Introduction

Demand planning is a critical function in supply chain management, ensuring businesses can predict customer demand, optimize inventory levels, reduce stockouts, and enhance operational efficiency. An effective demand planning strategy allows organizations to meet market needs while minimizing costs and risks.

This course provides professionals with a strong foundation in demand planning, covering forecasting techniques, data analytics, inventory optimization, and digital transformation. Participants will learn best practices, AI-driven forecasting, and predictive analytics to improve demand planning accuracy and supply chain efficiency.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the fundamentals of demand planning and forecasting techniques.
• Learn how to analyze demand patterns and develop accurate demand forecasts.
• Explore AI, machine learning, and big data analytics in demand planning.
• Develop strategies for collaborative planning, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.
• Assess risk mitigation strategies for demand fluctuations and disruptions.
• Gain insights into future trends in AI-powered and digital demand planning.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for professionals involved in forecasting, inventory management, and supply chain planning, including:

• Demand Planners & Supply Chain Analysts
• Inventory & Procurement Specialists
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Managers
• Logistics & Distribution Managers
• Business Strategy & Operations Executives
• Entrepreneurs & Business Owners Managing Supply Chains

Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of Demand Planning & Forecasting

Unit 1: Understanding Demand Planning & Its Role in Supply Chains

• What is Demand Planning? Key Functions & Importance
• The Relationship Between Demand Planning, Inventory & Supply Chain Efficiency
• Demand Planning vs. Demand Forecasting: Key Differences
• Case Study: How Amazon Uses Demand Planning for Inventory Optimization

Unit 2: Demand Forecasting Basics & Methods

• Qualitative vs. Quantitative Demand Forecasting Techniques
• Forecasting Models: Time-Series Analysis, Moving Averages, Regression Analysis
• Managing Seasonality, Trends & Demand Variability
• Workshop: Building a Basic Demand Forecasting Model

Day 2: Data-Driven Forecasting & Predictive Analytics

Unit 3: Data Collection & Analysis for Demand Planning

• Identifying Key Data Sources for Demand Forecasting
• The Role of Big Data & AI in Demand Prediction
• How to Use Historical Sales Data & Market Trends for Forecasting
• Case Study: How Zara Uses Data Analytics for Demand Planning

Unit 4: AI & Machine Learning in Demand Forecasting

• AI-Powered Predictive Analytics for Demand Forecasting
• The Role of IoT & Real-Time Data for Demand Visibility
• AI-Driven Demand Sensing for Proactive Inventory Management
• Workshop: Implementing AI-Based Demand Forecasting Tools

Day 3: Inventory Optimization & Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

Unit 5: Aligning Demand Planning with Inventory Management

• Inventory Control Techniques: JIT, EOQ, VMI & Safety Stock Planning
• Avoiding Stockouts & Overstock: Demand-Driven Inventory Optimization
• AI-Enabled Automated Replenishment & Demand Sensing
• Case Study: How Walmart Optimizes Inventory Using Demand Planning

Unit 6: Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Strategies

• The Role of S&OP in Demand Planning & Supply Chain Optimization
• Best Practices for Cross-Functional Demand Planning Collaboration
• Aligning Sales, Marketing & Supply Chain Teams for Demand Accuracy
• Workshop: Developing an S&OP Framework for a Business

Day 4: Risk Management & Demand Planning for Uncertainty

Unit 7: Demand Variability & Risk Mitigation Strategies

• Identifying Supply Chain Risks Impacting Demand Forecasting
• AI-Powered Scenario Planning for Demand Disruptions
• Building Resilience in Demand Planning with Contingency Strategies
• Case Study: How Businesses Adapted Demand Planning During COVID-19

Unit 8: Supply Chain Agility & Adaptive Demand Planning

• Agile Demand Planning & Real-Time Demand Adjustments
• Leveraging Cloud-Based Demand Planning Software
• Predictive AI & Digital Twins for Demand Forecast Accuracy
• Workshop: Creating a Risk-Resilient Demand Planning Model

Day 5: Future Trends & Strategic Demand Planning Implementation

Unit 9: The Future of Demand Planning & AI Integration

• The Role of 5G, Digital Twins & Hyper-Personalization in Demand Planning
• AI & Blockchain for Real-Time Demand Visibility & Forecasting
• The Shift Toward Autonomous Demand Planning & Self-Healing Supply Chains
• Panel Discussion: Experts on the Future of Demand Planning

Unit 10: Implementing a Demand Planning Strategy

• Developing a Demand-Driven Supply Chain Optimization Roadmap
• Measuring Performance: KPIs & Demand Forecasting Accuracy Metrics
• Final Project: Designing an AI-Powered Demand Planning Strategy
• Course Wrap-Up & Certification

Training Methodology

• Interactive Lectures & Real-World Case Studies from Industry Leaders
• Hands-On Workshops with AI, Predictive Analytics & Data-Driven Demand Planning Tools
• Live Demonstrations of Demand Forecasting & AI-Powered Demand Sensing Platforms
• Simulations & Scenario-Based Planning for Demand Variability & Risk Mitigation
• Expert Panel Discussions & Group Strategy Sessions