Supply Chain Planning, Forecasting, and Inventory Control

Introduction

This 5-day professional course provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain planning, forecasting, and inventory control, equipping participants with critical skills and best practices for optimizing supply chain efficiency.

Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of supply chain management and its strategic importance.
• Develop accurate demand forecasting models and methodologies.
• Implement effective inventory control techniques to minimize costs and maximize service levels.
• Analyze and optimize supply chain processes using data-driven approaches.
• Apply integrated planning strategies to improve overall supply chain performance.

Course Outlines

Day 1: Introduction to Supply Chain Planning

• Overview of supply chain management and its key components
• Strategic versus operational planning in supply chains
• Understanding supply chain drivers and metrics
• Aligning supply chain planning with organizational goals
• Introduction to supply chain technologies and tools

Day 2: Demand Forecasting Fundamentals

• Principles and importance of demand forecasting
• Qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods
• Data collection and analysis techniques
• Measuring forecast accuracy and managing errors
• Case studies and practical forecasting exercises

Day 3: Inventory Management and Control

• Types of inventory and inventory functions
• Inventory control systems and policies
• Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and reorder point models
• ABC analysis and inventory classification
• Balancing inventory costs with service levels

Day 4: Integrated Planning and Optimization

• Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process
• Collaborative planning across supply chain functions
• Capacity planning and resource allocation
• Risk management in supply chain planning
• Use of software tools for integrated planning

Day 5: Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) in supply chain
• Benchmarking and best practice identification
• Continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)
• Change management in supply chain processes
• Developing a roadmap for ongoing supply chain excellence