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Supply Chain - Demand Planning, Forecasting & S&OP w/ Excel

Name: Supply Chain - Demand Planning, Forecasting & S&OP w/ Excel
Rating: 4.6 (86 reviews)

Demand Forecasting, Demand Planning, S&OP, IBP with KPI's and MS Excel tools for a structured Supply Chain decisions

Bestseller

Highest Rated

Created bySitmi Academy

Last updated 4/2026

English

What you'll learn

Understand how manufacturing and service businesses operate from a supply chain and planning perspective
Clearly differentiate between demand vs supply and understand why imbalance causes business losses
Learn the difference between demand, sales, and forecast with real business examples
Understand key determinants of demand and how they impact planning accuracy
Analyze the business impact of excess inventory, stockouts, and poor forecasting
Learn how long-term, mid-term, and short-term business planning are interconnected
Understand the role of S&OP in planning and execution across the organization
Learn the history, purpose, and evolution of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)
Master the end-to-end 5-step S&OP process used in real companies
Understand benefits of S&OP and how it improves service, cost, and inventory performance
Learn RASCI roles in S&OP and how different departments contribute to planning
Understand what forecasting and demand planning really mean in supply chain
Learn the difference between constrained and unconstrained demand planning
Understand types of forecasting methods and when to use each one
Learn forecast characteristics, forecast horizon, and top-down vs bottom-up planning
Understand the role of a demand planner and common forecasting challenges
Perform demand forecasting in MS Excel using real business data
Apply naïve, moving average, weighted moving average, and exponential smoothing methods
Use advanced Excel forecasting functions like FORECAST.LINEAR, FORECAST.ETS, seasonality, confidence intervals, and Forecast Sheet
Learn how to calculate seasonality index and apply seasonal forecasting
Measure forecast performance using Forecast Value Add (FVA) and consensus forecasting
Calculate and interpret forecasting KPIs like Forecast Value Add, Forecast Bias %, Forecast Accuracy %, Weighted Mean Absolute Percentage Error
Calculate and interpret forecasting KPIs like Forecast Value Add, Forecast Bias %, Forecast Accuracy %, Weighted Mean Absolute Percentage Error
Learn key Supply planning KPIs such as OTD, OTIF, inventory turnover, days of inventory, and plan adherence
Calculate KPI's of Step 1 like Time to Market (Days), Vitality Index %, New Product Forecast Accuracy, Data Completeness %
Calculate KPI's like Scenario Impact Value, Inventory Value Variance, Revenue Forecast Accuracy
Understand and Calculate KPI's in Step 5 like Meeting Attendance %, Decision Closure Rate %, Customer Service Level %, Business Plan Achievement %
Understand which KPIs matter most at different S&OP steps
Run the complete S&OP cycle including product planning, demand review, supply review, Pre-S&OP, and Executive S&OP
Understand MPS, MRP, and RCCP concepts within the S&OP framework
Learn in detail about what is Integrated Business Planning (IBP) & how it Differs from S&OP
Learn how organizations transition from S&OP to Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
Apply best practices in forecasting, collaboration, incentive alignment, and scenario-based planning to improve business results

