Demand Planning Insights
Practical guides on forecasting methods, S&OP processes, and demand planning best practices. Written by practitioners, for practitioners.
Forecast Reconciliation: Solving the Multi-Hierarchy Puzzle
Why forecasts never add up and solve it. Learn reconciliation methods like MinT vs Top-down and solve the coherence problem.
Choosing Forecast Dimensions | Granularity vs. Accuracy
Learn how to choose the right forecast dimensions and granularity. Balance accuracy with complexity using product, customer, and time hierarchies.
Designing Product Hierarchies for Better Forecasts
Learn how to design a product hierarchy that improves forecast accuracy. We cover best practices, attributes vs. trees, and handling the messy reality of supply chain data.
Sales Forecasting Beyond Excel: When and How to Upgrade
Is your sales forecasting process outgrowing spreadsheets? Learn the signs it's time to move beyond sales forecasting in Excel and how to transition safely.
Bottom-Up vs Top-Down Forecasting: Which Approach Wins?
Discover the differences between bottom-up vs top-down forecasting, their pros and cons, and how to use a middle-out approach for better accuracy.
Sales Forecast vs Operations Forecast: Aligning on One Number
Why do sales and operations numbers always differ? Learn how to build a consensus forecasting process, measure Forecast Value Added (FVA), and align your teams.
Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Guide: The Strategic Evolution of S&OP
Master Integrated Business Planning (IBP). Learn how to evolve your S&OP process to align strategy, financials, and operations for better business decision-making today.
Why S&OP Implementations Fail: 6 Common Pitfalls & Fixes
S&OP implementations fail at an alarming rate. Discover the top 6 reasons why—from the Excel trap to executive disengagement—and how to fix them.
How to Run an S&OP Meeting - Agenda & Best Practices
Learn how to run an effective S&OP meeting. Get a proven 90-minute agenda, facilitation tips, and best practices to drive decisions and alignment.
When ML Forecasts Underperform Statistics: The Uncomfortable Truth
Discover why simple statistical models often beat complex machine learning in forecasting competitions and real-world scenarios. Learn when to use each approach.
Time Series Forecasting Basics: A Guide for Demand Planners
Master the fundamentals of time series forecasting. Learn the 4 key components, standard methods like ARIMA and ETS, and how to apply them to real-world supply chains.
AI in Demand Forecasting: Beyond the Hype (A Practitioner's Guide)
AI demand forecasting isn't magic—it's math. Learn the real machine learning techniques, prerequisites, and how to move beyond spreadsheet limitations.
Exponential Smoothing: The Workhorse of Modern Demand Forecasting
Master exponential smoothing for demand forecasting. Learn the math behind SES, Holt's, and Holt-Winters, and why it remains the industry standard for accuracy.
Demand Planning KPIs: The Metrics That Actually Drive Performance
Discover the essential demand planning KPIs you need to track. From WAPE and Bias to Inventory Turns and OTIF, learn how to measure what matters.
Demand Planning vs Forecasting: Key Differences
Understand the critical differences between demand planning and demand forecasting. Learn how to combine prediction with execution for better supply chain results.
Building Your First S&OP Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to implement a successful S&OP process from scratch. A practical guide for operations leaders covering the 5-step cycle, meeting agendas, and getting executive buy-in.
Sales Forecasting for Manufacturing: Beyond Spreadsheets
Master sales forecasting for manufacturing. Learn strategies for MTS vs MTO, handle long lead times, and align sales with production.
How to Build a Demand Planning Process from Scratch
A step-by-step guide to building a demand planning process from zero. Learn how to define scope, align stakeholders, and move from spreadsheets to a mature process.
Forecast Hierarchy Explained: Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up & Best Practices
Master your forecast hierarchy. Learn the differences between top-down, bottom-up, and middle-out forecasting, and how to solve reconciliation headaches.
Demand Forecasting Methods: The Complete Practitioner's Guide
Explore the complete guide to demand forecasting methods, from simple moving averages to advanced machine learning models. Learn how to choose the right technique for your data.
What is Demand Planning Software? A Guide for Modern Teams
Discover what demand planning software is, how it outperforms spreadsheets and ERP modules, and when your business needs a dedicated solution.
Forecast Accuracy Metrics: MAPE, WAPE, Bias Explained
Confused by forecast accuracy metrics? Learn how to calculate and use MAPE, WAPE, and Forecast Bias to measure performance and improve your demand planning.
5 Signs Your Spreadsheet Demand Planning is Failing - DemandPlan
Is your spreadsheet demand planning process breaking down? Discover 5 warning signs it's time to upgrade, from version control nightmares to the 'hero planner' trap.
S&OP vs SIOP: What's the Real Difference?
Confused by the alphabet soup of S&OP vs SIOP? We break down the key differences, why the 'Inventory' matters, and which process is right for your business.
Statistical Forecasting vs Machine Learning
Statistical forecasting vs machine learning: Understand the key differences, accuracy tradeoffs, and why a hybrid approach is best for modern supply chains.
Introduction to DemandPlan.io: Modern Demand Planning Software
Discover DemandPlan.io - the modern demand planning platform that replaces fragile spreadsheets with collaborative forecasting, ML-powered baselines, and real-time alignment across Sales, Finance, and Operations.
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See how DemandPlan helps teams move beyond spreadsheets and build accurate, collaborative forecasts.
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