TechTalk: Demand planning for Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management
In the dynamic world of supply chain management (SCM), it's crucial to stay ahead in forecasting and demand planning. The introduction of advanced demand planning capabilities in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management is set to revolutionize this domain. These recently announced capabilities, which are currently in public preview, bring a new level of precision and flexibility to supply chain operations.
We based this article on a TechTalk that you can find online in the Dynamics 365 channel on YouTube.
Seamless data integration
Data import and transformation
The journey toward enhanced demand planning begins with the seamless integration of data. Historical data can be imported from a range of sources, such as Azure Data Lake Storage and comma-separated values (CSV) files. This inclusive approach extends even to businesses that don't currently use finance and operations (FNO) systems. Therefore, it widens the scope of who can benefit from these tools.
After the data is collated, it goes through a transformation phase. Here, the raw data is methodically structured into daily, weekly, or monthly segments. This reorganization is pivotal for simplifying complex datasets into more manageable forms for analysis.
Establishing data relationships
A notable feature is the ability to create relationships between various data tables. This feature ensures a unified and comprehensive dataset that is ready for the subsequent stages of forecasting and analysis.
Advanced forecasting capabilities
Using various forecasting models
The heart of the Demand Planning app lies in its forecasting capabilities. The app employs advanced models, such as Arima, ETS, and Profit. Therefore, businesses have a range of choices and can find the model that best suits their data. The "best fit" option is a standout feature. It analyzes the effectiveness of each model on the data and suggests the most optimized solution.
Integration with custom algorithms
For businesses that have pre-existing forecasting models, the app provides the flexibility to integrate custom algorithms. This feature ensures that previous investments in machine learning and data analysis continue to add value.
Collaborative review and adjustment
A critical component of demand planning is the ability to review and adjust forecasts. The app facilitates this process by enabling effective team collaboration. It allows for adjustments at both granular and aggregate levels, and offers the management of different forecast versions.
Exporting and using data
The final step in the demand planning process is exporting the data. This feature is crucial because it enables the refined forecasts to be exported back into Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management or other formats. Therefore, it ensures practical application in supply chain execution.
Looking ahead: the roadmap
The roadmap for the Demand Planning app is filled with promising developments. Examples include cell commenting for collaborative adjustments, role-level access for user-specific experiences, and special features for new product introductions. There are also plans to introduce copilot experiences for enriched user interactions.
Various resources are available to help users maximize the potential of this app. They include instructional videos, tutorials, and comprehensive documentation on the Dynamics 365 for Supply Chain Management Learn page. Community engagement through customer sign-up forms and Yammer groups is encouraged for feedback and shared learning. An upcoming workshop in Copenhagen offers an in-depth exploration of the app's capabilities and future direction.
Conclusion
The new demand planning capabilities in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management represent a significant advancement in supply chain forecasting and management. Thanks to its comprehensive process, which ranges from data integration to practical application, together with upcoming enhancements, this tool is poised to become a cornerstone in modern supply chain operations.
Related information
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