--- title: "Best Demand Planning Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Demand Planning & Forecasting Software for your organization. Compare top Demand Planning & Forecasting Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Demand Planning Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Demand Planning Software of 2026 Updated November 3, 2026 ## Demand Planning FAQs Software Advice advisors had 11 conversations with buyers about Demand Planning software between January 2025 and May 2026. These are the questions that came up most. - How do I choose the right Demand Planning software for my business? Choosing the right demand planning software, based on advisor calls, often comes down to finding a tool that automates forecasting using both historical and current data while reducing or eliminating reliance on spreadsheets and manual processes. Buyers frequently mention ease of use, scenario simulation, and cloud-based access as must-have requirements, and note that upfront setup fees, typically ranging from $4,625 to $50,000, are a common budget consideration for small and mid-size teams. - What is the best Demand Planning software for a small to mid-size business? No single demand planning system fits every small to mid-size business, but according to our advisors, buyers in this group look for software that automates demand forecasting and reduces reliance on manual or spreadsheet-based processes. Buyers frequently mention the need to forecast customer demand using historical data and simulations, as well as the ability to form predictions based on trends. A good fit should be easy for a small team to manage and help move away from time-consuming manual tracking. Answer based on 8 advisor calls - What should businesses watch out for when choosing Demand Planning software? In advisor calls, buyers often watch out for software that still relies on manual work or spreadsheets instead of automating demand forecasts. Most buyers researching demand planning tools are small businesses, so ease of use and automation are top concerns. Cloud-based options are the main focus in these conversations, with nearly all buyers asking about software delivered as a service rather than installed on their own hardware. Buyers also weigh whether the software uses historical data and trends to create forecasts, since this is a must-have for most teams moving away from outdated methods. Answer based on 10 advisor calls - What are common complaints about Demand Planning software? The most common complaint about demand planning software, based on advisor calls, is that teams are still stuck using spreadsheets or manual methods instead of an automated tool. During advisor calls, buyers also frequently mention general dissatisfaction with their current setup, often describing it as slow or outdated. Answer based on 9 advisor calls - What should I look for when comparing Demand Planning software options? When comparing demand planning software options, buyers typically look for systems that offer demand forecasting features built to analyze historical sales data and simulate future demand. A common theme in these conversations is that many users want to move away from manual or spreadsheet-based processes, which are seen as time-consuming and prone to error. Buyers frequently mention frustrations with their current methods and seek solutions that automate forecasting and reduce the risk of mistakes. Answer based on 10 advisor calls - How does Demand Planning software handle its core workflows and key processes? When speaking with our advisors, buyers describe using demand planning software to forecast customer demand based on both historical and current data. Many buyers look to move away from manual or spreadsheet-based processes in favor of tools that automate projections and simulate different sales scenarios. Demand forecasting and data-driven predictions are the features buyers most often request to improve accuracy and efficiency in their planning workflows. Answer based on 10 advisor calls - How much does Demand Planning software cost? Most demand planning tools involve a one-time setup fee, and buyers frequently tell our advisors that the median amount falls near $27,500. Fees commonly range from $4,625 to $50,000 depending on the tool and project scope. Teams often flag this upfront cost as a key consideration when budgeting for new software. Answer based on 9 advisor calls - What features should Demand Planning software include? The main features buyers our advisors talk to ask for in demand planning software are the ability to forecast future demand using historical data and simulate different scenarios. Buyers frequently mention wanting tools that help form predictions based on both past trends and current data, making it easier to plan inventory and meet customer needs. Answer based on 9 advisor calls - What is Demand Planning software and what does it do? Demand Planning software helps organizations estimate future demand for products using historical sales data and trend analysis. Advisor-call conversations show that buyers frequently look for tools that forecast customer needs, support production planning, and help decide when to release new products. Answer based on 9 advisor calls On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide 3. Frequently Asked Questions 4. Related Software Filter products 153 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 153 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Algo](/scm/algo-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 7 - Starting price: $5,000.