Introduction When we make a plan in supply chain, we like single numbers. After all, a plan needs to be executed. When placing a purchase order, we need an exact quantity to order. Production needs to know exactly how many parts to produce. We cannot use ranges or probabilities in execution. So it is understandable […]
How to Model Demand Uncertainty in Excel without Complicated Maths Read More »
This article explains how to build a simple manufacturing budget using the Fast Excel Development Template. We’ll calculate material, machine, and manpower cost requirements for several demand scenarios and compare available work center hours with the workload. On top of that, I’ll share a few new features recently added to the FEDT, along with the companion tool described in the article.
Demand scenarios: automate your manufacturing budget with zero coding Read More »
The demand history can’t tell us everything about the future, but it can tell us some things. This article and video outlines exactly what and shows an example of automated forecasting in an Excel tool.
Demand Forecasting – History as a Guide to the Future? Read More »
Here is a story about an attempt to size inventory buffers, by measuring demand variability. It is based on a true story and there are lessons learned from real experience.
I’ll tell you the story in both words and data. I have compiled a dataset and will share it here.
How to reduce Finished Goods Inventory… To zero!
Make to Stock vs Make to Order – a Case Study Read More »
Demand-Driven MRP in an Excel Planning System. See a demo system and get a free, fully-functional copy of the DDMRP planning system in Excel.
Demand-Driven MRP in Excel – Learn How To Do It and Come Away with a Working System Read More »
We are launching webinars to help you with planning and scheduling in Excel.
Here is how you can watch us build, set up and use these free downloadable tools.
Pre-register for our first webinar coming up soon!
Helping You With Production Scheduling – New Webinars Read More »
Setting service levels usually starts with inventory.
Here’s a way to improve supply for important customers, that doesn’t involve inventory sizing.
And it doesn’t involve production either…
Setting Customer Service Levels… Without Managing Stock Levels Read More »
In times of shortage, how do you allocate inventory to customer orders?
It is tempting to fall back on hard allocation. This could be a mistake.
Here’s why. With a download simulation to prove it.
Sort Out Your Customer Orders Read More »
Here are five things you need to know about forecasting.
This is a statistics-free zone. Five forecasting principles for demand planning.
Five Things You Need To Know About Forecasting Read More »
This is a core method to apply the Fast Excel Development Method in building a planning and scheduling system in Excel.
Convert forecasts, explode demand and generate work orders — this method is something that every planner should know.
Here’s An Excel Method That Every Planner Should Know Read More »
Is the purpose of production scheduling to feed MRP and execution?
If you’re satisfied with this answer, then you’re missing something. A small, two-letter word will change the way you look at scheduling.
A Two-Letter Word Will Change The Way You Look At Scheduling Read More »
The biggest headache in material planning is long lead-time materials.
Here is a simple tool that gives visibility between a buyer and a factory separated by a lot of water.
Also see an easy trick to connect multiple Excel users on different continents with free data integration over the cloud.
How To Plan for Long Lead-Time Materials Read More »
Predictive planning provides a way to manage uncertainty. Planning can resolve the dilemma between schedule-push and demand-pull.
How an Excel-based predictive planning tool can work alongside the business transaction system.
Uncertainty and the Predictive Power Of Planning Read More »
Analytics for demand planning in Excel usually involves big tables of data.
To understand the demand for a product, you need to look into its history. An order history can easily have 100K+ records.
Here is a technique to perform fast analytical formulas on many thousand rows.
Excel Demand Analytics – Fast Formulas on 65K+ Rows Read More »
The dilemma of demand planning: to use a forecast or history.
We cannot expect history to repeat itself, yet every day we are reminded of inaccuracy and bias in the forecast.
How to combine the forecast and history to get a true measure of demand.
The Demand Planning Dilemma – Setting a Service Level Read More »