Course content

8 sections • 52 lectures • 6h 4m total length

Introduction to Course - Learning Objectives8:30
In this session, students will understand the overall course structure and learning outcomes. You will learn how demand forecasting, demand planning, S&OP, and IBP connect across the supply chain. The session sets clear expectations on skills you will gain using real-world scenarios and MS Excel. Ideal foundation for supply chain and planning professionals.
Introduction to Business - Manufacturing & Service Operations for Supply Chain4:54
Students will learn how manufacturing and service businesses operate within a supply chain framework. The session explains operational differences, flow of materials, information, and cash. You will understand how planning varies between manufacturing supply chains and service operations.
Demand vs Supply in Supply Chain Management – Concepts, Gaps, and Examples5:09
This lecture explains the core difference between demand and supply in supply chain management. Students will learn why gaps occur between demand and supply and how poor alignment impacts inventory, service levels, and cost. Real business examples are used to simplify complex concepts.
Demand, Sales, and Forecast Explained – Key Differences for Planners5:11
Students will clearly understand the difference between sales numbers, demand signals, and demand forecasts. The session explains why sales ≠ demand and how planners should interpret each correctly. This knowledge is critical for accurate demand planning and S&OP success.
Determinants of Demand in Supply Chain and Demand Planning4:44
You will learn the key factors that influence demand such as price, promotions, seasonality, market trends, and customer behavior. The session explains how these demand drivers are used in forecasting and planning. Helps planners build realistic and data-driven forecasts.
Long-Term, Mid-Term, and Short-Term Business Planning in Supply Chain4:33
This session explains different planning horizons in supply chain management. Students will learn how strategic, tactical, and operational plans are created and linked. The role of forecasting and S&OP across each planning horizon is clearly explained.
Role of S&OP in Business Planning and Execution2:55
Students will learn how S&OP acts as a bridge between strategy and execution. The session explains how S&OP aligns demand, supply, finance, and operations. You will understand why S&OP is critical for business performance and decision-making.

History and Evolution of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)5:13
This lecture explains how S&OP evolved from basic production planning to an integrated business process. Students will understand why modern supply chains require structured S&OP. The session connects historical evolution with today’s IBP practices.
5 Steps of S&OP Explained with Real Business Flow2:58
Students will learn the complete 5-step S&OP cycle from data collection to executive review. The session explains how information flows across functions. Real-world business flow examples make the S&OP process easy to understand.
Step 1- New Product Planning & Data Collection- With S&OP Meeting Live Scenario6:05
This session explains how new products and master data are handled in S&OP. Students will learn the importance of clean, complete data for demand planning. KPIs like data completeness and new product readiness are introduced.
Step 2 - Demand Planning in S&OP - With S&OP Meeting Live Scenario6:58
Students will learn how demand planning works within the S&OP framework. The session explains forecasting, demand review meetings, and consensus planning. You will understand how demand plans drive supply and financial plans.
Step 3 - Supply Planning - With S&OP Meeting Live Scenario11:25
This lecture focuses on supply planning concepts such as capacity, inventory, and constraints. Students will learn how supply plans are created to meet demand. The role of trade-offs and scenario planning is explained clearly.
Step 4 - Pre S&OP or Financial Reconciliation - With S&OP Meeting Live Scenario6:05
Students will learn how demand and supply plans are converted into financial outcomes. The session explains revenue, cost, and inventory value reconciliation. This step ensures alignment between operations and finance.
Step 5 - Executive S&OP Review - With S&OP Meeting Live Scenario6:57
This lecture explains how senior leadership reviews and approves S&OP plans. Students will learn what decisions are made at executive level. Focus is given to accountability, escalation, and business alignment.
Benefits of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)4:20
Students will understand the tangible business benefits of S&OP. Topics include improved forecast accuracy, reduced inventory, better customer service, and higher profitability. Real business value of S&OP is clearly highlighted.
Characteristics of Matured S&OP Process4:04
This session explains what separates basic S&OP from a mature, world-class process. Students will learn about process discipline, KPIs, leadership involvement, and technology enablement. Helps organizations benchmark their S&OP maturity.
Responsibilities of S&OP Steps (RASCI Matrix)3:23
Students will learn how roles and responsibilities are defined using the RASCI framework. The session explains who is Responsible, Accountable, Supporting, Consulted, and Informed in each S&OP step. Improves governance and execution clarity.

