9.4
Editor’s Rating:
Best Overall
Intuendi: Dashboard
Intuendi
  • Agile and responsive interface
  • Advanced forecasting algorithms
  • Professionally-guided onboarding
8.6
Editor’s Rating:
Best for Customization
Avercast: Demand Forecasting
Avercast
  • Over 200 forecasting algorithms
  • Direct output to Excel
  • Custom reports
8.7
Editor’s Rating:
Seamless ERP Integration
NETSTOCK: Dashboard
NETSTOCK
  • Cloud-based
  • Integrates with leading ERP systems
  • Uses ERP data to forecast supply and demand

The best demand planning software combines features to provide a solution that helps businesses forecast demand accurately, plan inventory effectively, and make informed decisions to meet customer needs while optimizing costs and resources.

1 Intuendi - Best Overall

Why we chose it: Intuendi is the best overall demand planning software because of its AI-powered forecasting and advanced algorithms. Intuendi leverages artificial intelligence to streamline the planning process, making forecasting more accurate and efficient. The software’s AI also helps manage purchase order, including real-time container space estimates and order suggestions.

Intuendi offers top-down and bottom-up forecasting options, and users can customize how data is used. Beyond forecasting, Intuendi provides robust inventory management tools and continuous online support.

Best Overall:
Intuendi

Intuendi: Dashboard
Intuendi: Purchase Orders
Intuendi: Aggregated Forecast Data
Intuendi: Posts
Intuendi: Forecast
Intuendi: Orders
Intuendi: Inventory and Stock Evolution
Intuendi: Replenishment Suggestions
Intuendi: Inventory Search
Intuendi: Inventory Solution
Intuendi: Inventory
Intuendi: Budget
Intuendi: Forecast
Intuendi: Revenue
Intuendi: Dashboard
What We Like
Agile and responsive interface
Advanced forecasting algorithms
Professionally-guided onboarding
What We Don’t Like
Integrating with third-party ERP solutions may require some customization
Only recommends for 3-5 users
No mobile apps for on-the-go remote access
Overview
Price Range: $$$$
Starting Price: $1,500/month
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

2 Avercast - Best for Customization

Why we chose it: We think Avercast is the best in terms of customization due to its tailor custom screens, features, and functions to meet the unique demands of businesses. With extensive forecasting algorithms, Avercast offers more precise inventory planning.

In addition, it offers tools like ABC analysis, exception management, safety stock optimization, and service level optimization that can be fine-tuned to user preferences.

Best for Customization:
Avercast

Avercast: Demand Forecasting
Avercast: Inventory Planning
Avercast: Sales and Operations Planning
Avercast: Avercast
What We Like
Over 200 forecasting algorithms
Direct output to Excel
Custom reports
What We Don’t Like
Steep learning curve
Pricing requires consultation call
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $1,000/user/month
Client OS: Windows, Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

3 Netstock - Seamless ERP Integration

Why we chose it: Netstock is best for integrations because it connects with the largest ERPS, including Acumatica, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, and SAP Business One. It offers improved forecasts considering trends, seasonality, promotions, and events. Automated planning and collaboration across departments enhance the forecasting process.

However, we found a few aspects of Netstock limiting; the high learning curve and lack of flexibility for lower packages are definite drawbacks. You also can’t edit previous spikes in demand. However, it integrates well with ERP systems and provides deep granularity in planning. We did wish for a bit more customization in reports. Still, the ability to run “what-if” scenarios and have a single dashboard view of inventory KPIs seemed to aid in decision-making.

Best Overall:
NETSTOCK

NETSTOCK: Dashboard
NETSTOCK: Forecasting
NETSTOCK: Forecasts
NETSTOCK: Inventory Classification
NETSTOCK: Inventory Classification
What We Like
Cloud-based
Integrates with leading ERP systems
Uses ERP data to forecast supply and demand
What We Don’t Like
Cannot leave comments when adjusting forecasts
Cannot indicate demand outliers for future forecasts
Learning curve for new users
Overview
Client OS: Web
Deployment: Cloud Hosted

4 Slim4 - Extensive Industry Coverage

Why we chose it: We found that Slim4 is suitable for inventory holding companies across all industries due to its versatility and simple integrations. One of Slim4’s strengths is its ability to integrate easily with most ERP solutions. This ensures businesses can leverage their capabilities without significantly disrupting their existing workflows.

Additionally, it has a relatively quick implementation timeline, with many users operational within three months. We like that Slim4 commits to delivering a return on investment within one year or less, making it an attractive option for any business seeking fast results.

