# Best Demand Planning Software *By [Daniel Rivera](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/daniel-rivera)* Demand planning software provides businesses with forecasting solutions that help them predict future customer demand, plan and manage inventory and production, and ensure the right quantity and type of stock is available when needed, relying heavily on predictive analysis and historical data. ### Core Capabilities of Demand Planning Software To qualify for inclusion in the Demand Planning category, a product must: - Extract key insights from inventory trackers and other metrics - Convert raw data into actionable forecasts - Support and facilitate automated forecast processes - Involve predictive analysis tools - Produce reliable predictions ### Common Use Cases for Demand Planning Software Supply chain, operations, and inventory teams use demand planning software to proactively align supply with anticipated customer needs. Common use cases include: - Forecasting seasonal or long-term product demand to optimize inventory levels - Reducing stockouts and overstock situations through data-driven production planning - Integrating machine learning to improve prediction accuracy by analyzing historical demand data ### How Demand Planning Software Differs from Other Tools Demand planning software is often a component of broader [supply chain management](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-management) solutions, focusing specifically on the forecasting and planning layer rather than end-to-end supply chain execution. While general analytics tools can model demand scenarios, dedicated demand planning platforms provide purpose-built predictive engines, automated forecast workflows, and inventory-specific integrations that general BI tools do not offer. ### Insights from G2 on Demand Planning Software Based on category trends on G2, forecast accuracy and automated replenishment workflows stand out as the most valued capabilities. These platforms deliver reductions in inventory carrying costs and improved service levels as primary outcomes of adoption. ## Category Overview **Total Products under this Category:** 199 ## Trust & Credibility Stats **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 3,600+ Authentic Reviews - 199+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Best Demand Planning Software At A Glance - **Leader:** [SAP Integrated Business Planning](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-integrated-business-planning/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [Streamline](https://www.g2.com/products/gmdh-streamline/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [LEAFIO AI Retail Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/leafio-ai-retail-platform/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [SAP Integrated Business Planning](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-integrated-business-planning/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Streamline](https://www.g2.com/products/gmdh-streamline/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### Netstock Supply and demand planning made smarter with AI. Netstock empowers small and medium-sized businesses to optimize inventory and demand planning across 67 countries, managing over $25 billion in inventory value. Our solutions transform how companies balance supply and demand, reducing inventory levels by 25% while improving fill rates by 15% and saving 70% of time on ordering and forecasting. Why businesses choose netstock - Flexible forecasting – Forecast by product, group, sales channel, and key customers - Smart inventory planning – Balance stock levels and reduce risk with smart AI tools that quickly deliver real results - AI functionality -Quickly interpret dashboards, reports or at SKU level to spot and resolve issues before they happen - Balance risk - Factor in supplier and forecast risk every 24 hours from the order level down to the SKU level - Over 60 ERP integrations – Purpose-built to automatically convert raw ERP data into predictive insights to drive confident decision-making - Quick ROI – Free up cash tied up in slow-moving inventory from day one - Enterprise-grade security – ISO 27001-certified so your data remains secure - Complete support – Personalized onboarding, 24/7 assistance, and ongoing education With a global footprint of 2,400+ customers and 20,000+ users, Netstock empowers customers with increased visibility, faster planning, and smarter inventory decisions—ensuring they’re always prepared for disruptions or market changes. As we continue to innovate our software, we remain the trusted advisor and go-to solution for SMBs in inventory management and demand planning - making sure our customers have the right stock, in the right place at the right time. [Visit company website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=paid_promo&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=134&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=65934&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=134&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fdemand-planning%3Fpage%3D2&secure%5Btoken%5D=cc9b6dd4324d0d2a16afcb89fe55baf6e73c8db5beb2e55cc6606699acc3769e&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netstock.com%2Fpricing%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=paid_promos) --- ## Top-Rated Products (Ranked by G2 Score) ### 1. [SAP Integrated Business Planning](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-integrated-business-planning/reviews) Respond to new market expectations with real-time supply chain planning capabilities and fulfill future demand profitably supply chain management. Powered by in-memory computing technology within SAP HANA, this cloud-based solution combines capabilities for sales and operations; demand, response, and supply planning; and inventory optimization. - Cloud deployment - Real-time scenarios and simulation - Social collaboration - Powerful predictive Analytics KEY BENEFITS: Achieve a rapid deployment Get up and running quickly with SAP Integrated Business Planning by using preconfigured process templates for an accelerated implementation. Empower employees with intuitive features Offer a unified, intuitive user experience with SAP Fiori and planning and simulation capabilities based on Microsoft Excel. Plan resources effectively Optimize resource efficiency by creating supply plans based on prioritized demands, allocations, and supply chain constraints. KEY CAPABILITIES: Integration with SAP Supply Chain Control Tower Gain end-to-end visibility of your supply chain, decision support, and fast corrective action through integration with SAP Supply Chain Control Tower. Forecasting and demand management Get full demand transparency with short-term, mid-term, and long-term forecasting. Take advantage of best-in-class capabilities for demand sensing and statistical forecasting. Inventory optimization Establish optimal inventory targets that enable you to maximize profits, while leaving a buffer to help you meet unexpected demand. Sales and operations planning Deliver a cross-departmental sales and operations plan that balances inventory, service levels, and profitability. Response and supply planning Optimize resourcing efficiency by creating supply plans based on prioritized demands, allocations, and supply chain constraints. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 202 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [SAP](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sap) - **Company Website:** https://www.sap.com/ - **Year Founded:** 1972 - **HQ Location:** Walldorf - **Twitter:** @SAP (297,227 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sap/ (141,341 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Consultant, Senior Consultant - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Consumer Goods - **Company Size:** 57% Enterprise, 27% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Forecasting Accuracy (42 reviews) - Ease of Use (37 reviews) - Supply Chain Management (28 reviews) - Features (27 reviews) - Inventory Management (26 reviews) **Cons:** - Complexity (35 reviews) - Learning Curve (28 reviews) - Difficult Learning (21 reviews) - Complex Setup (18 reviews) - User Difficulty (17 reviews) ### 2. [IBM Planning Analytics](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-planning-analytics/reviews) IBM Planning Analytics is an AI-powered integrated planning solution that automates your planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes, enabling real-time analysis on a single governed platform. Eliminate manual models, spot risks sooner, and make decisions that keep your numbers ahead of the trends. Designed for finance and business operations leaders across Finance, Supply Chain, HR, Marketing, Sales, and beyond, IBM Planning Analytics helps eliminate inefficient and error-prone planning processes by connecting financial and operational plans. Automate data integration, analysis, and collaboration for greater agility across the business. Key Capabilities: Integrated Planning: Connect financial and operational plans using a governed source of truth under a single license, unifying teams and accelerating planning cycles. Performance Tracking: Monitor, analyze, and communicate performance with interactive dashboards, personalized reports, and a native spreadsheet experience for trusted, real-time insights. AI-Powered Forecasting: Improve speed and accuracy of forecasts with built-in AI, enabling smarter scenario modeling and predictive insights. Collaborative Decision-Making: Increase participation and streamline workflows by lowering the skill barrier with a generative AI assistant, driving faster, more informed decisions. Bring collaborative, AI-powered business planning to your organization starting at $825/month for 5 users. