Forecasting demand in supply chains: why it’s so important
Demand forecasting has become an important tool for supply chain and logistics professionals. In industries where unexpected delays, sudden market changes and fluctuations in demand are common, accurate forecasts enable companies to predict demand, optimize resources and minimize disruptions. Let’s explore why demand forecasting is so important, how it impacts every aspect of logistics, and the strategies companies can use to improve their forecasting capabilities. Why demand forecasting is important in supply chains The core of demand forecasting is to predict customer demand for a specific product or service within a specific period. By leveraging historical data, analytics, and sometimes artificial intelligence, businesses can accurately estimate the number of items needed to meet customer demand without over- or under-stocking. This insight is crucial for the following reasons: 1. Minimize stock-outs and excess inventoryOut-of-stock items can lead to dissatisfied customers, lost sales, and potential damage to brand reputation. On the other hand, excess inventory can lead to wasted resources, storage issues…