Best for AI and Machine Learning:
Slim4

What We Like
Advanced forecasting algorithms
Easily integrated with most ERP systems
Quick implementation
Overview
Client OS: Windows

5 Stock IQ - Most Comprehensive Feature Set

Why we chose it: We found StockIQ’s feature set notable because it covers demand planning, inventory analytics, supplier performance, and replenishment planning. We also liked its multi-functional reporting and filtering options, enhancing data analysis.

Another feature worth mentioning is its dynamic forecasting system. It uses an advanced forecasting algorithm to account for historical sales data, trends, seasonality, and special events to predict future demand.

Best for AI and Machine Learning:
StockIQ Software

StockIQ Software: Inventory Holdings
What We Like
Responsive customer support
Multi-functional reporting and filtering options
Advanced forecasting algorithm
What We Don’t Like
Limited functionality when importing external forecasts
Future orders and forecast data layout may not align perfectly
Lack of automated, customizable reporting options
Overview
Price Range: $$$
Starting Price: $750/month
Client OS: Web

What Is Demand Planning Software?

Demand planning and forecasting software is a sales and operations planning (S&OP) technology that meets customer demand with the necessary supply level. This is accomplished by coordinating data from separate units of the business (primarily sales, marketing, and operations) to make more informed supply chain planning decisions that directly relate to inventory optimization.

Accurate demand planning involves collecting historical data on order volumes, and inventory turns while mixing it with continually updated forecasts from your sales personnel.

Demand Planning Software vs. Business Intelligence Software

Demand planning solutions can be considered a business intelligence software specifically for supply chain analytics. The software can estimate future sales to improve inventory management and replenishment accuracy, better plan purchases, and ensure proper stocking levels.

Demand planning software aims to manage your supply chain more effectively to increase inventory turns and fill rates beyond what your ERP suite or supply chain management software can do.

Demand Planning Software o9
Create a demand plan in o9 Software.

Features of Demand Planning Software

Feature Description
Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) The overall management of your sales plan and operations plan, which includes tracking sales per month by product family, demand management (such as new product promotions and special offers), production per month by product tracking, workforce and inventory level tracking, and backorder management
Demand Planning Forecast demand for a product so it can be developed and shipped in as efficient as possible ways
Inventory Planning Identify non-performing inventory SKUs and avoid overstocking. Scale for error to ensure under and over-forecasting situations even each other out.
Supplier Management Helps strategically plan and manage interactions with any vendors or suppliers of goods. Set reminders for reorders and reduce risk in your supply chain.
Product Info RELEX Demand Planning Software
View product info in RELEX.

How Much Does Demand Planning Software Cost?

Demand planning software pricing can vary widely. The monthly subscription cost can range from $1,000 to over $4,000. The setup or implementation fees can vary even more widely, from $30,000 to over $100,000. The specific pricing may depend on factors such as organization size, the complexity of the demand planning processes, and the level of customization required.

Benefit #1: Improve Sales and Operations Planning

The sales and operations planning process helps businesses create plans to maintain current business and take on new customers with new products through proper supply chain management. The process can help merge insight from all business departments (such as sales, marketing, manufacturing, and more) to create an all-inclusive business plan to balance supply and demand. Execution between these departments centered around sales forecasts ensures that goods flowing through your supply chain is as optimized as possible.

A business will want to conduct the sales and operations planning process each month in various phases. This includes moving along the following processes:

  • Sales forecasting: This is the generation of historical data (past sales) to analyze trends and create proper expectations (demand forecasts)
  • Demand Planning: What are your current sales? What did your business forecast? Now, what did your business plan for? Demand planning in the sales and operations planning process is about validating your forecasts. Where does your demand typically come from? You’ll need to account for variability and adjust your inventory structure to account for it (if any).
  • Supply Planning: Your business will need to ensure your production levels are as close as possible to what you previously planned for (via demand planning). This step is about assessing your ability to meet demand, by reviewing available capacity and scheduling your production/output to the necessary level.
  • Reconciliation of plans: This stage will help balance your demand and supply with any financial considerations, and also ensure that the previous steps have been accounted for.
  • Finalize and link to the implementation: The execution stage of the process, and the final step in the sales and operations planning process. Usually, for larger (global) companies, the process is put into place and funnels down to regional supplies (depending on if the operation produces items globally or sold and produce at a regional level)
Blue Yonder Luminate Production Planning Software
Monitor production in Blue Younder Luminate (formerly JDA Demand Planning).