What is Forecasting in Supply Chain, Forecasting Vs Demand Planning2:59
This lecture explains the meaning of forecasting and how it differs from demand planning. Students will understand where forecasting ends and planning begins. Essential clarity for supply chain and planning professionals.
Benefits of Forecasting and Demand Planning for Business Performance3:38
Students will learn how forecasting improves inventory optimization, service levels, and cost control. The session explains how good forecasts support better decision-making. Strong focus on business and financial impact.
Benefits of Forecasting and Demand Planning - Real World Case Studies2:51
This session uses real business examples to show the impact of good and bad forecasting. Students will see how companies improved performance through better demand planning. Practical and application-focused learning.
Constrained vs Unconstrained Demand Planning in S&OP5:09
Students will learn the difference between unconstrained demand and supply-constrained plans. The session explains why both views are required in S&OP. Helps planners balance market demand with operational reality.
Types of Forecasting Methods - Part 1 - Qualitative Forecasting Methods5:35
This lecture introduces qualitative forecasting techniques such as expert judgment and market intelligence. Students will learn when to use qualitative methods over statistical models. Especially useful for new products and volatile markets.
Types of Forecasting Methods - Part 2 - Quantitative Forecasting Methods6:01
Students will learn statistical forecasting concepts using historical data. The session introduces common quantitative techniques and their use cases. Forms the base for Excel-based forecasting later in the course.
Types of Forecasting Methods - Part 3 - Quantitative Forecasting Methods4:37
This session continues deeper into quantitative forecasting concepts. Students will understand trend, seasonality, and randomness. Prepares learners for practical forecasting calculations.
Key Characteristics of a Forecasting4:03
Students will learn important forecast characteristics such as accuracy, bias, and variability. The session explains why forecasts are always wrong but still useful. Helps set realistic expectations in planning.
Forecast Horizon & Frozen Period in Short, Medium, and Long Term Forecasting4:18
This lecture explains forecast horizon and frozen period concepts. Students will learn how planning flexibility changes over time. Critical for production planning, capacity management, and S&OP stability.
Top-Down vs Bottom-Up Forecasting Approaches5:49
Students will understand how top-down and bottom-up forecasting approaches work. The session explains advantages, limitations, and practical use cases. Helps planners choose the right approach for their business.

Introduction to Forecasting Methods & Learning ObjectIves0:54
This session sets expectations for practical forecasting methods. Students will understand how theory will be applied using examples. Prepares learners for hands-on forecasting techniques.
NAIVE Forecasting Method with Examples4:41
Students will learn the simplest forecasting method using last-period demand. The session explains when naive forecasting is useful and when it fails. Easy starting point for understanding forecasting logic.
MOVING AVERAGE Forecasting Method with Examples6:23
This lecture explains moving average forecasting in detail. Students will learn how averaging smooths demand variability. Real examples show its impact on forecast accuracy.
WEIGHTED MOVING AVERAGE Forecasting Method with Examples7:14
Students will learn how weighted moving averages give more importance to recent data. The session explains how weights improve responsiveness. Practical examples make the method easy to apply.
EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING Forecasting Method with Examples10:14
This session explains exponential smoothing and the role of alpha. Students will learn how it reacts faster to demand changes. Widely used method in supply chain forecasting.

Introduction to Topic4:31
Students will understand how Excel is used as a forecasting tool. The session explains why Excel remains critical in supply chain planning. Sets foundation for hands-on learning.
Forecasting Methods in Excel - Part 111:52
Students will learn to calculate basic forecasting methods in Excel. Focus on formulas, structure, and logic. Ideal for beginners in Excel forecasting.
Forecasting Methods in Excel - Part 26:30
This session introduces advanced Excel forecasting functions. Students will learn to automate calculations. Improves efficiency and accuracy in planning.
Forecasting Methods in Excel - Part 36:59
Students will apply multiple forecasting techniques in Excel. The session focuses on comparison and selection of best methods. Strengthens analytical skills.
Advanced Forecasting Methods within MS Excel10:12
This lecture covers advanced Excel-based forecasting techniques. Students will learn trend and seasonality handling. Enhances professional-level forecasting capability.
FORECAST SHEET Function within MS EXCEL6:45
Students will learn how to use Excel’s Forecast Sheet feature. The session explains automatic forecasting and confidence intervals. Useful for quick analysis and presentations.
Forecasting with Seasonality Index Method13:39
Students will learn how to calculate and apply seasonality indices in Excel. The session explains seasonal demand adjustment. Critical for industries with strong seasonal patterns.

