About Course

Demand Management and Forecasting Training

Category: Procurement and Logistics Training

Overview

The Expedition

About the Program

The Demand Management and Forecasting training course equips professionals with the tools and strategies to anticipate, plan, and manage customer demand effectively. Accurate demand planning lies at the heart of successful supply chains it minimizes costs, reduces stockouts, and improves customer satisfaction. This program provides practical insights into forecasting techniques, demand planning systems, collaborative planning, and how organizations can use data analytics and technology to make better decisions. Participants will learn to balance demand with supply while managing uncertainty and market volatility.

Objectives of the Course

By the end of this Demand Management and Forecasting Training, participants will be able to:

Understand the role of demand management within the supply chain.
Apply qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods.
Analyze historical data and market trends to predict demand.
Develop demand planning strategies aligned with business objectives.
Mitigate risks of overstocking, understocking, and demand variability.
Leverage demand management technologies for real-time decision-making.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

Supply Chain and Logistics Managers.
Demand Planners and Forecasters.
Procurement and Inventory Officers.
Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) professionals.
Business Analysts and Consultants.

Training Duration

Classroom: 5 Days

Online: 7 Days

MODULES

Module 1: Introduction to Demand Management

Definition and scope of demand management.
Strategic importance in the supply chain.
The demand management cycle.
Common challenges in managing demand.
Role of collaboration across functions (sales, marketing, supply chain).

Module 2: Fundamentals of Demand Forecasting

Importance of accurate forecasting.
Characteristics of a good forecast.
Steps in the forecasting process.
Forecasting errors and accuracy measurement.
Real-world examples of forecasting successes and failures.

Module 3: Qualitative Forecasting Techniques

Expert judgment and Delphi method.
Market research and customer surveys.
Historical analogy and scenario building.
Strengths and limitations of qualitative methods.
When to use qualitative forecasting.

Module 4: Quantitative Forecasting Techniques

Time series analysis (moving averages, exponential smoothing).
Causal models (regression analysis, econometric models).
Seasonal and cyclical demand forecasting.
Demand forecasting using statistical software/tools.
Case studies on quantitative forecasting applications.

Module 5: Demand Planning and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

Linking demand planning with supply planning.
Role of cross-functional collaboration in demand planning.
Balancing supply-demand mismatches.
Aligning demand forecasts with business strategies.
Case study: Successful implementation of S&OP.

Module 6: Technology in Demand Forecasting

Demand Planning Systems (DPS) and software solutions.
Use of ERP and AI-powered forecasting tools.
Big data analytics and predictive modeling.
Role of IoT and real-time demand sensing.
Future trends in demand forecasting technologies.

Module 7: Managing Uncertainty and Risk in Demand Forecasting

Sources of demand variability and uncertainty.
Strategies to cope with volatile demand.
Buffer stock and safety stock considerations.
Scenario planning and sensitivity analysis.
Building agility and resilience into demand planning.

Module 8: Performance Measurement in Demand Management

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for demand planning.
Forecast accuracy and bias analysis.
Benchmarking demand management processes.
Continuous improvement in forecasting accuracy.
Reporting and communication of demand insights.

Delivery Method

This program is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group work and case studies. Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.