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Algo is an AI-powered demand planning platform designed for modern retailers and consumer brands. It integrates demand forecasting, inventory optimization, sales and operations [Read more](/scm/algo-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Replenishment: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Generative AI: 5/5 - Vendor Managed Inventory: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Predictive Analytics: 3/5 - Activity Dashboard: 3/5 - Multi-Channel Management: 3.5/5 - Order Fulfillment: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/algo-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Logility Platform](/scm/logility-voyager-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 98 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Logility is a market-leading provider of AI-first supply chain management solutions engineered to help organizations build sustainable digital supply chains that improve people’s [Read more](/scm/logility-voyager-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Visual Analytics: 5/5 - Audit Management: 5/5 - Vendor Management: 5/5 - API: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - IoT Integration: 4/5 - Product Identification: 4/5 - Predictive Analytics: 4/5 - Multi-Channel Management: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/logility-voyager-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Wrike](/project-management/wrike-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 3,046 - Starting price: $10.00/month - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Wrike is the trusted work delivery platform where AI extends what people can accomplish. By centralizing all work in one governed, context-rich environment, Wrike helps [Read more](/project-management/wrike-profile/) ##### What users love - Centralized project organization tools - Unified workspace for teamwork - Flexible coordination across teams ##### To take in mind - Feature overload and complexity - Cluttered and unintuitive interface - Expensive for smaller teams #### Features ##### Best rated features - IT Reporting: 5/5 - Color Codes/Icons: 5/5 - Template Management: 5/5 - Dashboard: 5/5 [See all features](/project-management/wrike-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Team - Price: $10.00/month - Intelligent project management ##### Business - Price: $25.00/month - Customizable platform to manage your workflows ##### Pinnacle - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Built for complex workflows [See full pricing details](/project-management/wrike-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Atlas Planning](/scm/atlas-planning-suite-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 35 - Starting price: $1.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview John Galt's Atlas Planning Platform revolutionizes your ability to make smart, practical supply chain decisions with confidence. It’s a single, AI-driven SaaS solution that can [Read more](/scm/atlas-planning-suite-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Bills of Material: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 4.8/5 - Strategic Planning: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/atlas-planning-suite-profile/#key-features) --- ### [New Horizon](/scm/new-horizon-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 4 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview New Horizon Soft, LLC is a rapidly growing provider of AI-powered supply chain planning software that enables manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to improve forecast accuracy [Read more](/scm/new-horizon-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Strategic Planning: 5/5 - Bills of Material: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Demand Forecasting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Inventory Optimization: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/new-horizon-profile/#key-features) --- ### [BINOCS](/project-management/binocs-profile/) - Overall rating: 4/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: $500.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Binocs is a resource planning and scheduling solution that helps organizations streamline processes related to equipment scheduling, performance tracking, priority setting and [Read more](/project-management/binocs-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $500.00/month [See full pricing details](/project-management/binocs-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [SO99+](/scm/service-optimizer-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 13 - Starting price: $5,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ToolsGroup SO99+ is a supply chain planning solution for demand planning, inventory optimization and replenishment planning. Demand planning provides for automatic, self-adaptive [Read more](/scm/service-optimizer-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - EDI: 5/5 - Inventory Optimization: 4.8/5 - Inventory Management: 4.4/5 - Collaboration Tools: 4.3/5 ##### Worst rated features - Product Introduction Planning: 2/5 - Predictive Analytics: 3.5/5 - Historical Reporting: 3.8/5 - API: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/service-optimizer-profile/#key-features) --- ### [StockIQ](/scm/stockiq-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 44 - Starting price: $750.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview StockIQ is a supply chain management (SCM) suite for distributors and manufacturers of all sizes. The solution is available in cloud-based or on-premise deployments. Key features [Read more](/scm/stockiq-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Optimization: 5/5 - Performance Metrics: 5/5 - Inventory Auditing: 5/5 - Supplier Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Sales & Operations Planning: 2/5 [See all features](/scm/stockiq-profile/#key-features) --- ### [APEX](/scm/leandna-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 31 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview APEX by LeanDNA is the factory-focused platform for AI-powered expert execution to establish command of supply planning and materials management. It powers optimized decisions and [Read more](/scm/leandna-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Visualization: 5/5 - Data Analysis Tools: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Product Identification: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Audit Trail: 3.5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 3.8/5 - Real-Time Data: 3.9/5 - Requisition Management: 4/5 [See all features](/scm/leandna-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Ganacos](/accounting/ganacos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 20 - Starting price: €20,000.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Ganacos is a cloud-based software designed to help businesses support and manage data-driven decisions. Ganacos is best fitted for companies with a turnover of +€20millions. The [Read more](/accounting/ganacos-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Order Management: 5/5 - Scenario Planning: 5/5 - Dynamic Modeling: 5/5 - User Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Import/Export: 3/5 - AI/Machine Learning: 3/5 [See all features](/accounting/ganacos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [QT9 ERP](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 19 - Starting price: $20,000.