How much historical data do we need?

Ideally 2-3 years of sales history at SKU-store level. AI models can work with less data for new stores or products by leveraging similar product/store clusters. During Discovery, we assess your data quality and recommend approaches for your data maturity.

Can this work with our existing ERP/planning system?

Yes. AI forecasting typically sits alongside your ERP (SAP, Oracle, etc.) rather than replacing it. We teach integration approaches that feed AI forecasts into your existing planning and replenishment workflows.

Is this relevant for e-commerce without physical stores?

Yes. AI demand forecasting is equally valuable for e-commerce — predicting demand by SKU, managing warehouse inventory, and optimising fulfilment. We customise for your business model.

How does AI handle new product launches without history?

Module 2 covers AI approaches for new products — including similar product analogy, attribute-based forecasting, and learning-period models that rapidly improve as initial sales data comes in.

What improvement can we expect in the first 90 days?

Most retailers see 15-25% improvement in forecast accuracy for top-selling categories within 4-6 weeks. Stockout reduction and inventory optimisation follow within 2-3 months as AI replenishment is tuned.

AI Demand Forecasting & Inventory Management for…

Overstocked shelves and empty ones both cost you money. This training shows retail merchandising and supply chain teams how to use AI to predict demand accurately, automate replenishment decisions, and balance inventory across locations. Retailers that apply these methods cut forecast errors by 30-40% and reduce carrying costs by 20-30%, which means less dead stock, fewer stockouts, and healthier margins across every store.

Duration2-3 days

Best forDemand planners, buyers, merchandisers, and supply chain managers in retail chains and e-commerce businesses

Start a Conversation

Sound familiar?

“Our demand forecasts are off by 35% on average — we're constantly either overstocked or out of stock.”

“Markdown decisions are made too late — by the time we discount, the season is almost over.”

“We have 50 stores but manage inventory at the chain level — each store has different demand patterns.”

“Promotional demand is impossible to predict — we either run out of promotional stock or have huge residuals.”

“Our planners spend 80% of their time on data manipulation instead of strategic decision-making.”

“Fresh produce waste is 15% because we can't predict daily demand accurately enough.”

What you'll achieve

Problems you'll solve

Demand forecast errors averaging 35%+ causing simultaneous stockouts and excess inventory
Markdown timing too late, reducing sell-through rates and margin recovery
Chain-level inventory planning ignoring store-specific demand patterns
Promotional demand unpredictable, causing stockouts or excessive residual inventory
Planners spending 80% of time on data manipulation instead of strategic analysis
Perishable waste rates of 15%+ due to inaccurate daily demand prediction

Value you'll gain

Forecast Accuracy: Reduce demand forecast errors by 30-40% across all categories
Stockout Reduction: Cut out-of-stock incidents by 40-50% with AI replenishment
Inventory Efficiency: Reduce carrying costs by 20-30% while maintaining availability
Markdown Optimisation: AI timing and depth recommendations improve markdown recovery by 15-25%
Waste Reduction: Cut perishable waste by 25-40% with daily AI demand prediction
Planner Productivity: Free 60%+ of planner time from data manipulation to strategic work

OUR PROCESS

How we deliver results

Industry Assessment

We assess your current AI maturity, technology stack, and strategic priorities within retail demand planning and inventory management. This includes interviews with operations, leadership, and frontline teams to map your highest-impact use cases.

Curriculum Customisation

We tailor all modules to your specific context within retail demand planning and inventory management. All examples, case studies, and exercises use scenarios your teams will recognise from their daily work.

Hands-On Delivery

Interactive workshops using real-world scenarios from retail demand planning and inventory management. Each module combines concept explanation with immediate practice on tasks your teams perform daily.

Use Case Development

Participants develop 2-3 AI use case proposals specific to their departments, with business cases, risk assessments, and implementation roadmaps ready for leadership review.

Adoption Support

30-day post-programme support includes office hours, Slack access, implementation coaching, and a follow-up session to review progress on use case pilots and address emerging challenges.

What you'll learn

Sample Agenda

Understand how AI and ML transform demand forecasting — from traditional statistical methods to AI models that learn and adapt.

What you'll be able to do

Compare AI forecasting approaches against your current statistical methods
Understand data requirements for effective AI demand prediction
Evaluate AI forecasting tools and platforms for your retail context
Map your planning function's highest-impact AI opportunities by category

DELIVERABLES

What you'llreceive

Every engagement includes a comprehensive deliverable package tailored to your organization.

These materials are designed to outlast the workshop itself, giving your leadership team practical tools they can reference and apply long after our engagement ends.

Your team walks away ready to act, not just informed.

1Demand Forecasting AI Readiness Assessment

2AI Forecasting Model Design by Category

3Automated Replenishment System Specifications

4Markdown Optimisation Framework

5Perishable Waste Reduction AI Plan

690-Day Demand Planning AI Roadmap

7Post-Programme Support Package (30 days)

YOUR PATH FORWARD

From Readiness to Results

Every AI transformation is different, but the journey follows a proven sequence. Start where you are. Scale when you're ready.

ASSESS · 2-3 days

AI Readiness Audit

Understand exactly where you stand and where the biggest opportunities are. We map your AI maturity across strategy, data, technology, and culture, then hand you a prioritized action plan.

Get your AI Maturity Scorecard

Choose your path

TRAIN · 1 day minimum

Training Cohort

Upskill your leadership and teams so AI adoption sticks. Hands-on programs tailored to your industry, with measurable proficiency gains.

Explore training programs

DEPLOY · 2-3 days