Planning & Forecasting Fundamentals

Build demand plans that drive smarter purchasing decisions and align procurement with operational needs

Workshop Overview

Master the fundamentals of demand planning and forecasting in this practical half-day workshop. Learn forecasting methods that help you understand demand signals, align procurement with operational needs, and build demand plans that reduce stockouts and excess inventory. Whether you're new to planning or looking to strengthen your forecasting toolkit, this workshop provides the frameworks and Excel-based tools you need to make smarter purchasing decisions backed by data-driven demand insights.

What You'll Learn

• Forecasting Methods: Compare qualitative and quantitative forecasting techniques and understand when to apply each approach
• Demand Signal Analysis: Identify and interpret demand patterns including trends, seasonality, and cyclical variations
• Statistical Forecasting Techniques: Apply moving averages, exponential smoothing, and trend projection methods using Excel
• Forecast Accuracy Measurement: Calculate and interpret MAD, MAPE, and tracking signals to monitor forecast performance
• Safety Stock & Reorder Points: Determine optimal inventory buffers based on demand variability and lead time uncertainty
• Demand Planning Process: Build a systematic S&OP-aligned demand planning workflow that connects forecasting to purchasing decisions

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for supply chain and procurement professionals who:

• Are responsible for demand planning, inventory management, or procurement planning
• Need to forecast demand for materials, finished goods, or MRO supplies
• Want to reduce stockouts while avoiding excess inventory buildup
• Participate in S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) processes
• Need practical forecasting tools that can be implemented immediately
• Seek to improve their quantitative planning and analytical capabilities

Your Instructor

JASON CHAO

Supply Chain Management Professional & Educator Jason Chao is an accomplished professional with a B.Eng in Industrial Engineering from Ryerson University and extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. With a decade-long career in supply chain management within the oil & gas industry, Jason specialized in inventory management, planning, and logistics, where he led initiatives such as inventory reconciliation for PWC SOX Audits, SAP implementation, and KPI presentations to senior management. In the public sector, he spent another decade supervising aquatic facilities, teaching Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) courses, and delivering Microsoft program training at SAIT for corporate development and applied research. Jason is deeply passionate about Supply Chain Management, business process improvement, and developing KPI tools that drive company success. His teaching philosophy centers around making learning engaging and practical, with a particular focus on enhancing Excel applications and translating complex planning concepts into actionable frameworks that procurement professionals can use immediately.

Workshop Deliverables

All participants will receive:

• Excel-based forecasting templates with built-in formulas for common methods
• Demand planning workbook with sample datasets for practice
• Forecast accuracy calculator and tracking signal monitor
• Safety stock and reorder point calculation tools
• Demand planning process framework and checklist
• Certificate of Completion (3 Professional Development Hours / CPD Credits)
• Access to recorded workshop session for 60 days
• Post-workshop email support for template questions (30 days)