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview QT9 ERP is a highly-scalable manufacturing platform for connecting and automating business data from multiple systems into one scalable and intuitive solution. QT9 ERP integrates [Read more](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Point of Sale (POS): 5/5 - Product Data Management: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $20,000.00 [See full pricing details](/accounting/qt9erp-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Kentro](/ecommerce/kentro-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 16 - Starting price: $225.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Kentro is a Modern ERP built by e-Commerce experts to streamline and automate your operational processes to support your scale and growth with maximum efficiency. Kentro comes [Read more](/ecommerce/kentro-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 - eCommerce Management: 5/5 - Shopping Cart: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Inventory Labels: 4/5 - Supply Chain Management: 4/5 - Customizable Branding: 4/5 [See all features](/ecommerce/kentro-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $225.00/month [See full pricing details](/ecommerce/kentro-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Blue Ridge Platform](/scm/blue-ridge-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 16 - Starting price: $75,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Blue Ridge designed smarter software for demand planning, replenishment, and inventory optimization that achieves positive ROI in 90 days guaranteed. With a simple, scalable, and [Read more](/scm/blue-ridge-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Replenishment: 5/5 - Sales & Operations Planning: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 4.9/5 - Inventory Optimization: 4.8/5 [See all features](/scm/blue-ridge-profile/#key-features) --- ### [StockTrim](/manufacturing/stocktrim-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 14 - Starting price: $199.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview StockTrim is a cloud-based solution designed to help small to midsize businesses in eCommerce, retail, manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution manage demand forecasting and [Read more](/manufacturing/stocktrim-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Retail Inventory Management: 5/5 - Inventory Tracking: 5/5 - Predictive Analytics: 5/5 - SKU/UPC Codes: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Alerts/Notifications: 4/5 - Mobile Access: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/stocktrim-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Starter - Monthly Plan - Price: $199.00/month - 1 - 100 SKU's 1 User ##### Starter - Annual Plan - Price: $1,188.00/year - 1-100 SKU's Paid Annually up Front [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/stocktrim-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Inventory Planner](/ecommerce/inventory-planner-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 82 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Inventory Planner is a software solution that helps businesses manage and plan their inventory to minimize overstocking or out-of-stock issues. It is deployed as a web application [Read more](/ecommerce/inventory-planner-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Catalog Management: 5/5 - Multi-Store: 5/5 - API: 5/5 - Shopping Cart: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Visualization: 3.3/5 - Customizable Reports: 3.6/5 [See all features](/ecommerce/inventory-planner-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Arete Prevail](/sales-forecasting/arete-inc-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 11 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Arete Prevail is a web-based integrated demand planning solution used to create and manage accurate sales forecasts. Prevail ensures the development of detailed forecasts that roll [Read more](/sales-forecasting/arete-inc-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Demand Forecasting: 4.7/5 - Data Visualization: 4.7/5 - Data Import/Export: 4.5/5 - Forecasting: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Promotions Management: 2/5 - Opportunity Management: 2.5/5 - Exception Reporting: 3/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 3/5 [See all features](/sales-forecasting/arete-inc-profile/#key-features) --- ### [GMDH Streamline](/sales-forecasting/gmdh-streamline-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 11 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview GMDH Streamline is a supply chain management solution that helps distributors, manufacturers and retailers handle processes for demand forecasting and inventory replenishment [Read more](/sales-forecasting/gmdh-streamline-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/sales-forecasting/gmdh-streamline-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [SCP 4.0](/manufacturing/scp-jada-systems-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 9 - Starting price: $35,500.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Jada vendor management inventory and demand planning system is suitable for businesses looking to manage inventory holding costs and track service levels. SCP is offered as a best [Read more](/manufacturing/scp-jada-systems-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Management: 5/5 - Inventory Optimization: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - Reorder Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Search/Filter: 4/5 - Product Identification: 4/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/scp-jada-systems-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $35,500.00 [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/scp-jada-systems-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Smart IP&O](/product/45425-Smart-IP-O/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 11 - Starting price: $695.