Overview:
Channel forecasting allows the management of distinct forecasting streams within a SKUL. This is useful when, for example, several customers' demands for a SKUL must be forecasted and managed separately. Forecast and history are tracked and managed for channels, and the replenishment plan is generated for the total of all channels, the stocked SKUL record.
Although a SKUL's channels are forecasted separately, the replenishment plan is generated for only the stocked SKUL record. Therefore, when viewed in conjunction with a replenishment screen, the Forecast Summary screen automatically synchronizes all the appropriate channel records. The screen automatically sets the Group By options to Item and Parent Location. The result is that the SKUL-level forecast is displayed in the center, aggregate table. The channel forecasts are then displayed individually in the bottom, detailed table.
To create a new Channel, click on the "Create New Channel" icon and enter the channel ID and other required information. During the next forecast update, the newly created channel will automatically update with all of the information it shares with its parent location.
Channel Forecasting Use
Demand channels are used in GAINS environments where it is appropriate to forecast at a more granular level than the standard SKUL level.- Common applications of this would be to forecast at a customer (or group of customers), division, or region level.
- For every channel that is defined for a given SKUL, GAINS creates 'Channel' SKULs that are tied to a 'Stocked' SKUL (i.e., original SKU-level record).
- The system will aggregate history and forecast for each channel SKUL and then will aggregate both the history and forecast of each channel to the stocked SKUL level.
Data Structure Example
Channel Forecasting Considerations
Use of channel forecasts should be carefully evaluated as there are pros and cons
- SKUL Creation
- Interfaces (InitInfc, DmdTrans, ImportFcst)
- UI (e.g., for new SKULs)
- Aggregate vs. disaggregate
- Forecasts are generated and managed at the Channel SKUL level
- Aggregate level adjustments can still be made at the SKU or SKUL level, and those adjustments can disaggregate evenly or proportionally across each channel
Channel Forecast Example