# Best Demand Planning Software - Page 5 *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. --- ## What Are the Most Common Questions About Demand Planning Software? *AI-generated · Last updated: May 26, 2026* ### What is the best Demand Planning platforms for Demand Planners forecasting accurately across regions in enterprise environments? Based on G2 reviews, [SAP Integrated Business Planning](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-integrated-business-planning/reviews) stands out most often for enterprise demand planning across regions. Reviewers repeatedly describe strong real-time visibility, scenario planning, and alignment across demand, supply, inventory, and finance teams. According to verified users, it helps centralize planning data, compare scenarios quickly, and improve forecast accuracy in complex environments with multiple stakeholders. G2 reviewers mention that Excel-based workflows, collaboration features, and integration with broader enterprise systems make it easier to manage regional planning from a shared source of truth. At the same time, many users note a steep learning curve and complex implementation, so buyers should weigh usability and onboarding needs carefully. ### How Demand Planning platforms that Demand Planners implement and continue using daily in enterprise environments? Based on G2 reviews, enterprise teams continue using demand planning platforms daily when they become part of recurring forecasting, replenishment, and exception-management workflows. According to verified users, SAP Integrated Business Planning is used as a core planning system for ongoing demand, supply, and scenario planning, while StockIQ reviewers describe daily use for forecast review, order scheduling, KPI tracking, and inventory planning. G2 reviewers also mention Streamline as a tool that reduces manual effort and supports regular forecasting and ordering work. Across these reviews, sustained adoption tends to come from centralized visibility, easier coordination across functions, and replacing spreadsheet-heavy processes with a more repeatable planning workflow. ### What should supply chain teams evaluate when choosing Demand Planning for inventory optimization? Based on G2 reviews, supply chain teams should evaluate how well a demand planning platform improves inventory visibility, forecasting accuracy, replenishment decisions, and cross-functional alignment. According to verified users, strong products help teams reduce manual spreadsheet work, highlight stock risks early, and support scenario planning when demand changes. G2 reviewers mention that buyers should also assess implementation complexity, data quality requirements, ease of use for planners, and how well the platform integrates with ERP or adjacent systems. Reviews repeatedly show that inventory optimization outcomes improve when users can trust the data, understand order recommendations, and act on alerts for excess stock, shortages, and forecast exceptions without excessive manual intervention. ### Which Demand Planning platforms feel overwhelming with too many settings and toggles initially? Based on G2 reviews, several demand planning platforms are described as powerful but initially overwhelming. According to verified users, SAP Integrated Business Planning often has a steep learning curve because of its many modules, models, and configuration layers. G2 reviewers mention similar first impressions with StockIQ, where menus, detailed views, and forecasting settings can take time to learn, and with Ganacos and EazyStock, where new users may need guidance before becoming comfortable. Across these reviews, the common pattern is that advanced functionality brings complexity early on. Buyers that expect broad configuration options should balance depth of capability with onboarding, training quality, and how quickly planners can become productive. ### How Demand Planning software that Supply Chain Managers rely on for collaborative S&OP calls? Based on G2 reviews, collaborative S&OP use cases are strongest when teams can work from shared forecasts, inventory views, and scenario outputs in one place. According to verified users, Streamline supports cross-functional planning by aligning teams around common data and helping sales, supply chain, and operations work together during planning cycles. SAP Integrated Business Planning is also frequently mentioned for collaboration across sales, operations, finance, and supply teams, especially when comparing scenarios and reducing version conflicts. G2 reviewers mention Ganacos as an end-to-end S&OP platform used across category management, demand planning, supply planning, and executive meetings. In practice, reviewers value tools that shorten planning cycles and replace disconnected spreadsheets during group decision-making. ### Which Demand Planning platforms auto-build constrained order plans respecting lead times in practice? Based on G2 reviews, Streamline is one of the clearest examples of a platform users describe as building constrained order plans around operational realities. According to verified users, it can support reordering processes that account for lead times, supplier constraints, and planning adjustments while helping teams reduce stockouts and overstock. G2 reviewers also mention Netstock and EazyStock for reorder timing, order recommendations, and forward planning, especially where buyers need support deciding what to order and when. Across the reviews, the most practical signals come from products that combine forecast outputs with