Demand Forecasting

Swire Beverages unlocks the full potential of its Coca-Cola Supply Chain Network in China by transforming its operations to synchronize with real-time consumer demand across every channel.

Shell was the first oil and gas company to recognize that it could sense demand much like a pure-play consumer products company, creating daily forecasts that reflect current market conditions by using demand signals.

While supply chain leaders will stand up at conference after conference and brag about how they saved money, improved inventory and driven improvements in customer service, we find that nine out of 10 supply chains are stuck at the intersection of inventory turns and operating margin. So, did these supply chain leaders deliberately lie in their presentations? No, we don't think so. Why the gap?

Consumer product companies often strive to compete or differentiate on being really good, cost competitive or very fast. Historically, customers have paid a premium for quality or fast delivery. On the flip side, competing on low-cost was often affiliated with sacrifice in quality or speed of delivery.

After a 12-year hiatus, a Facebook consumer movement forces the SURGE brand to return, now available exclusively on Amazon.com.

Marketing programs need to change. The opportunity is to execute test and learn strategies and to get good at listening.

Who will sell consumer product five years from now? And where? The decline of shopping malls, the rise of online shopping and changing consumer habits require consumer goods manufacturers to rethink their approach to moving goods.

When consumer packaged goods companies attempt to optimize trade spend and undertake transformation programs, they often attempt too much or too little and subsequently fail to meet their goals.