10 Ways to Improve a Stalled Demand Planning Process

A robust demand planning process is the key to success of any business. The author in this article outlines 10 simple steps for improving and enhancing a demand planning process. PEDRO M. REGO | Mr. Rego is the Chief of Demand for the Iberia Market (Portugal and Spain) at Arbora & Ausonia, a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble. He is also a member of the internal S&OP team and has led several projects in the areas of demand management, master data, and promotional management. Prior to that, he was Country Demand Manager, and before that Trade Marketing and Sales Manager. He holds a Chemical Engineering Degree from the Instituto Superior Técnico of Lisbon, Portugal. D D emand Planning in an organization usually starts with a set of steps, which range from 100% manual work to systems integration (both within and outside the organization), that lead to a mature Demand Planning process. Most companies, having reached the second half of this process (usually after spending a great deal of money and a good five to ten years), start shifting their attention and resources to other areas. There’s a perception that the final step is unreachable, especially when we think about ...