replenishment guidance, though results depend heavily on clean data, setup quality, and how well lead-time inputs reflect actual business conditions. ### What is the most trusted Demand Planning by Demand Planners and supply chain managers based on user reviews? Based on G2 reviews, trust tends to come from platforms that consistently improve visibility, forecasting, and replenishment decisions while fitting into daily planning work. According to verified users, SAP Integrated Business Planning is widely trusted for enterprise coordination across demand, supply, and inventory planning. Netstock is trusted for intuitive dashboards, reorder visibility, and helping teams move away from spreadsheet-driven processes. Streamline also earns trust from reviewers who value fast onboarding, forecasting support, and inventory planning efficiency. G2 reviewers mention that the most trusted platforms are usually the ones that create a clear source of truth, reduce manual work, and help planners act confidently on exceptions, shortages, and changing demand conditions. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [SAP Integrated Business Planning](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-integrated-business-planning/reviews) – used to centralize demand, supply, and inventory planning with scenario analysis and shared visibility - [Netstock](https://www.g2.com/products/netstock/reviews) – used for reorder planning, inventory visibility, and reducing spreadsheet-heavy stock management - [Streamline](https://www.g2.com/products/gmdh-streamline/reviews) – used to automate forecasting and replenishment while improving cross-team planning efficiency ### Which Demand Planning tools help teams reduce time spent on manual planning workflows? Based on G2 reviews, teams reduce manual planning time most when the software centralizes data, automates forecasting steps, and surfaces exceptions instead of requiring spreadsheet analysis. According to verified users, Streamline is frequently praised for cutting manual workload and automating forecasting, ordering, and inventory planning tasks. Netstock reviewers also describe moving away from Excel-based calculations toward automated order creation and easier inventory review. G2 reviewers mention StockIQ for bringing reorder priorities, forecasts, and inventory analysis into one place, helping buyers focus on the most urgent work first. Across products, reviewers consistently connect time savings to better visibility, fewer manual reconciliations, and more repeatable replenishment workflows. ### What Demand Planning software that automatically flags unusual sales spikes and drops in enterprise environments? Based on G2 reviews, unusual demand detection appears most clearly in platforms that highlight exceptions, alert users to risk, and help planners review abnormal movement before it affects replenishment. According to verified users, StockIQ flags unusual sales activity and supports alerts around inventory risk, while EazyStock reviewers describe risk-of-run-out reporting and tools for handling unusual sales so they do not distort future forecasts. G2 reviewers also mention Netstock and Blue Ridge Global for surfacing stock risk, forecast exceptions, and areas needing adjustment. In enterprise environments, reviewers value software that turns demand anomalies into visible action points, especially when teams need to respond quickly without manually scanning large SKU portfolios. ### What is the highest rated Demand Planning for identifying stockouts and resolving inefficient inventory planning? Based on G2 reviews, products that stand out for stockout identification and inventory efficiency usually combine forecasting, stock visibility, and replenishment guidance. According to verified users, Netstock is often highlighted for helping teams see stockouts, excess stock, overdue purchase orders, and reorder needs in a highly visual way. Streamline reviewers also describe improved forecast accuracy, better inventory visibility, and fewer stockouts after replacing manual planning. G2 reviewers mention StockIQ for reducing overstock and understock through alerts, forecast management, and inventory dashboards. Buyers focused on these outcomes should prioritize products that make stock risk visible early and support practical next steps for reordering and inventory correction. ## How Many Demand Planning Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 205 ### Category Stats (Jun 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.44/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **New Reviews This Quarter**: 59 - **Buyer Segments**: Mid-Market 53% │ Small-Business 28% │ Enterprise 20% Represents the distribution of reviewers across all products in this category. - **Top Trending Product**: SPS Commerce Revenue Recovery (+0.22%) - Among all products in this category, SPS Commerce Revenue Recovery recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: June 01, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Demand Planning Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 3,600+ Authentic Reviews - 205+ 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. ## Which Demand Planning Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **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 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&secure%5Btoken%5D=ce480fbe1b15291fb5bce88a986dd1f59526f21275a84b85a7f15cbedbf1cffa&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netstock.com%2Fpricing%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=paid_promos) --- ## What Are the Top-Rated Demand Planning Software Products in 2026? ### 1. [Optimity](https://www.g2.com/products/optimity/reviews) Optimity brings simplicity, accuracy, control and visibility to all of your planning. Leveraging the power of true supply chain optimization, Optimity is a new kind of supply chain planning software that will transform your planning. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **Who Is the Company Behind Optimity?** - **Seller:** [Optimity](https://www.g2.com/sellers/optimity) - **Year Founded:** 2005 - **HQ Location:** Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland - **Twitter:** @OptimitySW (9 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/relexsolutions/ (2,278 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 2. [RastPro](https://www.g2.com/products/rastpro/reviews) RastPro is a one-stop solution for supply-chain demand planning professionals: RastPro starts with demand forecasting by streamlining the collaborative forecasting process, segmentation and/or clustering, and finishing with key-answers to support your procurements decision. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **How Do G2 Users Rate RastPro?** - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind RastPro?** - **Seller:** [Ideum Group](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ideum-group) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Hallandale, US - **Twitter:** @rastpro (2 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/5343793 (2 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Enterprise, 50% Mid-Market ### 3. [replenagise](https://www.g2.com/products/replenagise/reviews) Replenagise — Smart Replenishment & Demand Planning for Linnworks Replenagise is the leading inventory planning platform built exclusively for Linnworks sellers. We connect directly to your Linnworks account to deliver real-time stock insights, AI-powered demand forecasting, and one-click purchase order creation — no CSV exports or manual uploads needed. Our platform helps multi-channel e-commerce businesses selling on Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Zalando and more make smarter restocking decisions with 12-month demand projections, SKU-level risk scoring, and intelligent warehouse transfer calculations. Key features include multi-channel sales analytics, seasonal trend detection, supplier performance tracking, and automated reorder quantities — all powered by near-live data synced from Linnworks. Built by e-commerce experts, for e-commerce experts. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **How Do G2 Users Rate replenagise?** - **Inventory collaboration:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind replenagise?** - **Seller:** [Replenagise](https://www.g2.com/sellers/replenagise) - **Year Founded:** 2026 - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/replenagise/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 4. [Replenishment+](https://www.g2.com/products/replenishment/reviews) Is your MRP system driving up inventory levels? Based on Demand Driven MRP principles, Replenishment+ from Demand Driven Technologies works with your existing ERP system to align replenishment to true market demand for improved service levels, optimized inventory, and fewer constraints on your cash flow. Because theres no need to replace your current ERP system, many of our customers start seeing results within the first few weeks. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **How Do G2 Users Rate Replenishment+?** - **Inventory collaboration:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Replenishment+?** - **Seller:** [Demand Driven Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/demand-driven-technologies) - **Year Founded:** 2011 - **HQ Location:** Atlanta, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/demand-driven-technologies (42 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Mid-Market ### 5. [Retail Decision Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/retail-decision-cloud/reviews) Promotions are incredibly complex. Formulate analyses and forecasts all your promotions, so you can see what’s working and what’s not in your categories, make better and faster decisions, and succeed with your supplier negotiations. Power the True Effect of your promotions with Retail DecisionCloud **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **How Do G2 Users Rate Retail Decision Cloud?** - **Inventory collaboration:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Retail Decision Cloud?** - **Seller:** [Formulate](https://www.g2.com/sellers/formulate) - **Year Founded:** 2005 - **HQ Location:** Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/relexsolutions/ (2,232 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise ### 6. [Saddle Point Supply Planning Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/saddle-point-supply-planning-suite/reviews) A fully integrated, easily configurable and feature rich integrated planning suite in a Software as a Service (SaaS) offering. This cloud-based SCP solution is extremely useful for SMEs looking for a user-friendly, feature-rich and cost-effective solution. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **Who Is the Company Behind Saddle Point Supply Planning Suite?