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Smart IP&O is a cloud-based and on-premise solution that lets businesses manage processes related to inventory planning, demand forecasting, supply chain management, and more. [Read more](/product/45425-Smart-IP-O/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Supply Chain Management: 5/5 - KPI Monitoring: 5/5 - Production Scheduling: 5/5 - Data Visualization: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Order Management: 3/5 [See all features](/product/45425-Smart-IP-O/#key-features) --- ### [Pyplan](/accounting/pyplan-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 6 - Starting price: $75.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Pyplan, as an advanced Planning and Analysis platform, possesses the adaptability to cater to personalized planning methodologies while also exhibiting the capability to [Read more](/accounting/pyplan-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Business Process Automation: 5/5 - Business Process Control: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 4.8/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 4.8/5 ##### Worst rated features - Process Modeling & Designing: 4/5 [See all features](/accounting/pyplan-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $75.00/year [See full pricing details](/accounting/pyplan-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Willow Commerce](/erp/gbcommerce-ecommerce-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 10 - Starting price: $499.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Willow Commerce is an AI-powered e-commerce operations platform designed to help businesses manage and scale multichannel selling. It centralizes product listings, inventory, [Read more](/erp/gbcommerce-ecommerce-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Shipping Management: 5/5 - Order Tracking: 5/5 - Order Fulfillment: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Search/Filter: 4/5 [See all features](/erp/gbcommerce-ecommerce-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Free Trial - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - 15-day Free Trial ##### Starter - Price: $499.00/month - Under 2,000 orders/month ##### Growth - Price: $999.00/month - 2,000 – 4,999 orders/month [See full pricing details](/erp/gbcommerce-ecommerce-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Maestro](/scm/kinaxis-rapidresponse-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 26 - Starting price: CA$30,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Delivered as a set of configurable applications, Kinaxis RapidResponse is a supply chain management solution that helps large enterprises and logistics service providers with [Read more](/scm/kinaxis-rapidresponse-profile/) --- ### [RELEX](/scm/relex-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 12 - Starting price: €3,000.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview RELEX Solutions helps retailers, wholesalers and consumer brands drive profitable growth across all sales and distribution channels by maximizing customer satisfaction and [Read more](/scm/relex-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Supply Chain Management: 4/5 - Demand Forecasting: 4/5 - Inventory Replenishment: 3/5 - Collaboration Tools: 3/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Synchronization: 2/5 - Inventory Management: 3/5 - Product Introduction Planning: 3/5 - Cost Tracking: 3/5 [See all features](/scm/relex-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Frepple](/scm/frepple-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 2 - Starting price: €5,000.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview FrePPLe is a supply chain planning and scheduling solution, which integrates with ERP systems such as Odoo, SAP, Sage, JobBoss and more. Users can schedule production by [Read more](/scm/frepple-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: €5,000.00/year [See full pricing details](/scm/frepple-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=6)[7](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/demand-planning-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=7) ## Popular Comparisons [ Inventory Planner vs Board ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/1931-BOARD/vs/390514-inventory-planner/)[ Wrike vs Tempo Capacity Planner ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product-roadmap/tempo-planner-profile/vs/wrike/)[ Cin7 Core vs APEX ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/dear-systems-profile/vs/leandna/) ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Demand planning and forecasting software is used across industries by businesses of all sizes. The market for this software is continuously growing, and demand planning technology continues to evolve. Some vendors offer a complete supply chain planning suite with features such as inventory and replenishment planning, while others offer demand planning as an add-on or standalone feature. This buyer’s guide aims to help you understand the features and functionality of demand planning and forecasting software in order to help you during the software selection process. Here's what we'll cover: [What Is Demand Planning and Forecasting Software?](#WhatIsDemandPlanningandForecastingSoftware) [Common Features of Demand Planning and Forecasting Software](#CommonFeaturesofDemandPlanningandForecastingSoftware) [Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand) [Benefits of Demand Planning and Forecasting Software](#BenefitsofDemandPlanningandForecastingSoftware) [Evaluating Demand Planning and Forecasting Software](#EvaluatingDemandPlanningandForecastingSoftware) ## **What Is Demand Planning and Forecasting Software?