Demand Planning

Demand Planning is the practice of predicting customer orders and optimizing supply chain decisions based on those predictions. It combines forecasting (statistical models, ML), judgment (domain expertise, market signals), and planning (translating demand into procurement, production, and inventory targets). A demand planner works with sales teams (who understand market signals), operations (who build products), finance (who manages cash), and suppliers (who deliver materials). The outcome is a rolling forecast—a best-guess of what customers will order next 3-18 months—that drives procurement, hiring, production scheduling, and working capital planning.