** - **Seller:** [Saddle Point Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/saddle-point-technologies) - **Year Founded:** 2015 - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/saddle-point-technologies/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 7. [SAFIO Solutions Sales Analysis & Forecasting](https://www.g2.com/products/safio-solutions-sales-analysis-forecasting/reviews) SAFIO Solutions is a cloud based, forecasting software solution for inventory optimization, delivering a comprehensive platform that provides vision, efficiency and analytics to make strategic decisions for improved operational performance, enabling planners the confidence and freedom to focus on what they were trained to do- forecasting! Many businesses today lack the insight to having the right products at the right time in the right amounts because their data is scattered in various locations and multiple spreadsheets. Their current cumbersome process often results in missed sales, excessive inventory, increased costs and poor cash flow, along with a great deal of frustration. SAFIO Solutions utilizes a proprietary Sales Analysis & Forecasting Tool which integrates a client’s vital data into a single, convenient and user-friendly interface, one that is intuitive to the information a planner needs to make impactful and efficient decisions because it was developed by a planner. Backed by years of expertise in the forecasting and planning industry, the team at SAFIO Solutions has walked in the shoes of the frustrated planner and manager. Over 20 features enable the user to slice and dice the data in multiple ways to achieve the best analysis all on one screen, including: • Alerts to Opportunities and Liabilities-immediate focus on actions needed to be taken • 12 Dynamic Attributes-defines each product for best analysis and clear focus • Customized and exception reporting available and defined by the client • Data Visualization Analytics & Dashboard for quick overall insights, and deep-dive levels • Initial assistance in rudimentary data cleansing and organization • Includes an Open-to-Buy plan-a financial roadmap used for purchase planning • Reduced start up time- forecasting process already defined, integration to “go-live” time frame is 6-8 weeks • On-site or online training; expert staff available for customer service • Can be used with client’s current system or in conjunction with any ERP • Professional Planning Services available Forecast with confidence! Make accurate inventory decisions that affect your bottom line. Get the vision and reporting needed to focus on emerging trends, opportunities and liabilities where action can then be taken to achieve desired results, like increased sales, improved profit, quicker turns, and cash flow. Contact SAFIO Solutions today **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **Who Is the Company Behind SAFIO Solutions Sales Analysis & Forecasting?** - **Seller:** [SAFIO Solutions](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safio-solutions) - **Year Founded:** 2017 - **HQ Location:** Brookfield, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/basic-code-usa (7 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Mid-Market ### 8. [Samya.ai](https://www.g2.com/products/samya-ai/reviews) Our Deep AI/ML SaaS platform extracts value in complex and volatile businesses, starting with Consumer Packaged Goods. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **How Do G2 Users Rate Samya.ai?** - **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) **Who Is the Company Behind Samya.ai?** - **Seller:** [Samya.ai](https://www.g2.com/sellers/samya-ai) - **Year Founded:** 2019 - **HQ Location:** New York, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/31143914 (5 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 9. [Smart Demand Planner](https://www.g2.com/products/smart-demand-planner/reviews) Smart Demand Planner is a consensus demand planning and statistical forecasting solution available on Smarts Inventory Planning and Optimization Platform, Smart IP&O. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **Who Is the Company Behind Smart Demand Planner?** - **Seller:** [Smart Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/smart-software-7ae13b7d-eb02-4e64-b5fd-3a032ffd357b) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Dhaka, BD - **Twitter:** @SmartForecasts (402 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-software-inc (84 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise ### 10. [Smart Inventory Planning & Optimization](https://www.g2.com/products/smart-inventory-planning-optimization/reviews) Smart IP&O is a Digital Supply Chain Platform driving three applications: demand planning, inventory optimization, and dashboard reporting. Smart IP&O functions as a transparent extension of our customers’ ERP systems of choice, providing a unified, easy to use, scalable and collaborative environment to model demand, inventory performance, and produce results that drive replenishment and production planning. Smart Software has developed out-of-the-box connectors with Epicor ERP, NetSuite, Dynamics AX, NAV, and 365 Business Central and our customers have integrated our platform with virtually every ERP solution on the market, including SAP, Oracle ERP, JD Edwards, PeopleSoft, Infor, Great Plains, Sage X3, Epicor Vantage and more using a simple import/export process supported by Smart Software’s data model and data processing engine. Smart’s unique approach to intermittent demand is especially impactful when planning for items that experience highly sporadic, seemingly unforecastable demand. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **Who Is the Company Behind Smart Inventory Planning & Optimization?