Benefit #2: More Accurate Stock Data With Inventory Optimization

To ensure proper inventory levels are in place to meet your demand, you need proper inventory optimization. Inventory optimization software automates the analyses of your entire inventory cycle.

An optimized inventory optimization solution will look at the differences between demand forecasts and historical sales data to come up with appropriate stocking levels. An incorrect forecast can lead to your business not being able to meet demand, which leads to products sitting idle, or even worse, that you aren’t able to fulfill sales orders on time.

Effective demand planning software will lead to your inventory being at its most optimal level by creating multiple what-if scenarios. This includes analyzing all parts of your supply chain, such as sourcing, production, warehousing, and transportation.

How does one change affect the other? What sort of impact does each change have on various types of inventory? Since inventory optimization can be seen as a form of predictive analytics, demand planning systems will give an accurate prediction of the amount and type of stock to carry.

Infor Supply Chain Planning Software
Supply and Operations Planning in Infor Supply Chain Planning.

Benefit #3: Optimize Labor Management

Demand planning software can also be used to plan for labor demand rather than inventory optimization. This type of demand planning will accurately determine the number of workers available, which can influence costs and the quality of service provided to customers. The end goal of labor-management via demand planning software will be to drive employee engagement and performance to enhance business results.

Workload analysis capabilities allow decision-makers to determine the standard time to produce a unit. This is opposed to a traditional and more subjective method of estimating the number of employees required for upcoming production periods.

By using workload analysis, you can determine the estimated number of workers by dividing the estimated number of hours needed to meet annual production by the workability of your workers.

Workers can also be incentivized for good performance. By establishing benchmarks, you can maximize workforce potential by recognizing good performances. Conversely, this lets you get visibility into completed tasks and any employee downtime.

GMDH Streamline Demand Planning Software
Demand forecasting in GMDH Streamline.

Benefit #4: Integrated Cash Flow Management

By including financials into your sales and operations planning processes, your entire organization will be able to better understand the data and how it can help plan and shape your financial goals. This includes planning capital projects effectively and scheduling maintenance repairs efficiently–all while knowing how it affects your bottom line.

Demand planning software can also improve cash flow by providing insight into how current inventory is impacting finance. Too much inventory can disrupt cash flow–leaving you unable to meet demand.

By forecasting financials along with demand, you’ll be able to have a more sophisticated budgeting process. Depending on how far ahead into the future you forecast, you’ll be able to use financial projections based on projected demand when creating budgets or when speaking to executives and decision-makers–giving you increased credibility with stakeholders.

Anaplan Cost Ledger Demand Planning Systems
A cost ledger in Anaplan.

Types of Demand Forecasting Methods

As demand is the biggest factor used when creating sales forecasts, you’ll want to make sure your business is using the most appropriate type of demand forecasting for the products you manufacture, the market you’re involved with, the staff you have on hand, and more.

Most demand planning and scheduling software will use predictive analytics capabilities to determine (to ascertain of a possibility as possible) how scheduling, production, inventory, and staffing should be allocated for production. However, there are other methods of demand planning to consider:

Delphi Method

Known as being one of the more time-consuming methods of demand planning, the Delphi Method surveys experts anonymously. The surveys are administered in multiple rounds of questions, each new question being generated based upon the summary of results received thus far.

The end goal of the Delphi Method is to get these experts to arrive at a consensus opinion. In the supply chain process, this consensus opinion is used in development for the ideation of new products, which can affect the inventory kept on hand.

Conjoint Analysis

This survey-based statistical technique takes into account perceived value and relies heavily on asking customers what they want. This is more of a judgemental approach to demand planning, as the survey planners (the forecasters) will ask the participants to make trade-offs when conflicts arise.

If a customer wants product A, will they take product B that has similar benefits/features? In a supply chain, conjoin analysis helps businesses determine the importance of the attributes and price of a product. This can let businesses shift in the features offered or adjust pricing to hit certain benchmarks in their overall sales. It can also let them know when a customer may consider buying a competitor’s product over theirs.

Avercast Software
Select your demand forecasting method with Avercast software.

Demand Planning vs Supply Planning

The difference between demand planning and supply planning is that demand planning forecasts customer demand, while supply planning manages inventory to meet this demand.

Demand planners use extensive data, including past sales, to produce both constrained and unconstrained demand forecasts, indicating potential demand with and without limitations. These forecasts help businesses manage orders efficiently and reduce inventory costs.

Supply planning aims to fulfill demand forecasts efficiently, focusing on manufacturing lead times, order quantities, production leveling, and safety stocks. It operates based on the demand plan, using it to generate a master production schedule. The supply plan then assesses capacity and resource impact, making necessary adjustments.

