Turning Demand Signals into Better Supply Chain Decisions
Accurate forecasting is essential for balancing inventory, service levels, capacity, and cost. When demand is uncertain or forecasts are poorly managed, organisations can face excess stock, shortages, inefficient production, and unnecessary supply chain risk.
The Forecasting and Demand Planning course provides a practical framework for building more reliable forecasts and translating them into effective planning decisions. Across five days, participants explore quantitative and qualitative forecasting techniques, forecast accuracy, inventory implications, and the integration of demand planning with Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP).
The programme also examines demand sensing, demand shaping, forecasting technologies, and AI applications, helping participants strengthen planning processes and respond more effectively to changing market conditions.
You'll Learn How To
- Explain the role of forecasting and demand planning in supply chain performance.
- Identify and manage sources of demand variability and uncertainty.
- Understand the Bullwhip Effect and its implications for supply chain planning.
- Apply quantitative forecasting methods, including moving averages, exponential smoothing, and regression.
- Use qualitative forecasting approaches when historical data is limited or insufficient.
- Measure forecast accuracy and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Translate demand forecasts into inventory decisions.
- Apply safety stock, reorder point, and EOQ concepts within demand planning.
- Integrate forecasts with supply and production plans through S&OP.
- Use scenario analysis and what-if simulations to evaluate planning alternatives.
- Apply demand sensing and demand shaping concepts.
- Understand how AI and machine learning can support forecasting.
- Develop more reliable and responsive demand planning practices.