S&OP KPI's in Step 110:33
Students will learn KPIs related to data readiness and new products. Focus on data completeness and vitality metrics. Ensures strong S&OP foundation.
S&OP KPI's in Step 219:19
This lecture covers demand planning KPIs like forecast accuracy and bias. Students will learn how performance is measured. Links KPIs to forecast improvement.
S&OP KPI's in Step 316:32
Students will learn supply planning KPIs such as OTIF, inventory turns, and capacity utilization. The session explains how supply performance is tracked.
S&OP KPI's in Step 45:44
This session explains financial KPIs used in Pre-S&OP. Students will learn revenue and inventory value reconciliation metrics. Strengthens finance alignment.
S&OP KPI's in Step 56:04
Students will learn executive-level KPIs like plan adherence and decision closure. Focus on governance and leadership effectiveness.
S&OP- Demand Planning KPI's calculation in EXCEL31:04
Students will learn step-by-step KPI calculations in Excel. Focus on MAPE, RMSE, bias, and forecast value add. Highly practical and job-relevant.

Introduction to Integrated Business Planning (IBP)4:57
Students will learn what IBP is and why companies move beyond S&OP. The session explains strategic alignment and end-to-end integration. Sets IBP foundation.
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Vs Integrated Business Planning (IBP)9:23
This lecture compares S&OP and IBP in detail. Students will understand scope, maturity, and decision-making differences. Helps identify when to move to IBP.
Key Steps to Transform S&OP into IBP2:40
Students will learn a structured roadmap to transition from S&OP to IBP. The session covers process, data, KPIs, and leadership changes. Ideal for transformation initiatives.
Best Practices in S&OP - For every Supply Chain Management Professional9:56
Learning Best Practices in S&OP
1. Don’t forecast alone, Collaborate and set standard processes.
2. Forecast Demand and not sales.
3. Quantity or Dollar?
4. Don’t run behind forecast accuracy as a success.
5. Incentivize your team who are involved in forecasting.
Role of AI & ML in S&OP & Top Industry tools10:48
Learnings: Role of AI & ML in S&OP
AI and ML strengthen S&OP, they do not replace it
Enable faster, more accurate, and data-driven planning
Improve forecast quality by analyzing multiple demand drivers together
Continuously learn from forecast errors and adapt to demand changes
Support scenario planning for better decision-making
Optimize supply plans by balancing cost, capacity, inventory, and service levels
Provide early warning signals for disruptions and risks
Translate operational plans into financial impact instantly
Shift S&OP discussions from “whose number is right” to “what decision is best”
Human judgment, business context, and leadership remain critical
Learnings: Top AI & ML Tools Used in S&OP
SAP Integrated Business Planning
Strong in demand, supply, inventory & S&OP
Uses ML to select best forecasting models
Widely adopted by global enterprises
o9 Solutions
AI-powered Digital Brain concept
Excellent for real-time data & scenario simulation
Very effective for executive S&OP & IBP
Kinaxis RapidResponse
Leader in concurrent planning
Rapid re-planning during disruptions
Near real-time scenario evaluation
Blue Yonder
Advanced AI-driven demand sensing
Strong in retail and replenishment planning
Fast response to demand volatility
Anaplan
Connected planning across supply chain & finance
Growing ML-based forecasting capabilities
Strong collaboration and alignment tool
Overall Learning Summary
AI & ML make S&OP predictive, proactive, and resilient
Best results come from combining:
Right tools
Clean data
Strong processes
Skilled planners
Organizations using AI-driven S&OP gain advantage in:
Service levels
Cost efficiency
Agility and responsiveness
Real world Case studies of AI & ML in S&OP within Industry4:24
Lets learn 2 case studies:

Real Case Studies of AI & ML in S&OP
Amazon
Uses advanced ML models to forecast demand at SKU, location, and time level
Analyzes browsing behavior, purchases, seasonality, and promotions
Continuously updates forecasts in near real time
Positions inventory closer to customers for faster delivery
Achieves high service levels with lower inventory holding costs
Unilever
Applies AI-driven demand forecasting across thousands of SKUs
Models promotions, weather, and regional demand patterns
Improves forecast accuracy in seasonal and volatile markets
Reduces inventory while maintaining high service levels
Enhances cross-functional alignment during S&OP cycles
Final Conclusion of S&OP Mastery Course - Congratulations for making this happen5:16
Congratulations on reaching the end of this course!