** - **Seller:** [Smart Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/smart-software-7ae13b7d-eb02-4e64-b5fd-3a032ffd357b) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Dhaka, BD - **Twitter:** @SmartForecasts (402 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-software-inc (84 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise, 100% Small-Business ### 11. [Sunstice Demand Management](https://www.g2.com/products/sunstice-demand-management/reviews) FuturMaster Demand Management enables you to enhance your demand forecast from launch to the end of product lifecycle; using an integrated process and sharing a common set of data with stakeholders, improves the forecast reliability **Average Rating:** 4.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **Who Is the Company Behind Sunstice Demand Management?** - **Seller:** [Sunstice (formerly FuturMaster)](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sunstice-formerly-futurmaster) - **Year Founded:** 1994 - **HQ Location:** Boulogne-Billancourt, FR - **Twitter:** @FuturMaster (506 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/44321 (214 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise ### 12. [Supply Chain AI](https://www.g2.com/products/supply-chain-ai/reviews) A Cloud-based software that exists to help organizations optimize their Supply Chain and predict future disruptions. Reductions in inventory costs, invoicing errors and defects makes for cost and time savings — key changes that move your organization forward. **Average Rating:** 3.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **How Do G2 Users Rate Supply Chain AI?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Supply Chain AI?** - **Seller:** [Murano](https://www.g2.com/sellers/murano) - **Year Founded:** 2009 - **HQ Location:** Durham, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/murano-corp/ (13 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 13. [Supply Chain Planning, S&OP / S&OE, Inventory and Distribution](https://www.g2.com/products/supply-chain-planning-s-op-s-oe-inventory-and-distribution/reviews) Datup.ai is a demand planning, inventory management, and supply chain optimization tool powered by artificial intelligence, designed to help companies improve forecasting accuracy, reduce stockouts and excess inventory, and streamline decision-making across supply chain operations **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **How Do G2 Users Rate Supply Chain Planning, S&OP / S&OE, Inventory and Distribution?** - **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) **Who Is the Company Behind Supply Chain Planning, S&OP / S&OE, Inventory and Distribution?** - **Seller:** [Datup](https://www.g2.com/sellers/datup) - **Year Founded:** 2019 - **HQ Location:** Bogotá, CO - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/datup/ (24 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise #### What Are Supply Chain Planning, S&OP / S&OE, Inventory and Distribution's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Business Efficiency (1 reviews) - Cost Efficiency (1 reviews) - Data Accuracy (1 reviews) - Demand Forecasting (1 reviews) - Efficiency Improvement (1 reviews) ### 14. [Supplymint](https://www.g2.com/products/supplymint/reviews) Supplymint is cloud-based software made to help retailers optimise every aspect of the retail supply chain. From procurement and inventory tracking to planning and sales, we connect all tiers of the supply chain on one collaborative platform. We believe that with real-time visibility into streamlined operations, a retailer empowered to make data-driven decisions is the hallmark of Supplymint. Intelligent, integrated tools that help your retail operations flourish in efficiency, transparency, and control. Highly Adaptable to Ever-Evolving Markets We assure that our platform stays flexible enough to adapt to multiple use cases and simultaneously keeps operations easy for all users, with various configurations. One Place for Teams & Vendor Collaboration We design use cases for all kinds of users in the supply chain including all team members and vendors. Automated Escalations, Reminders, and Notifications We push teams to take timely action via reminders on notifications and emails. 100% Cloud-Based We store and compute all data on our cloud servers to help you get over hardware restrictions. Seamless Integration with WMS, ERP, and more We synchronize information across multiple systems with two-way integration with common warehouse management systems, ERPs, and more. Detailed Reports and Analytics We embed detailed reports and analytics all across our system to help you measure the effectiveness of various activities. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Supplymint?** - **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) **Who Is the Company Behind Supplymint?