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E-commerce Supply Chain MANAGED
E-Commerce Supply Chain Managed
Introduction
I'm Brad Parker from Nielson Bainbridge Companies, where I serve as the demand planner. I've been in this role for about ten years and have been with the company for a bit longer. One of the most significant changes we've experienced is in our e-commerce marketplace, particularly the explosion of SKUs and different customers coming online with varying product demands.
The Evolution of Demand Planning
In the past, understanding our demand meant crafting custom reports or customer queries through SQL or other BI tools. This process allowed us to aggregate the data and provide a consolidated forecast by SKU, rather than by each customer. This shift has significantly simplified our forecasting process.
Efficiency and Metrics
This new system has enabled us to use metrics for our forecasting system effectively. Previously, we relied heavily on Excel spreadsheets and manually pulled out data regarding shortages, out-of-stocks, or supplier issues. Now, we have a more streamlined approach, especially concerning our safety stock planning.
Safety Stock Planning
One of the most impactful components for us has been the integration of forecast variance with the required safety stock for our customers, whether they are e-commerce buyers or traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This integration allows us to place inventory more accurately, avoiding months of excess inventory and optimizing our safety stock plan.
User-Friendly Interface
I would definitely recommend the new system. It offers a simple interface with built-in options for general tasks and is also sophisticated enough to handle complex aggregation of SKUs by customer. The Battercast team did a commendable job customizing the software to our specific needs.
Team and Support
The team feels like a family. Everyone knows each other well, and their coordination is seamless. When you get on a call with them, they can conference in anyone else needed, making the interaction feel second nature. This personalized touch is a refreshing change from the randomness you might experience with larger companies.
Keywords
- Demand Planner
- Nielson Bainbridge Companies
- E-commerce Marketplace
- SKUs
- Custom Reports
- SQL
- BI Tools
- Forecasting System
- Safety Stock Planning
- Battercast Team
FAQ
Q: Who is Brad Parker? A: Brad Parker is the demand planner at Nielson Bainbridge Companies and has been in this role for about ten years.
Q: What significant change has Nielson Bainbridge Companies experienced? A: The company has seen an explosion in SKUs and different customers in the e-commerce marketplace.
Q: How did the company previously manage demand forecasting? A: Previously, the company used custom reports or customer queries through SQL or other BI tools, which was more cumbersome and reliant on Excel spreadsheets.
Q: What has been the impact of the new system on safety stock planning? A: The new system ties forecast variance directly with the required safety stock, helping to place inventory more accurately and avoid long periods of excess inventory.
Q: How would you describe the interface and capabilities of the new system? A: The new system offers a simple interface for general tasks and is sophisticated enough for complex SKU aggregation by customer.