Demand planning is what you need in today’s market. Without the right tools, it’s impossible to know what your consumers are going to want. Demand planning software allows you to see into the future and prepare for upcoming demand.
What is Demand Planning Software?
Demand planning software uses forecasts to make plans to productively meet the upcoming demand of your consumers.
There is a plethora of data used to create your forecasts. Previous sales records, consumer profiles, historical patterns, seasonal trends, and current market conditions are some examples of the type of data used in demand forecasting. This software produces predictions of what your demand is going to look like in the coming weeks, months, and even years.
Now that you have reliable forecasts, the planning can begin. Essentially, you’re given the ability to see the future, and with that comes many additional benefits. Supply chain demand planning software helps you make plans for ordering, distribution, warehouse operations, employment, marketing efforts, and more. Improving in these areas strengthens your company greatly.
Ordering
When you know the amount of demand you’re going to be faced with, you can prepare to meet it head on. You can make sure to have the right amount of product in stock, so you don’t have to deal with overstock or stock out situations.
Distribution
Demand planning software tells you what the demand is going to be in different locations. This allows you to keep product in stock where people are going to want it.
For example, have you ever been to gas station in the middle of nowhere, and somehow, they still have the drinks and snacks you were hoping to find? Demand planning software allows you to make sure items are in stock, in the right location, and at the right time.
Warehouse Operations
There are many moving parts in any warehouse. Inventory inaccuracy results in a negative ripple effect throughout your warehouse. As demand is accurately forecast and your inventory levels become more and more dependable, positive changes begin taking place in your warehouse.
Stocking becomes much less of a hassle as turnover rates improve. There won’t be large quantities of extra product that need to find space while the new product comes in as well. Also, complications due to inadequate inventory vanish. Order fulfillment will be timely and accurate, and this will in turn improve your customer relations as well.
Employment
Have you seen signs looking for “holiday help” or something of that sort? Big box stores, like Walmart, know they’re going to see a huge spike in demand around the holidays. Every year, these stores hire seasonal help to make sure they can provide for their customers.
Demand planning allows business to employ the amount of labor they need to operate effectively. No one wants to pay workers that aren’t needed, but also no one wants to be stuck with an insufficient number of workers. Demand planning software helps you know how much labor you need.
Marketing Efforts
When you’re aware of what and when products and services are going to be in demand, your marketing team has a reliable basis to go off. You can promote the products people want and ensure you make the forecast sales.
The best demand planning software will help your company in countless ways. If you want to see and plan for future demand, then you need to get your hands on some demand planning software.
