The Roller Coaster Ride of Volatility

One of the major problems in demand planning is volatility of customer demand, which can be caused by both internal and external factors. In this article, the author describes some of the sources of volatility, and offers ways to manage volatility. CHRISTOPHER MAEL | Mr. Mael is the Director of Planning & Analysis at LOUD Technologies Inc., a world leader in the manufacture of professional audio equipment and musical instrument amplifiers. In this role, he has been responsible for the formation of a new planning department, implemented comprehensive new planning solutions, and worked with the COO to drive the creation of the company s Sales & Operations Planning process. He has spoken at various professional forecasting conferences. Prior to LOUD, he worked as a Director of Business for a $100M audio equipment brand and served in business leadership roles. O O ne summer my good friends and I decided to drive to California’s Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park. With 260 acres of rides and attractions, there was no shortage of activities to entertain us. Warmth was everywhere, distributed from the sun that shone brightly from its perch amongst a blanket of pale blue sky. Arriving ...