Euroasia Training Euroasia Training
AR

Procurement and Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Demand Planning and Forecasting Techniques

7 units

Please select a city/session before registration.

About this program

Demand planning and forecasting play a crucial role in synchronizing supply, production, and inventory levels with actual market demand. Erroneous forecasts can result in stock shortages, excess inventory, and increased expenses, whereas effective demand planning promotes flexibility, robustness, and customer satisfaction.
This Demand Planning and Forecasting in Supply Chain Management course familiarizes participants with various forecasting techniques, demand planning workflows, and sophisticated data-driven tools. Through practical case studies, simulation exercises, and hands-on activities, learners will enhance their ability to increase forecast precision, integrate planning with supply chain functions, and adapt seamlessly to market fluctuations.
Upon completion, attendees will be equipped to create resilient demand plans that reduce risks, optimize inventory holdings, and improve overall supply chain performance.

Course benefits

  • Enhance forecast accuracy through validated models.
  • Coordinate supply, production, and inventory with demand trends.
  • Build greater resilience against demand fluctuations.
  • Foster improved collaboration among supply chain departments.
  • Lower operational costs and boost customer satisfaction levels.

Key outcomes

  • Explain the significance of demand planning within supply chain strategies.
  • Implement both qualitative and quantitative forecasting approaches.
  • Apply time-series analysis, regression techniques, and causal forecasting models.
  • Integrate demand forecasts effectively into Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) frameworks.
  • Handle variability and uncertainty inherent in demand planning.
  • Leverage digital analytics and planning tools for improved outcomes.
  • Formulate strategies aimed at continuous enhancement of forecast accuracy.

Who should attend

  • Managers in supply chain and logistics.
  • Demand planners and forecasting specialists.
  • Procurement and sourcing professionals.
  • Operations and production supervisors.

Course outline

1

Unit 1: Essentials of Demand Planning

  • The role of demand planning within supply chain strategy.
  • Primary obstacles in demand forecasting.
  • Demand-driven approaches to supply chain management.
  • Case analyses: successful and unsuccessful demand planning examples.
2

Unit 2: Techniques and Frameworks for Forecasting

  • Contrasting qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods.
  • Analysis of time-series data and moving average techniques.
  • Regression analysis and causal forecasting approaches.
  • Hands-on activity: choosing the appropriate forecasting model.
3

Unit 3: Embedding Demand Planning in Supply Chain Processes

  • The impact of forecasting on production scheduling and inventory control.
  • Synchronizing forecasts with procurement and supplier management.
  • Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) methodologies.
  • Interactive workshop: integrating cross-departmental planning efforts.
4

Unit 4: Handling Demand Variability and Uncertainty

  • Detecting demand trends and seasonal fluctuations.
  • Planning for safety stock and inventory buffers.
  • Strategies to mitigate risks from demand fluctuations.
  • Simulation exercise: coping with uncertain demand conditions.
5

Unit 5: Leveraging Digital Technologies and Analytics in Forecasting

  • Integration of advanced planning systems (APS) with ERP platforms.
  • Application of AI and machine learning in demand prediction.
  • Utilizing real-time analytics and performance dashboards.
  • Case study: implementing digital innovation in forecasting.
6

Unit 6: Joint Planning and Engaging Stakeholders

  • Fostering collaboration among sales, operations, and supply chain teams.
  • Involving suppliers and customers in the demand planning process.
  • Addressing and overcoming organizational barriers.
  • Practical session: executing collaborative demand planning.
7

Unit 7: Ongoing Enhancement of Forecasting Practices

  • Evaluating forecast performance using metrics like MAPE and bias.
  • Recognizing deficiencies and improving forecasting models.
  • Cultivating a culture centered on continuous advancement.
  • Developing a personal improvement plan for demand planning expertise.