Read more: Demand Planning vs Supply Planning: What are the Differences?

Optimity Supply Planning Software
Supply planning in Optimity.

All Products

No products found
Intuendi Screenshot

Intuendi

★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)
Intuendi.com is a Demand Forecasting and Investment Optimization cloud platform which helps companies to reduce stockouts and excess inventory. The main advantage coming from intuendi.com is a higher return of inventory investments: Intuendi identifies trends and patterns in customers’ demand for finished goods, then finds the factors that drive the sales to estimate in time the future inventory needs. Intuendi is best used by e-Commerce, retailers, fashion and apparel, wine, food, SMEs, luxury
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$1,500/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Avercast Screenshot

Avercast

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
Avercast is a supply chain planning and demand forecasting software. The platform uses 280+ advanced statistical algorithms and machine learning for accurate demand forecasting, ensuring improved margins and EBITDA. Key features include sales and operations, capacity, and supply planning, as well as sales forecasting. Avercast can integrate with ERP systems like SYSPRO, Infor, and more.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$1,000/user/month
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
NETSTOCK Screenshot
Netstock is a supply chain planning software that integrates with ERP systems like NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics. The system facilitates better inventory planning and optimization. It offers predictive demand capabilities to improve stock level visibility, including overstock and stock-outs. NETSTOCK’s main features include vendor managed inventory, demand forecasting, and expiry date management. In 2021, NETSTOCK expanded its functionality by acquiring Demand Works Smoothie, a supply and demand planning software.
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Slim4 Screenshot

Slim4

Most companies are looking to strike a balance between working capital, operational costs and optimal service levels. Alongside this, it is vital that organizations spend their time and efforts on areas which provide the greatest returns. This is exactly the reason Slimstock developed Slim4. We have been helping our customers manage this balance for over 20 years. Slim4 provides an integral solution for forecasting, demand planning and inventory control. It is a software add-on which can be
Client OS
Windows
StockIQ Software Screenshot
StockIQ is a demand planning software offering historical forecast accuracy reporting. The software helps reduce inventory stockouts and excess. Key features include MRP planning tools, inventory analytics, supplier performance, and promotion planning. It also integrates with systems like NetSuite and QuickBooks to improve operational capabilities.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$750/month
Client OS
Web
eTurns TrackStock Screenshot

eTurns TrackStock

★★★★★
★★★★★
(4)
eTurns TrackStock is simple, cloud-based inventory software that automates replenishment based on need and provides real-time inventory visibility into remote stockrooms. Using barcode scanners, smartphones, IoT weight sensors and RFID, eTurns TrackStock manages inventory at the point-of-use to increase sales and service levels, optimize inventory and eliminate stockouts.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$40/stockroom/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Anaplan Screenshot

Anaplan

★★★★★
★★★★★
(3)
Anaplan Connected Planning platform helps companies improve business performance in real-time. The cloud-based platform connects real-time data, people, and plans across your business. Modules offer functionality in sales, supply chain planning, marketing, IT, and workforce management. Large and fast-growing organizations use Anaplan’s planning platform in every business function to make informed decisions and drive faster, more effective planning processes. The powerful in-memory engine, Hyperblock, supports detailed and complex planning models.
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
GMDH Streamline Screenshot

GMDH Streamline

★★★★★
★★★★★
(2)
GMDH Streamline is an AI-driven demand/supply planning and inventory management platform tailored for eCommerce sellers. It focuses on reducing manual work in Excel by automating complex statistical forecasting and timely, correct ordering of goods. The software also accounts for calendar events like holidays and offers features for maintaining minimum display quantities in line with planograms. GMDH Streamline offers a range of features designed to optimize the supply chain for eCommerce sellers. Key features include AI-powered demand forecasting, multi-echelon planning, and optimal inventory levels management.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
PlanetTogether Screenshot

PlanetTogether

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
PlanetTogether is an advanced planning and scheduling software. It serves complex manufacturing environments, offering tools like a graphical GANTT chart for full visibility of job statuses. It also provides job sequencing to avoid cross-contamination in food manufacturing. PlanetTogether improves delivery performance, reduces inventory, and optimizes processes, making it a solid tool for manufacturing management​.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
RELEX Screenshot

RELEX

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
RELEX optimizes demand planning, merchandising, supply chain, and retail operations on the unified, cloud-native platform. It offers a range of features including demand forecasting, inventory management, replenishment, and analytics. It uses AI and machine learning can capture the impact of hundreds of demand drivers for highly accurate demand forecasting, improving panning processes across merchandising, supply chain, and operations with visibility into future demand. RELEX’s ability to integrate large data sets and provide detailed analysis makes it a powerful tool for businesses looking to optimize supply chain and retail operations. Additionally, it provides transparency and traceability in its operations with real-time operations.
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Infor Supply Chain Planning Screenshot

