Demand Forecasting and Planning

Overview:

Introduction:

Demand forecasting and planning refer to the structured analysis of historical data, market trends, and institutional indicators used to estimate future product or service requirements. These functions guide inventory levels, production scheduling, and supply coordination through predictive models and strategic alignment. This training program introduces classification systems, forecasting frameworks, planning structures, and coordination mechanisms that support operational readiness and decision consistency.

Program Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify the institutional purpose and core functions of demand forecasting.

• Outline structured forecasting methods and classification models.

• Examine planning systems aligned with forecast outputs and resource allocation.

• Classify coordination mechanisms supporting supply and operations alignment.

• Evaluate governance structures used to oversee forecasting accuracy and planning reliability.

Targeted Audience:

• Supply Chain and Logistics Planners.

• Demand Analysts and Forecasting Coordinators.

• Inventory and Production Control Officers.

• Strategic Planning Staff.

• Procurement and Sales Operations Managers.

Program Outline:

Unit 1:

Principles of Demand Forecasting:

• Definition and institutional relevance of demand forecasting.

• Forecasting objectives across supply, production, and sales.

• Data requirements and input sources for accurate forecasting.

• Demand patterns, including seasonal, cyclical, and irregular.

• Impact of forecasting on operational and financial planning.

Unit 2:

Forecasting Models and Classification Systems:

• Quantitative models, including time series, regression, and moving average.

• Qualitative models, including market research, expert judgment, and Delphi method.

• Criteria for selecting forecasting models by industry or context.

• Model limitations and error measurement structures.

• Classification criteria of forecasts based on time horizon and accuracy.

Unit 3:

Planning Structures and Forecast Alignment:

• How to integrate forecast data into planning processes.

• Coordination principles between demand planning and resource allocation.

• Importance of using forecasting outputs in production and inventory scheduling.

• Planning models for capacity, lead times, and supply readiness.

• Institutional procedures for plan revision and forecast updates.

Unit 4:

Operational Coordination and Functional Integration:

• Alignment between demand forecasts and procurement activities.

• Internal coordination measures between sales, finance, and operations.

• Documentation structures supporting integrated planning.

• Data sharing systems between departments and partners.

• Performance tracking models for forecast-driven decisions.

Unit 5:

Oversight, Evaluation, and Strategic Governance:

• Forecast accuracy metrics and monitoring procedures.

• Review cycles for forecast evaluation and model refinement.

• Role of technology systems in forecasting governance.

• Compliance with planning policies and internal controls.

• Strategic alignment between forecasts and institutional objectives.