Demand management concept and tool in a dynamic context

ChainScope B.V. is a startup company that develops supply chain optimization and planning software. The optimization software is currently based on the assumption of stationary demand. However, in real-life situation future demand is forecasted through a combination of time series analysis and human judgment. On the other hand, at present most companies have sophisticated business forecast figures from high strategy level in long horizon and also have the ability to collect the real demand data at low level. Nevertheless, there is a gap to make full use of these data together to do the demand management and make proper supply chain management or further strategic management. Therefore, a detailed assessment is carried out in this project to investigate the requirements for a new demand management concept as an extension of the current forecasting process. The demand management module is the outcome of the research study with a couple of new features. The interface for other data input helps planners integrate all relevant information in the demand management. Moreover, supply chain structure is involved into the tool together with more data handling capabilities. It enables planners to have a comparable view from end item level to component item level and to execute advanced forecast assessment.