Large Activewear Company
Client Challenge
- Excel based forecasting process, aimed at delivering a constrained forecast
- Forecasting process using experience and “gut feel” only
- No usage of statistical methods to support and kick-start the forecasting process by providing a baseline forecast
- Difficulty in utilizing multiple historical data streams from external and internal sources (POS, Nielsen, shipments, sales)
- No forecast process discipline (forecasts constantly changing), resulting in invalid performance measurements
- Lack of well-defined S&OP process, resulting in limited collaboration between sales, marketing, and manufacturing
- Systems integration suffers from inconsistent item master numbering process and historical data spread over multiple item versions
MetaChain Facilitated Key Project Activities Inclu
- Detailed assessment of As-Is forecasting process and key forecasting requirements
- Identification of key benefits and definition of To-Be Forecasting and S&OP processes
- Mapping of requirements and desired benefits to Demantra DM (and Strategic Network Optimization) functionality
- Development of Forecast Model Design (incl. accuracy measurements), System Configuration Blueprint, and Integration Design
- Definition of supporting Demantra Workflows, and creation of data requirements specifications
- Implementation, configuration, and testing of Demantra Demand Management software and procedures
Client Benefits
- Integrated demand forecasting system to develop unconstrained forecast of market demand
- Consistent and collaborative process allowing better analysis and proactive input into S&OP process
- Ability to analyze multiple forecast input data streams and impact on forecast
- Clean and consistent data through automated integration, resulting in less time spent on gathering and formatting forecast inputs
- Increased forecast accuracy and shorter forecasting cycle
- Improved knowledge base and platform for ongoing enhancement of forecasting and S&OP process – RTS&OP will be implemented in future project phase.