** - **Seller:** [Sumeet Aggarwal ](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sumeet-aggarwal) - **HQ Location:** Gurgaon, IN - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/supplymint (5 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Mid-Market, 50% Small-Business #### What Are Supplymint's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Ease of Use (2 reviews) - Customer Support (1 reviews) - Intuitive (1 reviews) - Intuitive Use (1 reviews) - Real-time Monitoring (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Performance Issues (1 reviews) - Slow Performance (1 reviews) ### 15. [Synchrono](https://www.g2.com/products/synchrono/reviews) Synchrono® offers a comprehensive Demand-Driven Manufacturing Platform designed to synchronize every aspect of the manufacturing process—from order inception to delivery. By integrating real-time data and advanced algorithms, Synchrono enables manufacturers to respond swiftly to actual customer demand, enhancing efficiency and reducing waste. This platform is particularly beneficial for complex manufacturing environments, including make-to-order, engineer-to-order, and configure-to-order operations. Key Features and Functionality: - SyncManufacturing®: Advanced planning and scheduling software that synchronizes planning, scheduling, and production execution in demand-driven manufacturing environments to drive end-to-end production flow. - SyncKanban®: eKanban inventory replenishment system that sends real-time demand signals across the organization, ensuring right-sized inventory levels and reducing work-in-progress. - SyncOperations®: Data collection, historian, and workflow engine that gathers and analyzes information from Synchrono systems, machine-level, and disparate enterprise systems for smart monitoring and synchronization of equipment and processes. - SyncView®: Real-time visual factory information system that provides enterprise-wide visibility to key performance indicators, machine status, alerts, and more, facilitating effective communication and decision-making. - SyncAlert®: Alert management and monitoring software that sends instant messages to responsible personnel, tracking outcomes, and escalating notifications as necessary to ensure timely and effective responses to production issues. Primary Value and Problem Solved: The Synchrono Demand-Driven Manufacturing Platform addresses the challenges of unpredictable market demands by enabling manufacturers to produce only what is needed, when it's needed, based on real-time demand signals. This approach leads to improved flow, increased capacity, and a competitive advantage by decreasing work-in-progress, boosting inventory turns, reducing cycle times, and moderating variation across all resources. By synchronizing people, processes, machines, materials, and data, Synchrono empowers manufacturers to achieve greater customer satisfaction and operational excellence. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **Who Is the Company Behind Synchrono?** - **Seller:** [Synchrono](https://www.g2.com/sellers/synchrono) - **Year Founded:** 2000 - **HQ Location:** Edina, US - **Twitter:** @Synchrono_News (2,328 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/synchrono (22 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Enterprise ### 16. [Tensoft DemandOps](https://www.g2.com/products/tensoft-demandops/reviews) Tensoft DemandOps is designed to manage the industry-specific needs of companies who sell through extended value chains or distribution channels. With DemandOps you can: - Control Order Management - Streamline Your Shipping Process - Manage Distributor Relationships Efficiently - Increase Demand Planning Accuracy - Enhance Revenue Management **Average Rating:** 3.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **How Do G2 Users Rate Tensoft DemandOps?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 6.7/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Tensoft DemandOps?** - **Seller:** [Tensoft](https://www.g2.com/sellers/tensoft) - **Year Founded:** 1996 - **HQ Location:** San Jose, US - **Twitter:** @TensoftInc (580 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/tensoft (20 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 17. [ToolsGroup Allocation](https://www.g2.com/products/toolsgroup-allocation/reviews) Mi9 Retail is the fastest growing provider of enterprise software for retailers, wholesalers, and brands. Mi9 enables the world’s leading retailers to automate and optimize their entire Plan-to-Sell® process, from planning to executing, influencing, and selling merchandise in-store, online, and on any device. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 1 **How Do G2 Users Rate ToolsGroup Allocation?** - **Inventory collaboration:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Forecast collaboration:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Comprehensive Planning:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind ToolsGroup Allocation?** - **Seller:** [ToolsGroup B.V.](https://www.g2.com/sellers/toolsgroup-b-v) - **Year Founded:** 1993 - **HQ Location:** Boston, MA - **Twitter:** @ToolsGroup (2,829 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/toolsgroup/ (322 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 100% Small-Business ### 18. [Unacast](https://www.g2.com/products/unacast/reviews) Unacast is a proximity and location data platform. **Average Rating:** 4.9/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 10 **How Do G2 Users Rate Unacast?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Unacast?** - **Seller:** [Unacast](https://www.g2.com/sellers/unacast) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** New York, US - **Twitter:** @unacast (6,334 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/5322538 (76 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Small-Business, 20% Enterprise #### What Are Unacast's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Customer Support (4 reviews) - Insights (2 reviews) - Data Accuracy (1 reviews) - Easy Access (1 reviews) - Excellent Service (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Data Inaccuracy (1 reviews) - Inaccurate Geolocation (1 reviews) - Mapping Issues (1 reviews) ### 19. [Verteego](https://www.g2.com/products/verteego/reviews) CSR Reporting - Sustainability Reporting - HSE Reporting - Carbon & Energy management - REACh traceability throughout supply chains **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 8 **How Do G2 Users Rate Verteego?** - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Verteego?** - **Seller:** [Verteego](https://www.g2.com/sellers/verteego) - **Year Founded:** 2018 - **HQ Location:** Paris - **Twitter:** @Verteego_EN (348 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/verteego/ (29 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Small-Business, 25% Enterprise #### What Are Verteego's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Forecasting Accuracy (2 reviews) - Analytics (1 reviews) - Automation (1 reviews) - Demand Forecasting (1 reviews) - Features (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Compatibility Issues (1 reviews) - Complex Implementation (1 reviews) - Complexity (1 reviews) - Implementation Complexity (1 reviews) - Limited Flexibility (1 reviews) ### 20. [7thonline](https://www.g2.com/products/7thonline/reviews) Retail, eCommerce & Wholesale: Leading Cross-Channel Merchandise & Assortment Planning Solutions for Apparel, Footwear & Accessories Industries. Data-Driven, Demand-Driven, Cloud-Native SaaS powered by predictive analytics, statistical modeling, adaptive forecasting, ML, AI that is augmented by case-based reasoning. Since 1999, 7thonline has been an industry leader in merchandise planning and demand forecasting for global retailers and wholesale brands in the apparel/footwear/accessories industries. Our complete suite of merchandise and assortment management software solutions are specially designed to address the unique inventory and planning challenges facing the fashion industry. Customers such as, Patagonia, Tommy Hilfiger, Colony Brands, PVH, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Nautica and Bestseller are able to drive tangible benefits that include optimizing inventory, decreasing markdowns, increasing fill rate, and maximizing margins. **Who Is the Company Behind 7thonline?** - **Seller:** [7thonline](https://www.g2.com/sellers/7thonline-98508afb-f6b4-46fb-b38c-e1f3e3fc8cec) - **Year Founded:** 1999 - **HQ Location:** New York, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/7thonline (27 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 21. [ABC-Plan](https://www.g2.com/products/abc-plan/reviews) Pharma & BioTech supply planners love ABC-Plan's advanced algorithms, budget-friendly pricing, and configurability. Harnessing the power of advanced algorithms and cloud technology, ABC-Plan revolutionizes inventory planning to combat stock-outs and reduce write-offs. Boasting a swift 1-day self-setup, it's primed for instant application. **Who Is the Company Behind ABC-Plan?** - **Seller:** [ABC-Plan](https://www.g2.com/sellers/abc-plan) - **HQ Location:** Palo Alto, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/abc-plan (13 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 22. [AI Powered Demand Planning](https://www.g2.com/products/ai-powered-demand-planning/reviews) Firstshift's AI-powered demand planning is a modern approach to forecasting that uses AI, machine learning, real-time data, third-party signals and continuous optimization to help organizations anticipate demand more accurately and respond faster to change. The platform is designed as an evergreen capability that improves over time rather than a static model that degrades between upgrades. Forecasts are continuously refined using live demand signals, historical patterns, and operational constraints, allowing planners to move beyond spreadsheet-driven processes and manual forecast overrides. Our AI-powered demand planning software uses data from ERP systems and adjacent sources such as orders, shipments, inventory positions, promotions, and seasonality as well as third-party data. Machine learning models analyze this data to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and adapt forecasts as conditions evolve. Rather than locking organizations into long implementation cycles or rigid configurations, modern platforms prioritize rapid deployment and ongoing improvement after go-live. Firstshift customers include manufacturers and distributors across CPG, food and beverage, industrial manufacturing, and distribution. Typical users include demand planners, supply chain leaders, operations teams, finance stakeholders, and executives responsible for service levels, inventory, and working capital performance. Firstshift supports planner-in-the-loop workflows where AI narrows options, surfaces risk, and highlights tradeoffs while humans retain decision ownership. This approach enables organizations to scale planning intelligence without removing accountability or relying on individual spreadsheet expertise. Firstshift's AI-powered demand planning software capabilities include: - Adaptive forecasting that improves continuously as new data becomes available - Demand sensing that adjusts near-term forecasts using real-time signals - Scenario modeling to evaluate service, inventory, and cost tradeoffs - Collaborative workflows that align demand, supply, and financial planning - ERP integration that works alongside existing systems of record Gain a faster TTV and lower TCO from faster decision cycles, improved forecast accuracy, and reduced reliance on manual processes. Organizations use these tools to respond more effectively to volatility, reduce excess and obsolete inventory, and improve service performance across complex SKU and location networks. All resulting in better ROI. Firstshift customers are: - Replacing spreadsheet-based demand planning processes - Improving forecast accuracy across high-SKU or multi-location environments - Managing volatility, seasonality, and promotional demand - Supporting S&OP and cross-functional planning workflows - Enabling faster, more confident planning decisions with lower operational risk Our platform is delivered on a cloud-native, continuously updated technology that works with imperfect data, deploys quickly, and compounds value over time rather than requiring periodic re-implementations or disruptive upgrades. Contact us at https://www.firstshift.ai/schedule-a-demo to learn how you can launch in weeks and see results in months. **Who Is the Company Behind AI Powered Demand Planning?