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 222 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [IBM](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ibm) - **Company Website:** https://www.ibm.com/us-en - **Year Founded:** 1911 - **HQ Location:** Armonk, NY - **Twitter:** @IBM (709,023 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1009/ (324,553 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Financial Analyst - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Financial Services - **Company Size:** 51% Enterprise, 35% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Efficiency (35 reviews) - Planning Efficiency (34 reviews) - Analytics (31 reviews) - Ease of Use (30 reviews) - Forecasting Accuracy (30 reviews) **Cons:** - Learning Curve (29 reviews) - Learning Difficulty (19 reviews) - User Difficulty (19 reviews) - Difficult Learning (16 reviews) - Complexity (15 reviews) ### 3. [Streamline](https://www.g2.com/products/gmdh-streamline/reviews) Streamline is an advanced AI-powered planning platform specifically designed for the retail, wholesale, distribution, and manufacturing sectors. This innovative solution enhances decision-making processes by integrating demand planning and forecasting capabilities. With Streamline, users can collaborate effectively, monitor performance metrics, and accurately forecast demand while leveraging cutting-edge planning technologies and strategies. Targeted primarily at manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, Streamline addresses the critical need for optimized inventory management. The platform offers automated demand forecasting, replenishment execution, and multi-location planning, making it an essential tool for businesses aiming to improve operational efficiency. By accounting for seasonality and supplier management, Streamline ensures that users can adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences, ultimately leading to better inventory control and reduced waste. Key features of Streamline include its AI-driven demand planning, which mimics human-like behavior for more accurate forecasting. This eliminates the reliance on traditional methods such as Excel spreadsheets or data from ERP systems. The inventory planning functionality optimizes stock levels and automatically updates replenishment plans, providing users with clear insights into what to order, how much, and when. Additionally, the production planning capabilities help reduce order quantities and transportation costs, streamlining the supply chain process and enhancing overall productivity. Streamline excels in material requirements planning (MRP) by generating comprehensive plans based on demand forecasts and bill of materials (BoM). This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses facing supplier unpredictability and disruptions in historical data, as it allows for effective planning even in the absence of prior sales data. By automatically rebalancing various factors, the platform minimizes the risks of overstock and stockouts, maintaining optimal inventory levels and improving cash flow management. With its robust supply planning capabilities, Streamline provides complete visibility and control over the supply chain, empowering users to make informed decisions that can significantly reduce operating costs and enhance profitability. By integrating these advanced features, Streamline stands out as a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to elevate their planning processes and achieve greater operational success. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 249 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [GMDH](https://www.g2.com/sellers/gmdh) - **Company Website:** https://gmdhsoftware.com/ - **Year Founded:** 2009 - **HQ Location:** New York, US - **Twitter:** @GMDH_Streamline (1,217 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/gmdhstreamline (88 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Retail, Consumer Goods - **Company Size:** 47% Mid-Market, 44% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Forecasting Accuracy (45 reviews) - Ease of Use (32 reviews) - Forecasting (31 reviews) - Automation (29 reviews) - Planning Efficiency (26 reviews) **Cons:** - Limited Customization (18 reviews) - User Difficulty (12 reviews) - Data Management Issues (11 reviews) - Implementation Complexity (10 reviews) - Slow Performance (10 reviews) ### 4. [Netstock](https://www.g2.com/products/netstock/reviews) Supply and demand planning made smarter with AI. Netstock empowers small and medium-sized businesses to optimize inventory and demand planning across 67 countries, managing over $25 billion in inventory value. Our solutions transform how companies balance supply and demand, reducing inventory levels by 25% while improving fill rates by 15% and saving 70% of time on ordering and forecasting. Why businesses choose netstock - Flexible forecasting – Forecast by product, group, sales channel, and key customers - Smart inventory planning – Balance stock levels and reduce risk with smart AI tools that quickly deliver real results - AI functionality -Quickly interpret dashboards, reports or at SKU level to spot and resolve issues before they happen - Balance risk - Factor in supplier and forecast risk every 24 hours from the order level down to the SKU level - Over 60 ERP integrations – Purpose-built to automatically convert raw ERP data into predictive insights to drive confident decision-making - Quick ROI – Free up cash tied up in slow-moving inventory from day one - Enterprise-grade security – ISO 27001-certified so your data remains secure - Complete support – Personalized onboarding, 24/7 assistance, and ongoing education With a global footprint of 2,400+ customers and 20,000+ users, Netstock empowers customers with increased visibility, faster planning, and smarter inventory decisions—ensuring they’re always prepared for disruptions or market changes. As we continue to innovate our software, we remain the trusted advisor and go-to solution for SMBs in inventory management and demand planning - making sure our customers have the right stock, in the right place at the right time. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 169 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [NETSTOCK](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netstock-3223aec8-82f5-4685-9a41-5ca79f1de8b4) - **Company Website:** https://netstock.com - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Boston, US - **Twitter:** @netstock (18 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/netstock (196 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Supply Chain Manager, Purchasing Manager - **Top Industries:** Retail, Wholesale - **Company Size:** 53% Mid-Market, 41% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (18 reviews) - Forecasting Accuracy (17 reviews) - Inventory Management (17 reviews) - Inventory Optimization (13 reviews) - Forecasting (12 reviews) **Cons:** - Missing Features (10 reviews) - Data Inaccuracy (8 reviews) - Data Management Issues (7 reviews) - Difficult Learning (6 reviews) - Limited Customization (6 reviews) ### 5. [Blue Ridge Global](https://www.g2.com/products/blue-ridge-global/reviews) Experience supply chain software that exponentially improves planning precision. ELIMINATE GUESSWORK No more buying on spreadsheets, gut instinct, or outdated ERP systems. With Blue Ridge, you’ll always be prepared and in control to make fast, accurate decisions. MAXIMIZE INVENTORY PERFORMANCE Ready to save money while improving customer fill rates? Our software ensures you have the right inventory, in the right place, at the right time. You’ll realize ROI in months, not years. UNMATCHED PARTNERSHIP Blue Ridge’s unmatched LifeLine team, made up of industry experts, provides regular coaching to help accelerate the software’s adoption and performance. Learn more at https://blueridgeglobal.com/ or request a demo at https://blueridgeglobal.com/request-demo/. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 122 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Blue Ridge](https://www.g2.com/sellers/blue-ridge) - **Company Website:** https://blueridgeglobal.com - **Year Founded:** 2007 - **HQ Location:** Johns Creek, US - **Twitter:** @BlueRidgeGlobal (837 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-ridge-global/ (584 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Buyer - **Top Industries:** Food & Beverages, Wholesale - **Company Size:** 52% Mid-Market, 24% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (11 reviews) - Ease of Use (10 reviews) - Inventory Management (6 reviews) - Inventory Optimization (6 reviews) - Reporting (6 reviews) **Cons:** - Lacking Features (3 reviews) - Complexity (2 reviews) - Data Inaccuracy (2 reviews) - Improvement Needed (2 reviews) - Inefficiency (2 reviews) ### 6. [StockIQ](https://www.g2.com/products/stockiq/reviews) StockIQ is a modern supply chain planning platform designed to help organizations improve forecast accuracy, optimize inventory levels, and strengthen cross-functional planning. It was created by former supply chain practitioners who experienced the limits of spreadsheets and legacy systems firsthand. The platform connects directly to a company’s ERP and provides analytics, recommendations, and automated planning logic that help teams make faster, more confident decisions. Today’s supply chains face constant volatility. Planners must balance cost pressure from finance, service expectations from sales, and operational constraints across supplier networks. StockIQ is built to give teams a clear view of demand, inventory, supplier performance, and replenishment needs within one system, so they can respond quickly and reduce the amount of manual analysis required. Key capabilities include advanced forecasting, automated replenishment planning, safety stock optimization, supplier monitoring, and tools for SIOP collaboration. These functions are designed to provide planners with actionable insights rather than raw data, helping organizations reduce stockouts, increase service levels, and streamline planning cycles. Core features and capabilities • AI-driven forecasting that analyzes historical sales, seasonal patterns, and demand variability for accurate predictions up to 18 months ahead • Replenishment planning with dynamic safety stock calculations and automated purchase recommendations • Inventory optimization using item classification, service-level targets, and detailed visibility into projected stockouts and fill rates • SIOP support that brings sales, finance, and operations together on a shared view of demand and inventory • Supplier performance tracking through scorecards and exception alerts • Multi-location planning with recommendations to balance inventory across the network • Promotion and pricing impact modeling using elasticity curves and scenario analysis Value for supply chain teams • Reduces manual spreadsheet work and consolidates planning processes into one integrated environment • Improves decision-making with real-time insights on demand shifts, supply risks, and order priorities • Supports fast implementations through prebuilt ERP integrations and configurable workflows • Helps teams shorten planning cycles and focus on strategic analysis instead of manual data manipulation • Provides a user experience tailored to planners, built by professionals with hands-on supply chain backgrounds StockIQ is designed to function as a long-term planning partner rather than a one-size-fits-all tool. Its flexibility and practitioner-built workflows allow organizations to adapt the platform to their supply chain structure, helping teams operate with greater accuracy, alignment, and resilience. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 95 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [StockIQ](https://www.g2.com/sellers/stockiq) - **Company Website:** https://www.stockiqtech.com/ - **Year Founded:** 2015 - **HQ Location:** Broomfield, Colorado - **Twitter:** @StockIQ - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/stockiq-technologies/ (34 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Consumer Goods, Wholesale - **Company Size:** 63% Mid-Market, 32% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (28 reviews) - Ease of Use (27 reviews) - Helpful (24 reviews) - Forecasting Accuracy (21 reviews) - Inventory Management (19 reviews) **Cons:** - Missing Features (10 reviews) - Forecasting Limitations (7 reviews) - Limited Functionality (4 reviews) - Poor Reporting (4 reviews) - Challenges in Usage (3 reviews) ### 7. [RELEX](https://www.g2.com/products/relex-solutions-relex/reviews) RELEX Solutions offers a unified, AI-native software for retail and supply chain planning that helps retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers plan demand, inventory, merchandising, pricing, supply, and production. The platform supports end-to-end planning processes by connecting commercial, supply chain, and production decisions to improve availability, efficiency, and alignment across complex operations. Founded in Finland, RELEX Solutions operates globally with offices across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. The company serves retailers, manufacturers, and wholesale distributors across grocery, convenience, specialty retail, hardlines, and consumer packaged goods, supporting both physical and digital sales channels. RELEX supports a broad range of planning use cases by reducing planning silos and enabling organizations to respond more effectively to demand variability, promotions, and supply constraints. Built on a unified data model rather than disconnected modules, RELEX lets teams align decisions across the value chain and adapt plans as conditions change. Core planning capabilities include: Demand forecasting and replenishment planning that combines machine learning-based demand forecasting with automated inventory optimization and replenishment across multiple supply chain tiers, incorporating promotions, seasonality, events, weather, and operational constraints. Pricing and promotion planning and optimization that unifies pricing strategy, promotion planning, evaluation, and scenario analysis to support coordinated pricing and promotional decisions across products, locations, and channels. Assortment and space planning to manage product ranges, planograms, and space allocation based on local demand, product performance, and store-specific constraints. Supply chain planning and optimization to align inventory, distribution, and fulfillment decisions across the end-to-end supply chain using shared data and integrated planning logic. Production planning and scheduling to connect downstream demand with master planning, detailed scheduling, capacity constraints, and scenario-based analysis. Brands like ADUSA, Camco, Carhartt, COSMOS Pharmaceutical Corporation, Circle K, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, M&S Food, PetSmart, Rituals, The Body Shop, The Home Depot, Sun Tire & Auto Service, and Vita Coco trust RELEX to increase product availability, boost sales, deliver actionable insights, improve sustainability, and drive profitable growth. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 21 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [RELEX Solutions](https://www.g2.com/sellers/relex-solutions) - **Company Website:** https://relexsolutions.com - **Year Founded:** 2005 - **HQ Location:** Helsinki, Finland - **Twitter:** @RelexSolutions (1,613 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/relexsolutions (2,442 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Retail - **Company Size:** 57% Enterprise, 29% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (3 reviews) - Features (3 reviews) - Dashboard Design (2 reviews) - Interface Design (2 reviews) - User Interface (2 reviews) **Cons:** - Lack of Features (2 reviews) - Missing Features (2 reviews) - ERP Integration (1 reviews) - Incomplete Development (1 reviews) - Inventory Management (1 reviews) ### 8. [Oracle Fusion Cloud Demand Management](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-fusion-cloud-demand-management/reviews) Sense, predict, and shape demand to improve your demand forecasting accuracy and inventory strategies. Ensure that the right product is at the right place, at the right time. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 10 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Oracle](https://www.g2.com/sellers/oracle) - **Year Founded:** 1977 - **HQ Location:** Austin, TX - **Twitter:** @Oracle (827,310 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1028/ (199,301 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE:ORCL **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 80% Mid-Market, 20% Enterprise ### 9. [APEX](https://www.g2.com/products/leandna-apex/reviews) APEX by LeanDNA is the factory-focused platform for AI-powered expert execution to establish command of supply planning and materials management. It powers optimized decisions and operations through materials visibility, predictive insights, supplier collaboration, and recommended actions. APEX synchronizes people, materials, and sites with data centralization, AI, and machine learning to analyze supply conditions, predict risks, connect across suppliers, and outline the best actions to protect and optimize production. With core capabilities spanning data visibility and AI, supply insights, procurement management, and inventory optimization, APEX transforms fragmented data into supply chain intelligence that drives confident, precise execution. Teams eliminate operational guesswork, respond faster to disruption, and improve performance with smarter prioritization and optimized supply strategies. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 128 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 7.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [LeanDNA](https://www.g2.com/sellers/leandna) - **Company Website:** https://www.leandna.com - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Austin, Texas, United States - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/leandna/ (100 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Approvisionneur - **Top Industries:** Manufacturing, Aviation & Aerospace - **Company Size:** 51% Mid-Market, 38% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (31 reviews) - Customer Support (21 reviews) - Inventory Management (20 reviews) - Features (15 reviews) - Time-saving (13 reviews) **Cons:** - Complex Usability (10 reviews) - Limited Customization (6 reviews) - Missing Features (6 reviews) - Data Inaccuracy (5 reviews) - Learning Curve (5 reviews) ### 10. [Slim4](https://www.g2.com/products/slim4/reviews) Slim4 by Slimstock is an award‑winning, AI‑powered supply chain planning platform designed to help businesses build more efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains. Backed by over 30 years of global supply chain expertise, Slim4 unifies planning, execution, and data into a single connected platform, enabling faster, smarter, and more confident decision‑making across the entire value chain. The platform integrates commerce management, demand planning, inventory management, supply chain optimization, and agentic data management into one intelligent ecosystem. By combining real‑time data, advanced analytics, and AI‑driven automation, Slim4 provides full visibility and control over demand, supply, and inventory, helping organizations balance service levels, cost, and working capital with precision. Slim4 delivers measurable business value: increased sales, reduced inventory, higher operational efficiency, fewer stock‑outs, and significant waste reduction. AI‑powered automation minimizes manual planning effort, while intelligent workflows and agentic processes orchestrate decisions across products, suppliers, and master data. With a single source of truth, teams across commercial, operational, and supply chain functions work with consistent, up‑to‑date information, improving collaboration and decision quality. Core Slim4 Solution Areas: • Commerce Management: AI‑driven pricing optimization, promotion planning, and assortment strategy to improve margins and revenue. • Demand Management: Enhanced forecasting, cross‑channel demand planning, and dynamic demand sensing for highly accurate predictions. • Inventory Management: Automatic replenishment, multi‑echelon inventory optimization (MEIO), allocation, network balancing, and fresh/shelf‑life management to reduce excess stock and service gaps. • Supply