Using data science in order to solve a problem requires a scientific mindset more than coding skills. Data Science for Supply Chain Forecasting, Second Edition contends that a true scientific method which includes experimentation, observation, and constant questioning must be applied to supply chains to achieve excellence in demand forecasting.

This second edition adds more than 45 percent extra content with four new chapters including an introduction to neural networks and the forecast value added framework. Part I focuses on statistical traditional models, Part II, on machine learning, and the all-new Part III discusses demand forecasting process management. The various chapters focus on both forecast models and new concepts such as metrics, underfitting, overfitting, outliers, feature optimization, and external demand drivers. The book is replete with do-it-yourself sections with implementations provided in Python (and Excel for the statistical models) to show the readers how to apply these models themselves.

This hands-on book, covering the entire range of forecasting--from the basics all the way to leading-edge models--will benefit supply chain practitioners, forecasters, and analysts looking to go the extra mile with demand forecasting.

Events around the book

Link to a De Gruyter Online Event in which the author Nicolas Vandeput together with Stefan de Kok, supply chain innovator and CEO of Wahupa; Spyros Makridakis, professor at the University of Nicosia and director of the Institute For the Future (IFF); and Edouard Thieuleux, founder of AbcSupplyChain, discuss the general issues and challenges of demand forecasting and provide insights into best practices (process, models) and discussing how data science and machine learning impact those forecasts.
The event will be moderated by Michael Gilliland, marketing manager for SAS forecasting software:
https: //youtu.be/1rXjXcabW2s

In this book . . . Nicolas Vandeput hacks his way through the maze of quantitative supply chain optimizations. This book illustrates how the quantitative optimization of 21st century supply chains should be crafted and executed. . . . Vandeput is at the forefront of a new and better way of doing supply chains, and thanks to a richly illustrated book, where every single situation gets its own illustrating code snippet, so could you.

--Joannes Vermorel, CEO, Lokad

Inventory Optimization argues that mathematical inventory models can only take us so far with supply chain management. In order to optimize inventory policies, we have to use probabilistic simulations. The book explains how to implement these models and simulations step-by-step, starting from simple deterministic ones to complex multi-echelon optimization.

The first two parts of the book discuss classical mathematical models, their limitations and assumptions, and a quick but effective introduction to Python is provided. Part 3 contains more advanced models that will allow you to optimize your profits, estimate your lost sales and use advanced demand distributions. It also provides an explanation of how you can optimize a multi-echelon supply chain based on a simple--yet powerful--framework. Part 4 discusses inventory optimization thanks to simulations under custom discrete demand probability functions.

Inventory managers, demand planners and academics interested in gaining cost-effective solutions will benefit from the do-it-yourself examples and Python programs included in each chapter.

Events around the book

Link to a De Gruyter Online Event in which the author Nicolas Vandeput together with Stefan de Kok, supply chain innovator and CEO of Wahupa; Koen Cobbaert, Director in the S&O Industry practice of PwC Belgium; Bram Desmet, professor of operations & supply chain at the Vlerick Business School in Ghent; and Karl-Eric Devaux, Planning Consultant, Hatmill, discuss about models for inventory optimization.
The event will be moderated by Eric Wilson, Director of Thought Leadership for Institute of Business Forecasting (IBF):
https: //youtu.be/565fDQMJEEg

For demand planners, S&OP managers, supply chain leaders, and data scientists. Demand Forecasting Best Practices is a unique step-by-step guide, demonstrating forecasting tools, metrics, and models alongside stakeholder management techniques that work in a live business environment.

You will learn how to:

• Lead a demand planning team to improve forecasting quality while reducing workload
• Properly define the objectives, granularity, and horizon of your demand planning process
• Use smart, value-weighted KPIs to track accuracy and bias
• Spot areas of your process where there is room for improvement
• Help planners and stakeholders (sales, marketing, finances) add value to your process
• Identify what kind of data you should be collecting, and how
• Utilise different types of statistical and machine learning models

Follow author Nicolas Vandeput's original five-step framework for demand planning excellence and learn how to tailor it to your own company's needs. You will learn how to optimise demand planning for a more effective supply chain and will soon be delivering accurate predictions that drive major business value.

Demand forecasting is vital for the success of any product supply chain. It allows companies to make better decisions about what resources to acquire, what products to produce, and where and how to distribute them. As an effective demand forecaster, you can help your organisation avoid overproduction, reduce waste, and optimise inventory levels for a real competitive advantage.