Friday, August 9, 2019

The Purpose Of Customer Demand Planning

By Angela Moore


There are often several steps companies must go through before releasing new products to the marketplace. One of the first, and most important, is to determine the amount of interest through customer demand planning or CDP. For, by knowing the amount of interest, companies can often save money by introducing the number of products which have been forecast.

CDP is also an important element when it comes to value chain marketing and management. For, the first and most important step in the process is forecasting product demand. After which, managers often have a much easier time when it comes to deploying resources necessary during the initial release phase of the product.

The approach with CDP is much different than the typical top down approach. For, while there are some risks such as accuracy with numbers and low forecast models, the overall risk with regards to economic loss is much lower. In either case, it is important to review the numbers on an ongoing basis prior to delivery in order to keep up with product supply and demand. Otherwise, there can often be delivery delays or product shortages during the initial release period.

If desiring to use software in the process, several companies have released different versions which can assist in the process. In addition, SAP APO applications are also being used to test the added value of this bottom up approach. In the retailer model which works directly with manufacturers, collaborative partnerships became more common in the 1990s. For, market to consumer systems cut out the need for a middle man and can often save a great deal of money when it comes to the planning and delivery process.

Challenges and complexities have been a problem for years with regards to planning and forecasting delivery models. However, those related to manufacturers and distributors are vastly different than those related to demand management formats. For example, demographics often play a major role with regards to areas of the world which may show interest in a product.

CPD includes customer service, demand creation inventory, technology, sourcing, pricing optimization, travel optimization and channel management. For, if a company can not plan for the results of a product release, most will not be successful in the long run. Whereas, those whom can predict and prepare for the number of products to be released to the marketplace based on a demand forecast, then most often success will follow.

Like in other areas of business, predictive analytics and forecasts are essential. For, CDP changes the way businesses and companies operate and perform prior to becoming competitive in the industry. In using these solutions, a number of companies are now using newer methods of increasing efficiency and cutting costs which are actually working better than those of the past.

Productivity on any level is never an accident or a mistake. For, to be successful a company has to plan ahead and forecast these models to assure that released inventory can meet product demand. As such, a number of companies whom have lacked success in the past are now becoming more successful by using CDP and other new methods to determine the interest in different products before an initial release.




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