• Demand Planning captures and processes - information from multiple sources and consolidates demand so that it can be summarized by item, product line, region, time, and organization. Demand Planning uses Oracle Workflow and supports control mechanisms based on an event or calendar.
• Supports Internet-based collaboration - between users in various locations and departments. The collaborative capabilities ensure global visibility and provide tools for adjusting forecasts based on judgment.
• Incorporates a best-of-breed statistical forecasting engine: Developed specifically for demand forecasting applications, this engine has multiple forecasting methods (linear and non-linear regression, variations of exponential smoothing), efficient parameter search and outlier detection algorithms, and a rule based system for automatic best fit forecasts based on time and frequency domain analysis and predefined decision rules generated from cross-client studies. The statistical interface supports both novice and expert users.
• Accommodates flexibility in information acquisition, information management, information analysis, and forecast reconciliation. The system supports a variety of inputs including sales and opportunities forecasts, marketing intelligence, custom forecasts, and external data streams.
• Enables end users to define custom data streams such as sales forecasts, measurement type, aggregation rule, allocation rule, unit of measure, dependent demand, price list, and related events.
• Provides a reporting interface that supports multiple views of the data, rotation, drill down, and aggregation. The ability for planners to define their own measures, custom aggregates, and saved selections provides further support for flexible modeling and analysis.
• Enables planners and the Demand Plan Manager to use a variety of techniques to edit data.
• Creates a knowledge base by maintaining planners’ comments and audit trails. Supports reason codes for forecast modifications.
• Includes capabilities for modeling and viewing information about events such as product introductions, product cannibalization, and product phase outs.
• Provides feedback to planners through performance monitoring, exception reporting, comparative reports, and user-defined alert mechanisms.

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