** Demand planning software allows organizations to minimize waste by tracking trends that will affect future demand. This type of system accomplishes the task by improving forecasting governance in order to eliminate errors or biases in the data and also by reducing data latency, which makes real-time demand planning possible. In addition to [procurement software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/procurement-software-comparison/) and [strategic sourcing software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/strategic-sourcing-software-comparison/), demand planning systems are an important, cost-cutting element of [supply chain management software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/). ## **Common Features of Demand Planning and Forecasting Software** Organizations can achieve two key objectives with the help of demand planning tools: an improvement in demand forecast accuracy and greater control over demand shaping. | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Historical analysis | Cross-functional or multi-dimensional forecasting processes analyze the historical demand for an individual product along with broader macro- and micro-economic trends to deliver an accurate forecast to supply chain executives. | | Data separation | The software gathers a wide range of data to improve past and future demand analysis. Filtering and separation occurs by product, customer, season and market information. | | Demand shaping capacity | The software factors in scheduling data related to promotions, advertising, planned product launches and upcoming competitor activity, accumulating and displaying detailed plans for future marketing campaigns as well as the projected effects on awareness, demand and revenue that will accompany them. | | “What-if” analysis | With all the information in the system, the software can perform a series of scenarios and simulations based on “what-if” factors. Based on the results of these what-if simulations, potential deviations from planned demand can be communicated to the necessary areas of the supply chain in order to adjust shipments or production. | | Supply chain communication | Demand planning systems communicates with other elements of the SCM system to renegotiate replenishment scheduling through capacity planning. This prevents unnecessary oversupply and cost inefficiencies by reducing inventory carrying costs and excess inventory write-offs. | --- ## Market Trends to Understand **Software as a service (SaaS).** Many businesses are now opting for cloud-based systems that are hosted by the vendor and enable users to run the software entirely via web browser. Vendors that provide cloud-based demand planning and forecasting software include Fishbowl, SAP, S2K and Infor. **Digital monitoring.** With the increasing globalization of the supply chain, companies face challenges such as delays, longer delivery times, degraded quality and higher costs. To tackle these challenges and maintain visibility and connectivity across the entire supply chain, many demand planning and forecasting software solutions offer a digital monitoring feature that provides real-time updates. **Artificial intelligence.** The supply chain for global companies is complex and constantly evolving, which means it is susceptible to errors that can cost millions, if not billions of dollars. To combat this, some vendors are introducing features that are capable of finding and correcting both historic and live supply chain data. For example, vendor Rulex introduced an AI software solution in September 2016 that can automatically detect and correct errors in supply chain data. **Increased demand for third party integrations.** Rather than having to purchase an entirely new system that covers every aspect of business operations, many buyers now seek solutions that allow them to easily import data, such as procurement, sales and operations, from their pre-existing software into the new solution without requiring extra manual effort. **Analytics.** Demand planning and forecasting software vendors use different predictive models to improve the accuracy of demand forecasts. As a result, business intelligence software vendors with predictive analytics capabilities have started offering demand planning and forecasting software for supply chain application. For example, Qlik and Board BI have expanded their product offerings for the demand planning software market. ## Benefits of Demand Planning and Forecasting Software Demand planning and forecasting software can yield many benefits for organizations. These benefits include (but are not limited to): **Increased efficiency.** A demand planning and forecasting solution helps increase the efficiency of a company’s supply chain and operations, improve capacity and manage inventory levels. These tools can also generate a demand plan based on historical data and predict future demand. **Improved collaboration.** A demand planning system can help improve communication between a company’s supply chain and other areas of operations, including sales, marketing and finance. This can lead to the creation of action plans for different scenarios to enhance overall productivity. **Cost control.** Demand forecasts reduce costs by preparing effective inventory-stocking plans. This feature prevents inventory overstocking while focusing on high-profit inventory items. **Trend analysis.** In addition to controlling costs, trend analysis features can generate forecasts by capturing historical data and combining it with data related to seasonal variation and promotions. These forecasts can help prevent sales loss due to lack of inventory. ## **Evaluating Demand Planning and Forecasting Software** Evaluating demand planning and forecasting software requires an assessment of the functionality and its value to the planning process. It also requires an understanding of the efficiency, accuracy, and relevance of the data that is provided, since that data is key to the effectiveness of the system. Key considerations when selecting demand planning software include: - What data does it collect and interpret? - How often is the data collected? - Will it be used by itself, or in conjunction with supply chain planning or a comprehensive SCM system? Is it compatible with legacy systems? ### Related Demand Planning Software - [Distribution Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4730-distribution/) - [Forestry Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/forestry/) - [Procurement Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/procurement-software-comparison/) - [Purchasing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/purchase-order-comparison/) - [Sourcing Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/strategic-sourcing-software-comparison/) - [Spend Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/spend-management-comparison/) - [Third Party Logistics (3PL) Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/third-party-logistics-3pl-software-comparison/) - [Vendor Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/vendor-management-system-comparison/)