Chain Planning: Integrated tools for supply planning, production scheduling, open‑to‑buy (OTB) control, scenario planning, and real‑time control tower visibility. • Agentic Data Management: AI‑orchestrated master data optimization and supplier collaboration with automated workflows to enhance data quality and operational speed. Designed for scalability and easy adoption, Slim4 features a cloud‑native architecture, enterprise‑grade security, and seamless integration with any ERP or enterprise system, including SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and Salesforce. Implementation is supported by Slimstock’s expert consultants, ensuring rapid adoption, smooth integration, and ongoing value after go‑live. Trusted by more than 1,700 customers worldwide, Slim4 transforms supply chain planning into a competitive advantage by combining AI intelligence, advanced analytics, and decades of expertise. The result: empowered teams that eliminate waste, improve service levels, and make smarter, data‑driven decisions across the entire supply chain. **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 18 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Slimstock](https://www.g2.com/sellers/slimstock) - **Year Founded:** 1993 - **HQ Location:** Deventer, NL - **Twitter:** @Slimstock (622 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/805980 (609 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Retail - **Company Size:** 78% Mid-Market, 22% Small-Business ### 11. [Syncron Service Lifecycle Management](https://www.g2.com/products/syncron-service-lifecycle-management/reviews) Syncron's SLM is an integrated AI-powered platform designed to help Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors of complex, high-value assets enhance the growth of their aftermarket business. This comprehensive solution addresses the multifaceted needs of these organizations by offering a suite of specialized aftermarket tools, including repair management, pricing optimization, parts planning, and inventory control. By streamlining these critical functions, SLM empowers businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively within the aftermarket landscape. The target audience for Syncron's SLM primarily includes manufacturers and distributors dealing with intricate and high-value equipment, such as machinery, vehicles and energy systems. These organizations often face challenges in managing their service lifecycle due to the complexity of their products and the diverse needs of their customers. SLM provides a holistic approach to these challenges by connecting data and processes across various business silos, enabling end-to-end visibility and control. This interconnectedness allows companies to adopt innovative aftermarket strategies, such as servitization and equipment-as-a-service, which can significantly enhance their market differentiation and drive sustainable growth. Key features of Syncron's SLM include advanced AI and machine learning capabilities that deliver actionable insights and automate decision-making processes. This functionality allows manufacturers to optimize their aftermarket operations in real-time, ensuring that they can respond swiftly to changing market conditions and customer demands. By leveraging these technologies, businesses can reduce operational costs, improve service efficiency, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction. The platform's ability to create synergies between individual point solutions further amplifies its value, driving incremental return on investment (ROI) for users. • Parts Inventory Optimisation • Parts Pricing • Contract Pricing • Warranty management • Technician Enablement In addition to its core functionalities, Syncron's SLM fosters a connected service business across multiple domains. This integration not only simplifies the management of aftermarket operations but also enhances collaboration among different departments within an organization. By breaking down barriers and facilitating seamless communication, SLM enables companies to implement powerful new business models that capitalize on the growing demand for high-margin aftermarket services. As a result, organizations can position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market, making Syncron's SLM a vital tool for any OEM or distributor aiming to thrive in the aftermarket sector. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 28 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 6.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 6.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Syncron](https://www.g2.com/sellers/syncron) - **Company Website:** https://www.syncron.com - **Year Founded:** 1999 - **HQ Location:** Stockholm, SE - **Twitter:** @SyncronSCM (1,340 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/syncron (809 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Machinery - **Company Size:** 41% Enterprise, 38% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (12 reviews) - Customer Support (9 reviews) - Efficiency Improvement (6 reviews) - Pricing Optimization (6 reviews) - Automation (5 reviews) **Cons:** - Learning Curve (11 reviews) - Improvement Needed (10 reviews) - Difficult Learning Process (7 reviews) - User Difficulty (6 reviews) - Challenges in Usage (5 reviews) ### 12. [Blue Yonder Demand Planning](https://www.g2.com/products/blue-yonder-demand-planning/reviews) Demand planning ingests hundreds of demand-driving variables and uses machine learning to provide a unique, unbiased demand projection with calculated business impact and risk. This enables higher planner productivity, better inventory management and an improved understanding of demand drivers and customer behavior. **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 23 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Blue Yonder](https://www.g2.com/sellers/blue-yonder-06f8dd47-974e-4d02-8872-64c38ec217c0) - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** Scottsdale, AZ - **Twitter:** @BlueYonder (12,423 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueyonder/ (8,318 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Phone:** 480-308-3000 **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Retail - **Company Size:** 70% Enterprise, 27% Mid-Market ### 13. [SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-advanced-planning-and-optimization/reviews) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO is a comprehensive supply chain management solution designed to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of global supply chains. By integrating demand planning, supply network planning, production planning, and global available-to-promise functionalities, SAP APO enables businesses to balance supply and demand effectively, optimize production processes, and improve customer service levels. Its seamless integration with SAP ERP ensures real-time data exchange, facilitating synchronized planning across the entire supply chain. Key Features and Functionality: - Demand Planning (DP: Offers a robust set of forecasting tools, including configurable planning books with macro functionality, and supports lifecycle, promotion, and collaborative demand planning. - Supply Network Planning (SNP: Integrates purchasing, manufacturing, distribution, and transportation to plan product flow along the supply chain, considering constraints and penalties. It supports various planning levels and offers heuristic-, rule-, or optimization-based algorithms. - Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PP/DS: Facilitates multi-level production planning, capable-to-promise checks, and supports various production strategies such as make-to-stock and make-to-order. It includes features like lot quantity calculations, sourcing, and order pegging. - Global Available-to-Promise (gATP: Provides global availability checks, rules-based ATP using product or location substitution strategies, product allocation for key customers, backorder processing, and multi-level ATP for component checks. Primary Value and Problem Solving: SAP APO addresses the complexities of modern supply chain management by providing integrated tools that enhance forecasting accuracy, optimize resource utilization, and improve on-time delivery performance. By aligning mid- to long-term demand plans with overall supply capacity, businesses can reduce inventory buffers, minimize costs, and respond swiftly to market changes. The solution's ability to create optimized production plans and provide reliable sales order confirmation dates ensures that companies can meet customer demands efficiently while maintaining operational excellence. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 10 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [SAP](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sap) - **Year Founded:** 1972 - **HQ Location:** Walldorf - **Twitter:** @SAP (297,227 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sap/ (141,341 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE:SAP **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 80% Enterprise, 20% Mid-Market ### 14. [Service Optimizer 99+](https://www.g2.com/products/service-optimizer-99/reviews) SO99+ provides the AI-powered dynamic supply chain planning capabilities that allow customers to navigate uncertainty and make better decisions faster. By leveraging automation and employing powerful statistical, optimizing, and heuristic algorithms – including self-adaptive, frequency-based probabilistic forecasting and multi-echelon inventory optimization – this planning suite optimizes and positions on-hand inventory to best fulfill demand, reducing working capital investments while increasing service levels and profitability. Solutions include: - Demand Forecasting & Planning - Demand Sensing - Promotion Management - Inventory Optimization - Allocation & Replenishment - Production & Capacity Planning - Sales & Operations Planning **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 49 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [ToolsGroup B.V.