You’ve completed an important learning journey—keep applying these insights and move forward with confidence toward smarter, data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

English Language
Software used to read PDF documents (Like Adobe)
Microsoft Excel
Learning & attentive mindset

Description

This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

Master the skills of Forecasting, Demand Planning, S&OP & IBP

This course helps anyone to master Supply and Demand Planning, improve demand forecasting accuracy, optimize inventory and understand how S&OP and IBP drive real business decisions.

This course is designed to teach you from supply chain fundamentals to advanced planning and business integration, combining theory, real-world examples, Excel-based forecasting, KPIs, and hands-on practice.

In today’s volatile and competitive environment, organizations no longer succeed with siloed planning. Companies need professionals who understand demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, supply planning, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and know how to apply them in real business scenarios.

This course gives you end to end mastery with below topics..

Why This Course Is Different?

Most courses explain concepts in isolation. This course connects everything end-to-end, just like a real business operates.

You will learn:

How demand is created, forecasted, and translated into supply and inventory decisions
How Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Leadership collaborate through S&OP
How organizations evolve from S&OP to Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
How to use Excel forecasting tools, formulas, and templates on real data
How KPIs drive planning decisions, not just reporting

This course is thoughtfully designed by academic and industry experts and reflects how planning is done in manufacturing, retail, and service organizations worldwide.

What You Will Learn in This Course

Basic Introduction to Course

1. Business Operations – Manufacturing & Service Operations

2. Demand Vs Supply in Supply Chain

3. What is Demand, Sales & Forecast, Understanding with examples & their difference

4. Determinants of Demand – What factors in Market determine / influence demand patterns

5. Impact of imbalanced supply and demand in Overall Supply Chain

6. Business Planning interlink – From Long term Strategy to Mid Term Operational Plans to Daily Tactical execution

7. Role of S&OP in Business Planning & Execution.

Overview of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

1. Overview of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) with its History

2. Detailed Overview & Live Scenario of S&OP Step Meetings with examples.

· Overview & Live Scenario of S&OP Step 1

· Overview & Live Scenario of S&OP Step 2

· Overview & Live Scenario of S&OP Step 3

· Overview & Live Scenario of S&OP Step 4

· Overview & Live Scenario of S&OP Step 5

3. Benefits of S&OP in Business

4. RASCI Matrix of different S&OP steps

Introduction to Forecasting

1. What is forecasting

2. What is demand planning

3. What is difference between Forecasting & Demand Planning

4. Benefits of forecasting & Demand Planning in Business.

5. Constrained Vs Unconstrained Demand with Examples.

6. Different Types of forecasting

a. Qualitative Forecasting with Methods & Examples

i. Delphi Method

ii. Market survey

iii. Sales force composite

iv. Executive Opinion

b. Quantitative Forecasting with Methods & Examples

i. Time Series

ii. Regression Model

7. Answer to common question - Which forecasting is best?

8. Characteristics of Forecast.

9. Forecast horizon & Frozen Period

10. Top down and down top approaches in Demand Planning

11. Role of Demand Planner

12. Common Challenges in Forecasting

Forecasting Methods Overview and Forecasting demand using MS Excel

1. Basic Forecasting Methods Overview & forecasting through excel.

a. Naïve Forecast

b. Moving Average Method

c. Weighted Moving average method

d. Exponential smoothing method

2. Advanced Forecasting Methods using Excel

· FORECAST.LINEAR

· FORECAST.ETS

· FORECAST.ETS.SEASONALITY

· FORECAST.ETS.CONFINT

· FORECAST SHEET

· Forecasting in excel using Seasonality Index method

Calculating & Understanding KPI’s of S&OP in Excel

Step 1 – New Product Planning & Data Collection KPI’s

· Data Completeness %

· New Product Forecast Accuracy

· Vitality Index %

· Time to Market (Days)

