How does Bedford’s Demand Application work, and what benefits can it deliver to your organisation?

In today’s fast-paced supply chain environment, the need for accurate and efficient demand planning is greater than ever. That’s where Bedford’s Demand Planning App comes in—a pre-built, best-practice Anaplan model designed to streamline demand planning implementation and deliver value within weeks. Created by experts with extensive experience across various supply chain projects, our Application combines proven methodologies with customisable features tailored to meet your unique business requirements.

But how does it work, and what specific benefits can it bring to your organisation? We spoke with Joel Marusiak, our subject matter expert with over 20 years of experience in supply chain management. Specialising in demand planning, inventory optimisation, and S&OP, Joel provides insights into everything you need to know about our Demand App

1. What is Bedford’s Demand App?

Bedford’s Demand App is a pre-built, best-practice Anaplan model designed to fast-track the implementation of a robust demand planning solution. Drawing on extensive experience from numerous supply chain implementations and leveraging input from subject matter experts, the App enables rapid deployment and value realisation within weeks.

2. How does the App ensure it fits my unique business needs?

While built upon universal supply chain planning principles, the App recognises that every business has unique requirements. Alongside the deployable model, Bedford provides comprehensive documentation and expertise to support customisation at any point within the solution. This allows for the development of tailored processes and reports seamlessly integrated within the broader planning framework.

3. What key features are included in the Demand App?

The App offers a comprehensive suite of features, including:

• Data validation
• Top-down budget planning
• Product lifecycle management, encompassing new product introduction and end-of-life processes
• Promotions management
• Statistical forecasting capabilities, including Anaplan’s built-in engine with 27 models and MVLR machine learning integration
• Consensus planning functionality
• Exceptions management with configurable alerts
• Workflow management for structured and controlled planning processes
• User-friendly, process focused dashboards and reports for actionable insights

4. How does the App handle statistical forecasting?

Bedford has integrated Anaplan’s powerful statistical forecasting engine, featuring 27 algorithms encompassing seasonal, moving average, intermittent, and trend models including multivariate linear regression (MVLR). The App simplifies the forecasting process for users of all levels, from data scientists to those transitioning from spreadsheets.

5. Can the App manage new product introductions (NPI)?

Yes, the App excels at managing NPI. Its user-friendly interface enables demand planners to easily create and forecast new products, even before they exist in the ERP system. Features such as like-product matching, profile curves, and cannibalisation analysis facilitate accurate forecasting and scenario modelling.

6. How are promotions managed within the App?

The App provides a comprehensive framework for managing trade promotions. Marketing teams can easily create campaigns and define individual promotions, while planners control regional targeting, budget allocation, and uplift projections. User-defined launch curves and granular cost tracking support accurate forecasting and return on investment analysis.

7. How does the App facilitate collaboration and consensus planning?

The Demand App supports input from various stakeholders, including customer forecasts, marketing promotions, product lifecycle and demand planner insights. Exception dashboards with configurable alerts highlight areas requiring attention. Users can also create risks and opportunities, which are considered during consensus planning, leading to a collaborative and well-informed demand plan – incorporating all stakeholder inputs to agree a single plan from one true set of numbers.

8. What are the key benefits of using Bedford’s Demand App?

The Demand App offers numerous benefits, including:

• Rapid deployment: The pre-built model and best-practice approach enable quick implementation and time-to-value.
• Configurability: Extensive customisation capabilities ensure alignment with your specific business needs.
• Ease of use: User-friendly interface and intuitive dashboards with guided workflows empower users of all levels.
• Improved forecast accuracy: Advanced statistical forecasting and exception management capabilities enhance planning accuracy.
• Enhanced collaboration: Integrated workflows and consensus planning tools facilitate cross-functional collaboration.
• Elevated planning maturity: The structured process and best-practice approach drive continuous improvement in demand planning maturity.

You can also check out our other frequently asked questions for more information, including:

• Support and maintenance here
• Data driven decisions and streamline reporting here
• Save time and boost organisational efficiency here
• Increase collaboration whilst managing user access here
• Forecast accuracy and optimise performance here
• Data integration in Anaplan here