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/toolsgroup-b-v) - **Year Founded:** 1993 - **HQ Location:** Boston, MA - **Twitter:** @ToolsGroup (2,833 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/toolsgroup/ (321 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Consumer Goods, Automotive - **Company Size:** 47% Mid-Market, 29% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Forecasting (10 reviews) - Forecasting Accuracy (10 reviews) - Inventory Management (9 reviews) - Ease of Use (8 reviews) - Implementation Ease (6 reviews) **Cons:** - Improvement Needed (4 reviews) - Lacking Features (3 reviews) - Poor Interface Design (3 reviews) - UX Improvement (3 reviews) - Complex Implementation (2 reviews) ### 15. [EazyStock](https://www.g2.com/products/eazystock/reviews) EazyStock is a sophisticated inventory optimization and demand forecasting solution designed to help businesses effectively manage their stock levels and improve purchasing decisions. This tool is particularly beneficial for organizations facing challenges such as excess inventory, cash flow issues, low service levels, and frequent stockouts. By leveraging EazyStock, users can enhance their inventory visibility and streamline their operations, ultimately leading to more efficient inventory management. Primarily targeted at stock-holding businesses, EazyStock serves a wide range of industries, including retail, wholesale, and manufacturing. The software is particularly useful for companies that struggle with chaotic spreadsheets and manual processes, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies. EazyStock provides a structured approach to inventory management, allowing users to forecast demand accurately and stock the right items at the right time. This capability is essential for maintaining optimal stock levels and ensuring high service availability. EazyStock offers several key features that set it apart in the inventory management landscape. One of its standout features is its advanced demand forecasting algorithms, which factor in seasonality, promotions, and the sales lifecycle. This allows businesses to anticipate customer demand more accurately, reducing the risk of stockouts and overstock situations. Additionally, EazyStock automates the calculation of minimum and maximum stock levels, enabling users to optimize their inventory without tying up excess cash. EazyStock simplifies ordering, allowing users to place orders quickly and confidently. The software includes features such as scheduled supplier orders and an order fill-up function, which help businesses meet minimum order quantities (MOQs) while ensuring they only order stock likely to sell. This not only saves time but also minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency in the supply chain. EazyStock is committed to customer success, providing dedicated customer success managers who offer training and ongoing support to users at no extra cost. This personalized approach ensures businesses can maximize the software's benefits from day one and receive assistance whenever needed, enhancing the overall user experience. By implementing EazyStock, organizations can expect significant reductions in stock-related costs, improved service levels, and a more streamlined inventory management process. Connect your ERP Forecast demand Optimize inventory Order in seconds **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 64 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 7.6/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [EazyStock](https://www.g2.com/sellers/eazystock) - **Company Website:** https://www.eazystock.com/ - **HQ Location:** Stockholm, SE - **Twitter:** @EazyStock (711 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/eazystock/ (28 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Purchasing Manager - **Top Industries:** Wholesale, Building Materials - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market, 48% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (16 reviews) - Customer Support (9 reviews) - Forecasting Accuracy (7 reviews) - Efficiency (5 reviews) - Inventory Management (5 reviews) **Cons:** - Learning Curve (4 reviews) - User Difficulty (4 reviews) - Poor Interface Design (3 reviews) - Data Management (2 reviews) - Difficult Onboarding (2 reviews) ### 16. [Oracle Demantra](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-demantra/reviews) Oracle's Demantra is a best-in-class provider of demand management, sales & operations planning, and trade promotions management solutions. **Average Rating:** 3.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 46 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Oracle](https://www.g2.com/sellers/oracle) - **Year Founded:** 1977 - **HQ Location:** Austin, TX - **Twitter:** @Oracle (827,310 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1028/ (199,301 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE:ORCL **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Consumer Goods - **Company Size:** 70% Enterprise, 24% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customization (1 reviews) - Data Visualization (1 reviews) - Features (1 reviews) - Flexibility (1 reviews) - Forecasting Accuracy (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Complexity (1 reviews) - Difficult Learning (1 reviews) - Improvement Needed (1 reviews) - Not User-Friendly (1 reviews) - User Difficulty (1 reviews) ### 17. [Flieber](https://www.g2.com/products/flieber/reviews) Flieber’s multichannel inventory planning platform helps modern commerce brands make better decisions, faster. With Flieber, brand operators can embrace the power of data-driven decisions without the hassle of handling countless spreadsheets. Our system connects to your sales, inventory and supply chain data, and leverages AI to provide in real time: - AI-based omni-channel demand forecasting - Multichannel inventory forecasting - Replenishment recommendations consolidated at the warehouse level - Purchase/Transfer simulation for better scenario modeling - And many more. Unlike other systems, Flieber isn’t limited to a specific use case or platform. It’s purpose-built to handle the intricacies of every channel under one easy-to-use system—and it doesn’t break when you need to add non-typical use cases such as: - Intricate supply chains - Multiple SKUs combined into the same product - Kits/bundles - Preorders/backorders And many others. Brands that use Flieber see on average\*: - 38% increase in sales - 62% reduction in stockouts - 17% reduction in inventory levels - 88% less time spent on inventory decisions \* Numbers based on real customers that have used Flieber for at least 12 months. Created by experienced e-commerce entrepreneurs that lived through the pain of building a $12M+/year brand, Flieber is the only inventory planning platform developed to simplify operations and unlock growth. With headquarters in New York (USA), Flieber is backed by renowned world-class VCs such as GGV, Monashees, Cherubic, AME, Propel, among others. The company is bringing a fresh perspective to the biggest and hardest problem in global commerce: inventory. With customers in 15+ countries, Flieber’s platform currently manages over 3M SKUs across dozens of sales channels. **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 30 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Flieber](https://www.g2.com/sellers/flieber) - **Company Website:** https://www.flieber.com - **Year Founded:** 2019 - **HQ Location:** New York, US - **Twitter:** @FlieberInc (54 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/flieber (14 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Consumer Goods, Logistics and Supply Chain - **Company Size:** 53% Small-Business, 33% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (5 reviews) - Ease of Use (5 reviews) - Forecasting Accuracy (4 reviews) - Forecasting (3 reviews) - Inventory Management (3 reviews) **Cons:** - Complexity (1 reviews) - Complexity Issues (1 reviews) - Complex Usability (1 reviews) - Difficult Learning (1 reviews) - Forecasting Limitations (1 reviews) ### 18. [Forecast Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/forecast-pro/reviews) Forecast Pro is off-the-shelf forecasting software trusted by 12,000+ organizations globally to create statistically-based forecasts. It is powerful and accurate, yet easy-to-use, and readily integrates into broader planning systems. Key Capabilities Include: • AI-driven Automatic Statistical Forecasting & Machine Learning models • Customized Hierarchies & Multiple Units of Measure • Forecast Adjustments & Collaboration • Accuracy Tracking & Reporting • Forecast Value Add reporting • Exception Reporting For over 30 years Forecast Pro has been trusted by business forecasters across virtually all industries, and has 40,000+ users globally. We also offer a Software Development Kit for software developers looking to add forecasting to their applications. **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 20 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 7.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Business Forecast Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/business-forecast-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1986 - **HQ Location:** Waltham, Massachusetts - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2090595/ (14 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 55% Mid-Market, 27% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Forecasting Accuracy (6 reviews) - Ease of Use (5 reviews) - Easy Integrations (3 reviews) - Customer Support (2 reviews) - Flexibility (2 reviews) **Cons:** - Slow Performance (2 reviews) - Limitations (1 reviews) - Poor Interface Design (1 reviews) - Poor Reporting (1 reviews) - Training Required (1 reviews) ### 19. [o9 Solutions](https://www.g2.com/products/o9-solutions/reviews) At o9 Solutions, we transform enterprise planning from slow and siloed to AI-powered and fully integrated. Our breakthrough o9 Digital Brain platform enhances end-to-end decision-making, empowering organizations to navigate complexity and volatility in the digital age. Built on a single data model and powered by the Enterprise Knowledge Graph, o9 is an integrated planning platform that supports all key planning processes—connecting data, decisions, and teams across the enterprise. **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 18 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 7.