Stock Management, Forecasting, and Demand Planning Training

Stock Management, Forecasting, and Demand Planning

Efficient Stock and Demand Planning: Forecasting, Control, and Optimisation

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Platform:
Online
In-class
Date Venue Duration
23 - 27 November 2026 Sandton, Gauteng 5 Days
08 - 12 February 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 5 Days
05 - 09 April 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 5 Days
17 - 21 May 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 5 Days
28 June - 02 July 2027 Sandton, Gauteng 5 Days

Course Introduction

Effective demand planning and stock control are critical components of Supply Chain Management (SCM), enabling organisations to enhance forecast accuracy, maintain optimal inventory levels, and boost profitability by minimising expenses. Proper execution of these processes eliminates the risks of stock shortages and surplus inventory, streamlining operations. Demand planners, often working behind the scenes, face complex challenges due to the dynamic and uncertain nature of their role. However, when performed successfully, these efforts unlock significant opportunities for organisations to optimise their supply chains. 

 

This 5-day course delves into key demand planning theories, models, and best practices, equipping participants with the tools to manage diverse scenarios and ensure a steady flow of inventory at the lowest possible cost — including how AI is now used for reorder point automation and predictive demand forecasting. 

Course Objectives

By the end of this Stock Management, Forecasting, and Demand Planning course, participants will:
  • Understand and apply the principles of stock management and forecasting
  • Use scientific methods, including AI-assisted forecasting tools, to predict demand and manage inventory lead times
  • Develop efficient inventory classifications and cost-optimised strategies
  • Create actionable plans for safety stocks and reorder points, including AI-assisted reorder point automation

Who should attend?

  • Inventory Planners, Supply Chain Professionals, and Materials Managers
  • Supervisors and Staff in Purchasing, Stores, and Distribution Functions
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Training Methodology

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.
– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.
– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.
– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.
– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.
– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Training Outline

5-Day Inventory & Supply Chain Management — Training Outline

Day 1: Module 1 — Fundamentals of Stock and Supply Chain Management
  • Introduction to stock management
  • Scope and objectives of supply chain management (SCM)
  • Role of inventory in supply chain success
  • Objectives of inventory planning and stock control
  • Reasons for holding inventory
  • Push vs. pull inventory systems
  • Customer service and its connection to inventory management
  • Introduction to inventory cost structures
  • Inventory information systems: key considerations for effective systems, and digital tools (including AI-assisted platforms) supporting SCM efficiency
  • Activities: Case study discussions on inventory management systems and group brainstorming.
Day 2: Module 2 — Classification and Management of Inventory
  • Inventory types and classifications (raw materials, WIP, finished goods, etc.)
  • ABC classification model and its applications
  • Using ABC ranking for decision-making
  • Best practices in stock specification and cataloguing
  • Developing accurate inventory records
  • Activities: Workshop on inventory classification and cataloguing exercises.
Day 3: Module 3 — Forecasting Demand and Lead Time Management
  • Dependent vs. independent demand
  • Demand patterns and influencing factors
  • Time series forecasting methods: moving average and exponential smoothing
  • Measuring and improving forecast accuracy
  • Seasonal demand adjustments
  • Lead time analysis: factors affecting lead time, and methods for lead time control
  • Activities: Hands-on forecasting using provided datasets and lead time simulations.
Day 4: Module 4 — Inventory Costs and Financial Implications
  • Cost of items: purchasing, carrying, and stock-out costs
  • Calculating and analysing inventory cost elements
  • Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
  • Evaluating quantity discounts
  • Activities: EOQ calculations and exercises on cost optimisation in inventory systems.
Day 5: Module 5 — Advanced Inventory Planning and Safety Stock Strategies
  • Objectives and importance of safety stocks
  • Determining the Reorder Point (ROP), including AI-assisted reorder point and safety stock optimisation
  • Developing strategies for seasonal and unexpected demand
  • Aligning inventory planning with organisational goals
  • Continuous improvement in stock and demand management
  • Activities: Simulation-based ROP and safety stock calculations; group presentation on inventory strategies.

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FAQs – Stock Management, Forecasting, and Demand Planning

Master statistical forecasting, demand alignment, safety stock optimization, and inventory cycle management to balance supply with demand, reduce excess holding costs, and enhance fulfillment reliability.

What topics are covered in the Stock Management, Forecasting and Demand Planning course?
The course covers end-to-end inventory control, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) integration, quantitative and qualitative demand forecasting models, safety stock optimization, service level targeting, lead-time variability management, and inventory holding cost reduction.
Who should attend this Stock Management and Demand Planning course?
This course is designed for demand planners, inventory leads, stock controllers, supply chain managers, materials managers, and financial analysts seeking to synchronize demand signals with physical inventory management.
What are the key learning objectives of this training program?
Delegates learn to build resilient demand plans, align stock holding strategies with customer service level targets, reduce obsolete and slow-moving stock, minimize bullwhip effects across the supply chain, and optimize working capital efficiency.
How long is the Stock Management, Forecasting and Demand Planning course?
The programme is delivered as an intensive 5-day professional masterclass incorporating statistical forecasting workshops, inventory setting exercises, and real-world S&OP simulation case studies.
What practical skills will delegates gain from this masterclass?
Participants will gain practical skills in measuring forecast error (MAPE, MAD, Tracking Signal), calculating dynamic safety stock formulas, conducting multi-criteria ABC/XYZ inventory segmentation, and modeling replenishment strategies in ERP platforms.
Can Prospen Africa deliver this course as customized in-house training?
Yes. Prospen Africa can tailor the masterclass around your organization’s specific product portfolios, ERP system capabilities (such as SAP, Oracle, or Syspro), demand volatility patterns, and distribution network layouts.

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