Demand Planner Course

Lesson 1 • What Demand Planning Is

Defines demand planning and distinguishes it from sales forecasting and inventory management. Establishes the conceptual baseline for the entire course.

Lesson 2 • The Demand Planning Process Cycle

Outlines the end-to-end planning cycle from data collection to plan publication. Shows how each step feeds the next, setting up process chapters ahead.

Lesson 3 • Core Terminology and Metrics

Introduces standard vocabulary and performance indicators used throughout the profession. Provides the shared language needed to interpret data and communicate results.

Lesson 1 • Data Cleansing and Outlier Management

Teaches methods to detect and correct errors, anomalies, and missing values in historical data. Ensures the statistical models introduced later operate on trustworthy inputs.

Lesson 2 • Internal Data Sources

Covers transactional sales history, order data, and ERP system outputs as primary inputs. Connects data quality directly to forecast reliability established in Chapter 1.

Lesson 3 • External Data Sources

Examines market data, syndicated research, and economic indicators that enrich internal history. Broadens the data picture needed for market-driven forecasting.

Lesson 4 • Building a Demand Data Hierarchy

Explains product, customer, and geographic hierarchies used to aggregate and disaggregate demand. Prepares students for multi-level forecasting covered in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Forecast Accuracy Measurement

Applies the accuracy metrics from Chapter 1 to evaluate and compare statistical model outputs. Establishes a feedback loop that drives continuous model improvement.

Lesson 2 • Regression-Based Forecasting

Introduces simple and multiple linear regression to model demand as a function of causal variables. Bridges statistical methods to causal modelling covered in the next chapter.

Lesson 3 • Demand Pattern Recognition

Teaches identification of trend, seasonality, cyclicality, and randomness in time-series data. Pattern recognition determines which statistical model to apply in subsequent sections.

Lesson 4 • Trend and Seasonality Models

Applies Holt's and Holt-Winters' methods to data with trend and seasonal components. Extends smoothing skills to handle the most common real-world demand patterns.

Lesson 1 • New Product Forecasting

Addresses the challenge of forecasting items with no sales history using analogues and market research. Prepares planners for product launches and portfolio expansion scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Causal Factor Identification

Identifies internal and external variables that drive demand shifts, such as pricing and promotions. Builds on regression skills from Chapter 3 to select meaningful causal inputs.

Lesson 3 • Promotional Demand Modelling

Quantifies the incremental demand generated by trade promotions and marketing campaigns. Teaches lift calculation and baseline separation essential for accurate event forecasting.

Lesson 4 • Combining Statistical and Judgmental Forecasts

Teaches weighted combination and override protocols that blend model outputs with human insight. Produces a single best-estimate forecast ready for the consensus process.

Lesson 1 • Portfolio Rationalisation Decisions

Provides criteria and processes for adding, modifying, or discontinuing SKUs based on demand data. Ensures the portfolio remains manageable and aligned with business strategy.

Lesson 2 • Slow-Moving and Intermittent Demand

Applies specialised models such as Croston's method to items with sporadic demand patterns. Addresses a common portfolio challenge not covered by standard smoothing methods.

Lesson 3 • XYZ Analysis and Demand Variability

Segments items by demand variability to match forecasting methods to predictability levels. Complements ABC analysis to form a two-dimensional planning matrix.

Lesson 4 • ABC Analysis and Volume Segmentation

Ranks products by revenue or volume contribution to prioritise planning resources. Directly applies the data hierarchy built in Chapter 2 to portfolio-level decisions.

Lesson 1 • Demand Planning KPIs and Governance

Establishes performance metrics, review cadences, and accountability structures for the planning function. Ensures continuous improvement through structured measurement and governance.

Lesson 2 • Linking Demand to Financial Plans

Translates volume forecasts into revenue and margin projections aligned with financial budgets. Connects demand planning to the financial planning cycle for integrated business management.

Lesson 3 • S&OP Process Architecture

Maps the five-step S&OP cycle and the demand planner's role at each stage. Provides the process context needed to position demand plans within executive decision-making.

Lesson 4 • Consensus Forecasting Process

Teaches the structured process of reconciling statistical forecasts with commercial and operational inputs. Produces a single agreed-upon number that drives supply and financial planning.

Lesson 1 • Inventory Performance Measurement

Tracks inventory health using turns, days of supply, and obsolescence metrics tied to demand plans. Closes the loop between planning accuracy and inventory cost outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Reorder Point and Replenishment Parameters

Calculates reorder points and order quantities that align with demand plan outputs. Connects planning outputs to procurement and warehouse execution systems.

Lesson 3 • Safety Stock Calculation Methods

Covers statistical safety stock formulas using demand variability and lead time uncertainty. Translates forecast accuracy data directly into actionable inventory buffers.

Lesson 4 • Multi-Echelon Inventory Considerations

Introduces inventory optimisation across distribution networks with multiple stocking locations. Prepares planners for complex supply chain structures common in global operations.

Lesson 1 • Demand Sensing and Short-Cycle Planning

Uses high-frequency signals such as point-of-sale and order data to update near-term forecasts daily. Reduces latency between market signals and supply response for competitive advantage.

Lesson 2 • Demand Shaping Strategies

Covers pricing, promotion, and product mix levers used to actively influence customer demand. Shifts the planner's role from passive forecaster to active demand manager.

Lesson 3 • Demand Planning Maturity and Roadmap

Assesses organisational planning maturity and designs a capability improvement roadmap. Enables planners to lead transformation initiatives and benchmark against industry best practices.

Lesson 4 • Scenario Planning and Risk Management

Builds probabilistic and scenario-based forecasts to quantify demand uncertainty and plan contingencies. Equips planners to advise leadership on risk exposure and mitigation options.