Infor Supply Chain Planning

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
Infor Supply Chain Planning (SCP), also known as Infor Demand Planning, balances supply and demand through modular applications to tackle key areas of complexity—all while making use of a shared, powerful, end-to-end platform. The platform provides solutions to help businesses with demand planning and sensing, supply planning, production planning and scheduling, inventory optimization, integrated business planning (IBP), and sales and operations planning. @vimeo Infor Supply Chain Planning is an
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
StockTrim Screenshot

StockTrim

★★★★★
★★★★★
(1)
StockTrim is an inventory planning and demand forecasting software. Its machine learning algorithm adjusts demand models in real-time, providing intuitive order plans and detailed demand analysis. The software helps predict demand for new products and automate purchase orders based on these predictions. Additionally, it integrates with popular inventory management, accounting, POS, and eCommerce platforms.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$99/month
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
o9 Software Screenshot
o9 is a supply chain management software. It enhances demand planning using artificial intelligence (AI), offering features like auditing, order management, and resource allocation. A key advantage is its mobile applications for iOS and Android, allowing remote access to product forecasts and task assignments. It integrates with ERP systems like SAP and Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
Arkieva Screenshot

Arkieva

Arkieva is a one-plan S&OP software that helps improve your supply chain intelligence. Demand planning, inventory planning, supply cain planning, and S&OP management are all cross-functionally integrated for your entire team. The core functionalities of Arkieva are broken down into various solutions: Causal Forecasting; Collaborative Forecasting; Customer Sentiment Analysis; Demand Analysis; Life Cycle Management; Performance Management; and Statistical Forecasting. Rough Cut Capacity Planning
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
On-Premises
Optimity Screenshot
Optimity is a supply chain planning software for manufacturing and distribution companies. It provides a combination of statistical forecasting techniques, intuitive collaboration tools, and insightful analytics. Key features include advanced promotion management, predictive analytics, and customizable dashboards for in-depth analysis.
Client OS
Windows, Web
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Demand Works Smoothie Screenshot

Demand Works Smoothie

Demand Works Smoothie was a demand planning tool. It was acquired in 2021. Features were migrated to Netstock’s Sales & Operations planning module.
Price Range
   $     $     $     $     $   
   $     $     $     $     $   
Starting Price
$5,000 (perpetual license)
Client OS
Windows
Deployment
Cloud or On-Premises
Blue Yonder Luminate Screenshot
Blue Yonder Luminate is a supply chain planning software. It offers a range of functionalities like real-time visibility and orchestration, strategic planning and demand management, lifecycle pricing, and omnichannel engagement. The platform leverages machine learning to predict and resolve supply chain disruptions, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to optimize their supply chain operations.
InventoryAI+ Screenshot
Inventory AI+, formerly Logility Inventory Optimization, is an AI-driven software. This allows for strategic inventory management, moving beyond traditional safety stock models. Key features include performing advanced ‘what-if’ scenario analyses, segmenting inventory based on various attributes, and providing real-time visibility into stock levels.
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
ToolsGroup Screenshot

ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup is a service driven supply chain planning software that helps businesses optimize inventory. This lets you predict more beaviors (such as SKU movement across locations), protect against uncertainty, and more efficiently plan your distribution and replenishment. ToolsGroup automatically calculates optimal inventory levels for both existing and new items to create a phased, time-series plan that achieves target service levels even in the face of demand variability and distribution
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted
RapidResponse Screenshot
Kinaxis RapidResponse is a supply chain planning tool designed to provide deep insights into potential issues before they escalate. The supply chain planning enables real-time recalculations with any data change. The tool excels in scenario planning, allowing users to test and collaborate on potential solutions efficiently. Its intuitive dashboards offer detailed analyses from a planner to an executive level, making it a versatile tool for various business needs. Additionally, guided process steps in RapidResponse facilitate quick onboarding of new hires and serve as a useful reference for experienced team members. Exception-based alerts in real-time help identify and mitigate risks swiftly, enhancing the overall supply chain responsiveness of an organization.
Client OS
Web
Deployment
Cloud Hosted

We searched and searched, but we couldn’t find any products in our database that match your criteria. Perhaps our team of software experts can help? They’d be happy to provide a list of free recommendations that meet your exact requirements.

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