Step 2 – Demand Planning KPI’s

· Forecast Error

· Absolute Error

· Squared Error

· Root Mean Squared Error

· Mean Absolute Error

· Mean Absolute Percentage Error

· Weighted Mean Absolute Percentage Error

· Forecast Accuracy %

· Forecast Bias %

· Forecast Value Add

Step 3 – Supply Planning KPI’s

· On time Delivery %

· On time in full %

· Capacity Utilization %

· Inventory Turns

· Days of Sales (DOS)

· Supply Plan Adherence %

Step 4 – Pre S&OP / Financial Reconciliation KPI’s

· Revenue Forecast Accuracy

· Inventory Value Variance

· Scenario Impact Value

Step 5 – Executive S&OP Review KPI’s

· Business Plan Achievement %

· Customer Service Level %

· Decision Closure Rate %

· Meeting Attendance %

Overview of Integrated Business Planning (IBP)

1. IBP Introduction & History

2. S&OP Vs IBP

3. Steps to Transform S&OP to IBP

Best Practices in S&OP

1. Don’t forecast, Collaborate and set standard processes.

2. Forecast Demand and not sales.

3. Quantity or Dollar?

4. Don’t run behind forecast accuracy as a success.

5. Incentivize your team who are involved in forecasting.

Supply Chain Technologies

6. Role of AI & ML In Forecasting

7. Examples of AI & ML in each step of S&OP

8. Top tools used globally in S&OP Maturity

9. Case studies of AI & ML applications in S&OP

Who This Course Is For

Supply Chain Managers & Analysts
Demand Planners & Inventory Planners
Procurement & Purchasing Professionals
Logistics & Transportation Planners
Operations & Production Planners
MBA & Management Students
Professionals moving into Supply Chain roles
Anyone who wants to master Demand Planning, Forecasting, S&OP, and IBP

What You Will Be Able to Do After This Course

Confidently perform demand forecasting and demand planning on any dataset
Run an end-to-end S&OP cycle with clarity
Understand how inventory, supply, and capacity decisions are made
Use Excel forecasting tools professionally
Speak the language of supply chain, finance, and leadership
Add immediate value by improving forecast quality and planning decisions

Course Features

100% On-Demand Video Learning
Practical Excel-based examples
Downloadable templates and handouts
Lifetime Access
Certificate of Completion

Final Note

This is not just another theoretical supply chain course.
This is a complete, practical, and career-oriented journey through Forecasting, Demand Planning, S&OP and IBP, designed to help you make better decisions and create real business impact.

Enroll now and transform the way you plan, forecast, and manage supply chains.

Who this course is for:

Supply Chain, Logistics & Inventory Professionals - Demand Planners, S&OP Leads, Buyers, Logistics Planners, Inventory Planners, Supply Chain Managers, Supply Chain Analysts, Business Analysts
Professionals looking to make their career or switch their careen in Supply Chain, S&OP, Forecasting, Demand Planning field.
Business leaders & entrepreneurs

Supply Chain - Demand Planning, Forecasting & S&OP w/ Excel

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Supply Chain & Business Planning Fundamentals7 lectures • 36min

Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) – End-to-End Overview10 lectures • 57min

Forecasting & Demand Planning Fundamentals10 lectures • 45min

Forecasting Methods With Real Examples5 lectures • 29min

Forecasting Methods Using MS Excel7 lectures • 1hr

S&OP KPI"s in each Step6 lectures • 1hr 29min

Integrated Business Planning (IBP)7 lectures • 47min

Practice Test - QUIZ - S&OP0

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: