- Executive opinion integration
- Customer survey utilization
Demand Planning Process
Planning Cycle Management- Monthly planning calendar
- Demand review meetings
- Consensus building techniques
- Plan communication and distribution
- Working with sales teams
- Marketing input coordination
- Finance alignment strategies
- Operations capacity communication
Forecast Accuracy and Measurement
Error Calculation Methods- Mean Absolute Deviation
- Mean Absolute Percentage Error
- Bias measurement and correction
- Tracking signal applications
- Root cause analysis for errors
- Forecast value-added analysis
- Improvement opportunity identification
- Reporting accuracy metrics
Practical Applications
Excel Forecasting Tools- Basic Excel functions for forecasting
- Charting and visualization techniques
- Template development
- Automation with macros
- Safety stock calculations
- Service level considerations
- Lead time impact on demand
- Reorder point determination
Communication and Reporting
Forecast Presentation- Data visualization best practices
- Executive summary preparation
- Assumption documentation
- Risk and opportunity communication
- Standard operating procedures
- Work instruction development
- Training material creation
- Continuous improvement tracking
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