Demand Planning and Forecasting

Focuses on forecasting techniques, demand planning processes, and sales and operations planning (S&OP). Emphasizes aligning supply with demand.

Course Overview:

Accurate demand planning and forecasting are essential for aligning supply with customer needs, minimizing inventory costs, and enhancing service levels. This course, offered by 4D – The Fourth Dimension Training and Consultancy, provides professionals with practical knowledge and tools to build effective demand planning frameworks and forecasting models. Participants will explore qualitative and quantitative techniques, collaborative planning processes, and the integration of technology for forecast accuracy and agility. Through hands-on sessions, participants will learn how to anticipate market demand, reduce stockouts or overstocks, and improve responsiveness across the supply chain.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
○ Understand the role of demand planning in supply chain performance
○ Differentiate between forecasting methods and their appropriate uses
○ Develop and apply forecasting models using Excel or planning software
○ Evaluate forecast accuracy using key performance metrics
○ Align demand plans with marketing, sales, and supply functions
○ Leverage collaborative planning techniques for consensus forecasts
○ Build agility into planning to respond to market changes and disruptions

Target Audience:

○ Demand Planners and Supply Chain Analysts
○ Forecasting and Inventory Professionals
○ Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) Team Members
○ Production and Distribution Planners
○ Procurement and Inventory Control Managers
○ Business Analysts in logistics and manufacturing

Course Delivery Method:

○ Instructor-led training (on-site or virtual)
○ Scenario-based exercises using Excel and forecasting tools
○ Case studies from retail, FMCG, manufacturing, and logistics sectors
○ Group workshops and forecast accuracy diagnostics
○ Hands-on modeling and planning templates

Course Outlines

Module 1: Fundamentals of Demand Planning

○ Role of demand planning in the supply chain
○ Key concepts: independent vs. dependent demand
○ Understanding demand variability and seasonality
○ Common demand planning challenges

Module 2: Forecasting Methods and Models

○ Overview of qualitative and quantitative forecasting techniques
○ Time-series models (moving average, exponential smoothing)
○ Causal models (regression, econometric)
○ Judgmental and collaborative forecasting
○ Forecast error measurement: MAPE, MAD, Bias

Module 3: Forecasting Process and Integration

○ Steps in building a forecasting process
○ Data preparation and cleansing
○ Linking forecasting with S&OP
○ Forecasting tools and Excel modeling
○ Forecast reconciliation across departments

Module 4: Collaborative Planning and S&OP Alignment

○ Collaborative Planning, Forecasting & Replenishment (CPFR)
○ Integrating inputs from sales, marketing, and finance
○ Managing forecast consensus meetings
○ Aligning demand plans with supply and inventory strategies

Module 5: Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

○ Measuring and analyzing forecast performance
○ Improving forecasting accuracy through feedback loops
○ Exception management and demand sensing
○ Creating an agile and responsive planning process
○ Best practices and case examples