“One Number Planning” & S&OP
I was asked recently to clarify my previous objections to a “One Number” planning world! In the late 90’s and early 2000’s there was a movement underfoot to d... Read More...
GOOD STUFF in Chicago, The Business Case for S&OP
No I’m not talking about the Chicago Cubs or deep dish pizza. Rather, I’m talking about our third Best of the Best S&OP Conference, co-sponsored by APICS... Read More...
“The Perfect Pull Supply Chain: Why The Elimination of Forecasting Decreases Inventory and Increases Availability”
I recently came across this white paper with the above title, written by a company called AGENTRICS, which I found very strange and contradictory. Here are ... Read More...
Are you Ready for the Unexpected? Demand and Supply Chain Professionals Play a Critical Role in Managing Risk
It’s a warm June morning in Omaha, the phone rings and you answer. The man on the other end of the line explains that there has been an explosion at your pro... Read More...
Michael Jackson and Supply Chain Forecasting & Planning
We all know a strike, natural disaster, large scale power failure/ black out, major retail customer dropping you as a supplier, major competitor dropping out ... Read More...
Are We All Moving From a “Push” to a “Pull” Forecasting World like Nestle?
I always look forward to the IBF’s annual Consumer Products & Retail Forecasting Forum. It gives me a chance to validate the direction we are taking our o... Read More...
News Flash! Long Lead Times, Safety Stock, Backorders Etc. All Cost Money
What goes around comes around. Many years ago, when I was young, people in the Northeast and Midwest were upset because they were losing jobs to the South. Le... Read More...
Getting Top Management Support for S&OP Does Not Mean Running to the Top
If you listen to the buzz about S&OP at an IBF Conference, you will hear a repeated theme. This seemingly endless refrain is recited by Planners, Vice Pr... Read More...
Welcome to IBF's Blog!
Folks, it is with great pleasure to welcome all of you to the IBF’s Blog! I don’t know why it has taken us so long to get here with the amount of content, know... Read More...
Models Alone are Not Enough for Improving Forecasts
Statistical models are important, but they are not the be all and end all of forecasting. Forecasts can be further improved if: 1) Data is properly analyzed ... Read More...