NetSuite Demand Planning

Improve Forecasting Accuracy and Align Operations with Market Demand

Disconnected spreadsheets and gut-feel forecasts lead to stock-outs, expediting costs, and excess inventory. NetSuite Demand Planning provides unified demand signals across all channels to improve forecast accuracy and align supply plans.

NetSuite Demand Planning goes beyond basic statistical forecasting. By unifying demand data across all sources and applying machine learning, planners gain critical insights to optimize inventory levels.

Why Choose NetSuite Demand Planning?

  • Unified demand data across all sales channels
  • Machine learning-enabled statistical forecasting
  • Inventory optimization based on service level targets
  • Collaboration tools for consensus planning
  • Native ERP integration for efficient execution

Siloed data and unreliable statistical forecasts hamper supply chain planning. NetSuite Demand Planning provides a single version of truth and intelligent predictions to align operations with demand.

Key Capabilities of NetSuite Demand Planning

Data Unification

  • POS, ecommerce, indirect channel data
  • Normalized hierarchies and KPIs
  • Single data set for statistical analysis
  • Master data governance

Collaborative Planning

  • Contextual analyst commentary
  • Cross-functional consensus adjustments
  • Audit trail for forecasts
  • Planning task workflow

Statistical Forecasting

  • Automated model selection
  • Predictions with confidence bands
  • Rolling time horizons
  • What-if scenario evaluation

Analysis and Reporting

  • Forecast accuracy measurement
  • Demand pattern recognition
  • Root cause diagnostics
  • Executive planning performance

Inventory Optimization

  • Safety stock calculations
  • Replenishment triggers
  • Service level target analysis
  • Network inventory visibility

Integration and Customization of NetSuite Demand Planning

NetSuite customer on a laptop

Customization

  • Custom demand algorithms
  • Extended data standardization
  • Enriched planning analytics
  • User-defined workflows
Compliance and reporting

Integration with NetSuite Modules

  • Unified item master data
  • Real-time inventory positions
  • Native supply planning engine
  • Shared order and shipment data
Consultants doing NetSuite managed services

Third-Party Data Integration

  • Market data enrichment
  • Social signals analytics
  • Competitive intelligence
  • Promotional event data

Industry Solutions

Manufacturing

  • Component demand visibility
  • Production planning integration
  • Distribution requirements planning

Healthcare

  • Patient trend analysis
  • Treatment path demand sensing
  • Clinical resource planning

Retail

  • Promotion/event modeling
  • Store cluster forecasting
  • Out-of-stock avoidance

Consumer Goods

  • Campaign lift analysis
  • New product forecasting
  • Retail event planning

Distribution

  • Channel demand shaping
  • Network inventory optimization
  • Strategic placement analysis

Life’s Too Short for Spreadsheet planning

Is your planning process ripe for modernization? Connect your supply chain to an intelligent planning platform. Let us show you how easy connecting can be. Let’s get your forecast on track.

FAQs

What data sources does the system unify?

NetSuite Demand Planning brings together point-of-sale, ecommerce, indirect channel, and inventory transaction data into a single data set for analysis. This provides complete visibility into customer demand across your omnichannel environment.

How accurate are the forecasts?

The machine learning engine automatically selects the best forecasting models for each item and can reduce error rates by up to 50% compared to traditional statistical forecasts. The system continually measures forecast accuracy to optimize predictions.

Can the system optimize inventory levels?

Yes, the system sets safety stock targets and replenishment quantities based on desired customer service levels. This prevents excessive stock builds while minimizing the risk of stock-outs across the supply network.

What if there is a one-time demand surge or dip?

The system detects demand anomalies and allows planners to document explanatory notes. Analysts can override statistical forecasts with judgemental values while retaining full auditability.

How long does implementation take?

Typical implementation spans 8-12 weeks. The system offers pre-built integration to NetSuite ERP with over 300 data mappings. RapidDemandTM packages are also available for select industries to accelerate rollout.