** - **Seller:** [Firstshift AI](https://www.g2.com/sellers/firstshift-ai) - **Year Founded:** 2022 - **HQ Location:** Newark, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstshiftai/ (34 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 23. [Algo](https://www.g2.com/products/algo/reviews) Algo is an AI-powered demand planning platform built for modern retail supply chains. It helps retailers, distributors, and manufacturers align forecasts, inventory, and pricing within a single, intuitive solution—so teams can respond to real-world demand with greater speed and accuracy. Unlike traditional supply chain software that can take a year or more to roll out, clients can be live on Algo in just 16 weeks. Our streamlined, all-inclusive implementation doesn’t rely on third-party integrators or external consultants. There are no hidden costs, no surprise add-ons—just a fast, efficient setup that gets you optimizing pricing, inventory, and forecasting from day one. Implementation is just the beginning. Algo provides ongoing, KPI-driven support to help your team continuously improve results. Whether your goal is to reduce stockouts, increase forecast accuracy, or improve pricing performance, our experts work alongside yours to ensure you’re not just using the software but getting measurable value from it. Algo also introduces the next evolution in decision-making: Generative Business Intelligence (GenBI). With GenBI, users can ask natural language questions, uncover predictive insights, and receive AI-powered recommendations—no more waiting on static reports or relying on external BI tools. It’s business intelligence, reimagined for speed and action. With Algo, you gain more than software, you gain a strategic partner committed to speed, simplicity, and sustained success across your entire supply chain. Whether you're managing seasonal demand, complex assortments, or channel-specific strategies, Algo gives you the tools and intelligence to make smarter decisions, faster. It’s built for how modern retail operates today and where it’s headed tomorrow. **Who Is the Company Behind Algo?** - **Seller:** [Algo](https://www.g2.com/sellers/algo) - **Year Founded:** 2016 - **HQ Location:** Troy, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/algoai (462 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 24. [Allodial Predict](https://www.g2.com/products/allodial-predict/reviews) Allodial Predict is a B2B software platform built by Allodial Supply Co LLC for janitorial, sanitation, and paper goods distributors. It uses a distributor’s sales history, product data, inventory levels, and customer usage patterns to predict and optimize what their customers need, before issues happen. The platform acts as a procurement assistant. It tells distributors when, where, and how much product should be delivered, removing a large portion of the guesswork from ordering decisions. Instead of reacting to stockouts, distributors can stay ahead of demand. By preventing stockouts, Allodial Predict improves order accuracy, reduces emergency reorders, and helps distributors keep their customers from turning to competitors. It shifts operations from reactive to proactive, which directly impacts both cost and customer retention. The system includes an optimization layer that pulls from both internal data and external signals to adjust for market shifts, demand changes, overuse, and product variation. This allows distributors to operate with more precision, adapt faster, and make more confident decisions across their inventory and customer base. **Who Is the Company Behind Allodial Predict?** - **Seller:** [Allodial Supply](https://www.g2.com/sellers/allodial-supply) - **Year Founded:** 2026 - **HQ Location:** West Chester, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/allodialsupply/ (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 25. [Antuit.ai](https://www.g2.com/products/antuit-ai/reviews) Antuit’s demand forecasting and planning software provides an accurate demand planning solution using industry leading AI forecasting. **Who Is the Company Behind Antuit.ai?** - **Seller:** [ANTUIT](https://www.g2.com/sellers/antuit) - **Year Founded:** 2013 - **HQ Location:** Frisco, Texas, United States - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/antuitai (126 employees on LinkedIn®) ## What Is Demand Planning Software? [Supply Chain & Logistics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/supply-chain-logistics) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Demand Planning Software? - [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) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Demand Planning Software? ### 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.