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 7.2/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [o9 Solutions](https://www.g2.com/sellers/o9-solutions) - **Company Website:** https://www.o9solutions.com/ - **Year Founded:** 2009 - **HQ Location:** Dallas, Texas - **Twitter:** @o9solutions (1,110 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/o9solutions/ (3,321 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 39% Small-Business, 33% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Business Efficiency (2 reviews) - Planning Efficiency (2 reviews) - Business Management (1 reviews) - Centralization (1 reviews) - Collaboration (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Expensive (1 reviews) - Maintenance Issues (1 reviews) ### 20. [LEAFIO AI Retail Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/leafio-ai-retail-platform/reviews) LEAFIO AI Retail Platform empowering retailers, distributors, and CPG manufacturers with comprehensive supply chain and retail planning and automation solutions in Inventory management, Demand planning, Auto replenishment, Planogram software, Retail space planning, Merchandising management, Assortment planning, Loyalty Management, and Transportation Management. Discover the cutting-edge products offered by LEAFIO AI, a leading software provider specializing in retail supply chain automation and optimization. With a strong presence in over 20 countries and trusted by more than 180 retail companies, LEAFIO helps businesses gain a competitive edge, improve resistance to disruption, and generate higher revenues with enhanced profit margins. At LEAFIO, we excel in several core areas of expertise, revolutionizing how retailers manage their supply chain processes. Our comprehensive suite of products includes: 1. Accurate Demand Planning and Forecasting: Leverage the power of advanced algorithms to accurately predict customer demand, enabling retailers to optimize inventory levels, reduce out-of-stock situations, and maximize sales potential. 2. Fully Automated Order Generation: Streamline and automate the order generation process, eliminating manual errors and ensuring timely replenishment based on demand forecasts, sales trends, and stock availability. 3. Multi-Echelon Replenishment OOptimization OOptimizeinventory replenishment across multiple levels of the supply chain, from distribution centers to stores, minimizing stockouts and excess inventory while improving overall efficiency. 4. Macro/Micro Space Management: Efficiently manage the allocation and utilisation of retail space, optimizing product placement, category arrangement, and promotional displays to enhance the customer shopping experience. 5. Planogram Generation Automation: Automate the creation of planograms, visually representing product placement on shelves, to ensure optimal shelf arrangements that maximize sales and improve product visibility. 6. Category Management OOptimization OOptimizecategory management strategies by analyzing sales data, customer behavior, and market trends. LEAFIO AI provides actionable insights to enhance assortment planning, pricing strategies, and promotional activities. 7. Shelf Space Performance Management: Monitor and analyze the performance of shelf space allocation, identify underperforming areas, and make data-driven decisions to improve product visibility and sales performance. 8. Performance Tracking: Track and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess retail strategies” success, identify improvement areas, and make informed business decisions. 9. Business Insights and Analytics: Access comprehensive analytics and reports, empowering retailers with actionable insights to make data-driven decisions, optimize operations, and drive growth. 10. Promotion Management: Streamline and optimize promotional campaigns, from planning and execution to performance analysis, ensuring maximum ROI and customer engagement. With LEAFIO AI’s innovative products, retailers can streamline their supply chain processes, enhance operational efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive market. Join the league of successful retailers leveraging LEAFIO AI to drive success and stay ahead of the curve. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 30 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Leafio](https://www.g2.com/sellers/leafio) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Tallinn, EE - **Twitter:** @Leafio1 (278 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/leafio (76 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Retail - **Company Size:** 80% Mid-Market, 13% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (6 reviews) - Features (5 reviews) - Time-saving (5 reviews) - User Interface (5 reviews) - Analytics (4 reviews) **Cons:** - Slow Loading (2 reviews) - Slow Performance (2 reviews) - Complexity (1 reviews) - Complex Setup (1 reviews) - Expensive (1 reviews) ### 21. [AGR](https://www.g2.com/products/agr/reviews) AGR is a SaaS solution for demand forecasting, inventory management, and replenishment, designed for wholesale, retail, and manufacturing companies. Since 1998, AGR has supported businesses in optimising stock levels, increasing service performance, and building resilience across supply chains. The platform transforms ERP data into accurate forecasts and actionable replenishment plans, enabling companies to maintain the right balance between service and cost. AGR integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and other ERP systems, making it accessible and adaptable to diverse business environments. Key features include: Automated demand forecasting and replenishment to improve stock availability and reduce excess inventory Rapid onboarding, with typical implementations completed within one week Compatibility with Microsoft-certified integrations, ensuring smooth deployment alongside existing ERP solutions Global reach in 20+ countries with local expertise and dedicated support Proactive customer success team focused on long-term adoption and value delivery Who uses AGR: Wholesale and distribution businesses gain visibility into fluctuating demand and manage replenishment across multiple warehouses. Retailers maintain optimal stock levels across stores and online channels, minimising out-of-stock events. Manufacturers align production schedules with demand forecasts to reduce bottlenecks and free up working capital. Benefits achieved with AGR: Improved service levels and reduced lost sales through accurate demand planning Optimised working capital by lowering excess stock while maintaining availability Faster response to market changes with agile, data-driven planning tools By combining forecasting accuracy with automation and customer support, AGR enables businesses to make better decisions, strengthen their supply chains, and adapt with confidence in competitive markets. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 17 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [AGR](https://www.g2.com/sellers/agr) - **Year Founded:** 1997 - **HQ Location:** Reykjavík, Capital Region - **Twitter:** @AGR_inventory (174 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/agr-inventory (145 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Retail - **Company Size:** 76% Mid-Market, 24% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (2 reviews) - Ease of Implementation (2 reviews) - Ease of Use (2 reviews) - Implementation Ease (2 reviews) - Access (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Complexity (1 reviews) - Data Inaccuracy (1 reviews) - Data Management (1 reviews) - Difficult Learning (1 reviews) - Difficult Onboarding (1 reviews) ### 22. [Solvoyo](https://www.g2.com/products/solvoyo/reviews) Solvoyo is a cloud-native SaaS supply chain planning & analytics platform. We provide the broadest E2E decision-making capabilities with little to no intervention. Our mission is to proliferate supply chain proficiency to all who desire it. In order to provide a singular, simple, and satisfying solution, we have built a next-generation platform with one goal in mind: This is going to be the only supply chain planning platform a customer would ever have to use. Two-thirds of supply chain planning across the globe is still being done using spreadsheets. Such dependency on manual work hinders the sharing of insights across different departments. This, in turn, slows down organizations’ ability and agility to respond to customer needs. Organizations that are looking to reduce the dependency on manual work typically invest in traditional ERP systems. These ERP systems may provide the basic logic behind planning and forecasting. However, the increasingly complex and uncertain business world demands much more than that. Now more than ever, businesses need to think about digital transformation and automation. Solvoyo is the true enabler of digital transformation. Our cloud-based SaaS platform uses advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize and automate decision-making in supply chain planning. Our all-in-one platform forecasts demand, optimizes inventory, plans production, replenishes networks, and concurrently optimizes fulfillment and transportation plans; eliminating silos while reducing the dependency on manual work. The scalability, analytical capabilities, and short implementation cycles of our cloud platform help our clients achieve dramatic improvements. Solvoyo has over 40 successful deployments around the world, leading to significant and measurable outcomes for Fortune 100 CPG and Retail customers. For more information, please visit https:///www.solvoyo.com **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 35 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Solvoyo](https://www.g2.com/sellers/solvoyo) - **Year Founded:** 2005 - **HQ Location:** Boston, MA - **Twitter:** @Solvoyo (552 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/solvoyo/ (65 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Apparel & Fashion, Retail - **Company Size:** 73% Enterprise, 16% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Customer Support (5 reviews) - Ease of Use (4 reviews) - Customer Satisfaction (3 reviews) - Helpful (3 reviews) - Analytics (2 reviews) **Cons:** - Data Integration (1 reviews) - Difficult Implementation (1 reviews) - Implementation Complexity (1 reviews) - Improvement Needed (1 reviews) - Inadequate Reporting (1 reviews) ### 23. [INTUENDI](https://www.g2.com/products/intuendi/reviews) Intuendi is the AI-powered demand planning platform built for high-growth companies and scale-ups navigating complex supply chains. No more stockouts draining revenue. No more excess inventory eating cash flow. Intuendi helps you slash excess, simplify PO management, and empowers you with data-backed, precise recommendations so you can make faster, smarter decisions. Intuendi Labs a first-of-its-kind R&D program where your boldest supply chain and demand planning ideas become reality. We work closely with clients to co-create solutions and design tools to solve the exact challenges you’re facing in the real-world. The software is intuitive, and lightning-fast to implement, so you can scale quickly and without chaos. Intuendi isn’t just another tool. It’s your next competitive advantage, and a partner that builds with you. Intuendi is built for high-growth companies, startups, and scale-ups with complex supply chains who need smarter, faster demand planning and who want to scale quickly, without chaos. AI-powered Intuendi helps you cut stockouts, reduce excess, and simplify POs—all in one innovative tool built with you in mind. **Average Rating:** 4.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 11 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Intuendi srl](https://www.g2.com/sellers/intuendi-srl) - **Year Founded:** 2016 - **HQ Location:** Florence, Italy - **Twitter:** @intuendi (99 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/intuendi-srl (10 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 64% Small-Business, 36% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Implementation Ease (2 reviews) - Collaboration (1 reviews) - Cost Efficiency (1 reviews) - Customer Success (1 reviews) - Features (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Forecasting Limitations (2 reviews) - Limitations (1 reviews) - Poor Reporting (1 reviews) ### 24. [Increff Merchandising Software](https://www.g2.com/products/increff-merchandising-software/reviews) Reimagine merchandise planning, buying, and allocation with Increff Merchandising Software. Built for small and medium B2B and B2C brands and retailers, this algorithm-driven SaaS-based tool performs billions of computations within a few minutes of runtime to deliver quick action-oriented results for optimum inventory planning and distribution for sales maximization. Considering seasonality, recency, and festivity, this tool analyzes multiple layers of attributes to calculate store-specific assortments, inventory health, and freshness index, for determining ideal distribution. It helps brands realize the true demand potential by allocating the right inventory, as per customer demands, closer to the customers. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 25 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Increff](https://www.g2.com/sellers/increff) - **Year Founded:** 2016 - **HQ Location:** Bengaluru, Karnataka - **Twitter:** @increff (217 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/increff/mycompany (297 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Apparel & Fashion, Retail - **Company Size:** 35% Enterprise, 31% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Inventory Management (10 reviews) - Customer Support (8 reviews) - Ease of Use (8 reviews) - Efficiency (6 reviews) - Efficiency Improvement (5 reviews) **Cons:** - Difficult Navigation (3 reviews) - Improvement Needed (3 reviews) - Missing Features (3 reviews) - Navigation Difficulty (3 reviews) - UX Improvement (3 reviews) ### 25. [Logility Solutions](https://www.g2.com/products/logility-solutions/reviews) Logility is a market-leading provider of AI-first supply chain management solutions engineered to help organizations build sustainable digital supply chains that improve people’s lives and the world we live in. The company’s approach is designed to reimagine supply chain planning by shifting away from traditional “what happened” processes to an AI-driven strategy that combines the power of humans and machines to predict and be ready for what’s coming. Logility’s fully integrated, end-to-end platform helps clients know faster, turn uncertainty into opportunity, and transform the supply chain from a cost center to an engine for growth. **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 113 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Inventory collaboration:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Aptean](https://www.g2.com/sellers/aptean) - **Company Website:** https://www.aptean.com - **Year Founded:** 2012 - **HQ Location:** Alpharetta, Georgia - **Twitter:** @Aptean (1,624 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2681769/ (3,053 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Consumer Goods, Food & Beverages - **Company Size:** 56% Mid-Market, 33% Enterprise ## Parent Category [Supply Chain & Logistics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-logistics) ## Related Categories - [Inventory Control Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/inventory-control-software) - [Supply Chain Planning Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-planning) - [Sales & Ops Planning Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sales-ops-planning) --- ## Buyer Guide ### What You Should Know About Demand Planning Software ### What is Demand Planning Software? Demand planning software (also known as demand forecasting software) automates the process of predicting consumer demand to optimize inventory levels. Demand forecasting entails analyzing buying behavior, seasonal patterns, and consumer trends to determine appropriate levels of stock. The ultimate goal is stock optimization—to not have too much or too little inventory.  Achieving optimal inventory is an important business task because overstocking can lead to dead stock (or unused and unsellable products), which creates unnecessary carrying costs and sales losses. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a shortage of products can result in consumer frustration over sellouts and unavailable products. Demand planning software successfully resolves these issues using analytical tools and collecting point of sale (POS) data to anticipate the necessary size of future reserves. Forecasting metrics can thus inform supply chain management, inventory control, and sales and operations (S&Op) strategy.  ### What are the Common Features of Demand Planning Software? Demand planning software solutions carry out the tasks involved in planning future inventory levels. Thus, all features of this software will in some way automate the process. **Product portfolio management:** Demand forecasting software must oversee the product lifecycle, from launch to end-of-life planning. Many products in a business’ portfolio are interdependent, so studying lifecycles in the context of an entire product mix is crucial. Understanding the portfolio mix, in turn, helps understand how demand for similar products affects the demand for another item.  **Statistical forecasting:** Using historical data to create predictive models is a central feature of demand forecasting software. These algorithms are developed in a meticulous statistical process of evaluating outliers, exclusions, and assumptions. Linear regression is often used to accomplish this, and it entails taking previous demand levels, plotting them on a graph, and creating a “line of best fit” to help predict where demand will be in the future. **Demand sensing:** Incorporating seasonal patterns and current events in the projection of consumer demand is also part of demand planning software. Current events could include disruptions to the supply chain due to weather, infectious diseases, government regulations, and historical trends. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning help accomplish this through inputting inflowing, real-time data into computer algorithms. **Trade promotion management:** Trade and marketing promotions naturally spark consumer interest and demand. Supply planning accounts for the likely increase in demand due to limited-time marketing initiatives, promotional tools, and pricing changes. Demand planning software will incorporate these into its statistical models. **AI and machine learning:** The difference between pen-and-paper supply chain planning that internal teams conduct and demand forecasting software is the presence of AI and machine learning to develop algorithms and statistical models. A core feature of this software is the ability of a computer to continuously incorporate real-time data and develop insights for effective supply chain strategies.  **Metrics:** The final stage of demand planning is assessing results to determine the accuracy and effectiveness of the project, often quantified as key performance indicators (KPIs). Demand planning tools help businesses track the attainment of KPIs throughout and after the forecasting process. Some key metrics include forecast accuracy, inventory turns, fill rates, costs of goods sold, and order fulfillment lead times. ### What are the Benefits of Demand Planning Software? Demand forecasting software effectively automates the process of inventory management to react to changes in consumer demand. What once was an imperfect human process can now be accomplished through computer algorithms and AI. This entails the following benefits: **Improved forecast accuracy:** The most crucial aspect of demand planning is the accuracy of the forecast. Finetuned reporting means more insight into anticipated company revenue. In addition, this software can use the preciseness of a current project to improve future projects. For example, if the algorithm is repeatedly underestimating or overestimating demand, it can recalibrate until it more closely matches future consumer demand. **Effective inventory levels:** Achieving the perfect balance between overstocking and understocking is the end goal of demand planning. With proper forecasting of stock demand, a business can ensure warehouses and brick-and-mortar stores have enough stock to prevent sellouts, but not too much that products pile up and become unsellable. Effective replenishment of stock, thus, leads to greater revenue.  **Efficient production scheduling:** When changes in customer demand are expected, businesses can better anticipate production scheduling, warehousing, and shipping. This is crucial because more streamlined warehousing leads to greater profits. **Optimized labor scheduling:** Labor is one of the most expensive costs associated with manufacturing, and planning systems help optimize this through allocating labor appropriately based on expected fluctuations in production. For example, more workers can be scheduled if a busy season is expected. On the other hand, a projection of shrinking demand would lead to fewer scheduled workers to prevent overpaying for labor. In addition, expectations on the timing of completion of projects can be set for employees to work toward when demand planning predicts a change in consumer demand. **Effective product launching:** For a new product to be successfully launched, its predicted demand must also be calculated. Demand forecasting solutions accelerate the idea-to-commercialization cycle by connecting high-level ideation with feasibility models and scenario-based profitability modeling. ### Who Uses Demand Planning Software? Multiple people are involved in the supply chain forecasting process. All of these professionals will come in touch with the functionalities of demand planning software. **Demand planners:** People who are trained in advanced statistical analysis and responsible for the punching of hard numbers are called demand planners. These professionals will work most closely with demand planning software, and they are responsible for logistics optimization. Demand planners are the ones who can speak the language of computers and know how to manipulate data to produce compelling insights in supply chain decisions.  **Sales and marketing:** Promotional events help drive consumer demand, so people involved in sales and marketing will be looped in during the production planning process to ensure future environmental variables help inform the statistical analysis. **Buyers or supply chain managers:** People involved in the purchasing process and management of the supply chain will need to be comfortable using demand planning software. When a restriction in market activity is expected, buyers can ensure fewer raw materials are purchased. On the contrary, when the market is expected to expand, buyers ensure enough tools and materials are available for replenishment and warehousing. **Product managers:** Executives who are responsible for the management of product suites and high-level business strategy can speak fluently about the product mix and items of interest. They assist in the demand planning process by acting as a subject matter expert on brand strategy, lead times for components, and production times.  #### Software Related to Demand Planning Software Demand planning software is but one facet of the logistics and supply chain industry, it is related to other software solutions that optimize the comprehensive process of selling, procurement, replenishment, and inventory management. [Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems:](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems) ERP systems integrate all aspects of a production-based or distribution business, and they contain financial management, HR, supply chain management, and manufacturing and distribution. ERPs are perhaps most crucial to demand planning software because they provide the data that will be used to develop the forecast. [Supply chain planning software:](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-planning) This software helps plan and organize various aspects of the supply chain. It accomplishes this through detecting issues in the supply chain and predicting supply and demand from consumers. Thus, the predictive features that accompany this software can be used directly with demand planning software. [Inventory control software](https://www.g2.com/categories/inventory-control) **:** Software that assists in the maintenance of proper inventory levels is vital in the functioning of demand planning. This software often uses barcodes and radio-frequency identification when working with stock keeping units (SKUs). Thus, inventory control systems that trigger restocks or prevent overaccumulation of goods will improve the process of responding to consumer demand.  ### Challenges with Demand Planning Software Although demand planning software (and the demand planning process, in general) has the potential to significantly improve a business’ supply chain strategy, it is not without potential downsides and complications. **Complex and theoretical:** Some businesses, especially small businesses, believe demand planning software overcomplicate supply chain management. They may not have the manpower to accomplish the daunting process, and the abstract nature of demand planning may not seem worth it. **Cost:** The demand planning process can be very expensive, as it is the result of statisticians, warehousing, product managers, finance, and IT professionals who collaborate. Some companies simply may not have the financial resources to accomplish this. ### How to Buy Demand Planning Software #### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Demand Planning Software The first step in selecting the appropriate software for a company is to accrue a list of requirements that the software must satisfy. Buyers must begin with a long list of requirements that has more broad criteria, and then narrow down to a short list that has more urgent and industry-specific criteria. #### Compare Demand Planning Software Products **Create a long list** Buyers can begin creating a long list by mapping out a business’ demand stream and demand drivers, and display the input and output, as well as any technology that is already in use for the demand planning process. The availability of the following features should be considered when creating the list: - Available languages and global support - Ease of integration - Multiple calendar support, such as finance and production **Create a short list** Finally, to create the short list, buyers may consider the statistical analyses the business currently relies on to forecast demand, and then choose which software best fits the existing processes. - Full suite of statistical forecasting methods (i.e., ARIMAX, econometric, cluster analysis) - Forecast generation using hierarchies, event or pricing models, and what-if scenarios - Error measurement protocol - Data visualization tools - POS data capabilities **Conduct demos** Next, it is crucial to schedule product demonstrations with vendors of interest. Buyers should ask them to show the process of data input, statistical tests conducted, and visualization of data. #### Selection of Demand Planning Software **Choose a selection team** A selection team must be formed of various professionals throughout the business to ensure the winning software meets various criteria across organizational needs. These stakeholders include project managers, product managers, IT, and functional end users of the product. **Negotiation** Vendors will bring their strongest salespeople to the negotiating table, so one should be prepared to advocate for their business interests and needs.  **Final decision** The final decision will balance nice-to-haves with must-haves. The ultimate decision on which software to purchase should be a collaborative process with full team buy-in. Purchasing demand planning software is a major financial and human capital investment; as such, the whole planning team should approve. ### What Does Demand Planning Software Cost? Demand planning software tools are expensive, ranging anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 per user. The number of bells and whistles and advanced features will determine the final price tag. More generally, this software costs about $5,000 to $6,000 for every $100,000 of revenue. However, a company with the resources to afford may find it to be a worthwhile investment due to  indirect cost savings and return on investment (ROI) for more effective supply chain management. #### Return on Investment (ROI) ROI is the time it takes for the cost incurred by an investment to be negated through increases in profitability and efficiency. Demand planning is a long, complicated, and expensive process, so it may take a while to reach ROI. According to G2 data as of September 16, 2021, businesses achieved ROI in the following intervals with demand planning software: - 18.6% accomplished ROI in less than six months - 37.2% accomplished ROI between seven and 12 months - 20.9% accomplished ROI between 13 and 24 months - 4.7% accomplished ROI between 24 and 36 months - 4.7% accomplished ROI between 37 and 48 months - 9.3% accomplished ROI after 48 months - 4.7% never accomplished ROI  ### Demand Planning Software Trends **Point of sale (POS) data** An important trend in the demand planning software market is the integration of real-time POS data into the forecasting process. This means that when an item is scanned at checkout, the data is automatically integrated into algorithms and data sets. **Internet of things (IoT) devices** IoT devices improve demand planning by providing real-time updates on the status of raw materials in the production process and the movement of inventory. It can also monitor sales as they happen, allowing the distributors to quickly replenish items that are selling faster than the model predicted.