Why is reviewing forecast accuracy important for a demand planner?

Reviewing forecast accuracy is critical for a demand planner because it directly identifies items where changes are needed in the demand planning process. By analyzing the accuracy of past forecasts, demand planners can pinpoint discrepancies between expected demand and actual sales. This insight enables them to adjust future forecasts, refine inventory strategies, and improve overall planning processes.

When demand planners see patterns of inaccuracy, they recognize the need to investigate underlying factors such as market trends, seasonality, or changes in consumer behavior. As a result, this process of reviewing and understanding forecast accuracy leads to more informed decision-making, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that supply chain performance aligns more closely with actual demand.

Validating the accuracy of forecasts is essential for managing inventory, minimizing stockouts or overstocks, and ultimately contributing to better service levels and customer satisfaction. Therefore, a demand planner's ability to identify necessary changes based on forecast accuracy reviews is fundamental to successful demand management.