Demand Sensing and Predictive Analytics Course

In recent volatile markets, businesses must go beyond traditional forecasting to accurately sense real-time demand shifts and make agile decisions. This course introduces participants to the concepts and technologies that power demand sensing, enabling companies to align supply chain operations with actual market needs.

Leveraging predictive analytics, participants will explore how data science, machine learning, and AI can identify patterns, detect anomalies, and drive decisions for inventory, production, and replenishment. This course empowers professionals with the tools to reduce stock-outs, minimize inventory holding costs, and increase responsiveness to demand fluctuations.

Emerging issues such as AI-driven demand forecasting, real-time supply chain visibility, and sustainability in planning are discussed, making this course highly relevant to future-focused supply chain and data professionals.

Target Participants:

• Supply Chain Managers and Planners
• Demand Forecasters and Analysts
• Inventory and Logistics Managers
• Data Analysts in Operations
• Procurement Professionals
• IT/ERP Professionals supporting supply chain functions

Duration

5 Days

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and technologies behind demand sensing and predictive analytics
• Differentiate between traditional forecasting and AI-driven demand prediction
• Apply data-driven models to improve demand planning and supply chain responsiveness
• Use analytics tools to identify demand patterns and exceptions
• Incorporate sustainability and risk resilience into forecasting models
• Leverage predictive tools to optimize inventory, reduce waste, and increase service levels

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Demand Sensing

• What is Demand Sensing?
• Demand Forecasting vs Demand Sensing
• Importance in modern supply chains
• Technologies enabling demand sensing

Module 2: Predictive Analytics in Supply Chain

• Introduction to Predictive Analytics
• Statistical vs Machine Learning Models
• Common Algorithms: Linear Regression, Time Series, ARIMA, Decision Trees
• Data sources and data quality considerations

Module 3: Tools and Platforms

• Overview of Demand Planning Tools (SAP IBP, Oracle, Kinaxis, etc.)
• Microsoft Power BI, Python, R for predictive modeling
• Integration with ERP and inventory systems

Module 4: Real-Time Demand Signals and Data Integration

• Capturing real-time data (POS, weather, social media, IoT)
• Internal vs external data sources
• Challenges in data synchronization and latency

Module 5: Forecast Accuracy and Exception Management

• Forecast error metrics (MAPE, MAD, RMSE)
• Root Cause Analysis of forecast deviations
• Alert-driven planning and scenario analysis

Module 6: Inventory Optimization Using Predictive Models

• Linking demand sensing with inventory strategy
• Safety stock calculation based on variability
• Managing promotions and seasonality

Module 7: Emerging Trends and Technologies

• AI and Machine Learning in forecasting
• Cognitive demand planning
• Blockchain for demand visibility
• Sustainability integration in demand planning
• Green and circular supply chain analytics

Module 8: Risk, Resilience, and Ethical Analytics

• Demand shocks and recovery modeling
• Building resilience with predictive analytics
• Ethical considerations in AI-led forecasting
• Data privacy and regulatory compliance

Training Methodology:

• Interactive presentations
• Case studies from industry (retail, FMCG, manufacturing)
• Hands-on exercises using real data and open-source tools
• Group simulations and forecasting challenges
• Post-training action planning for implementation

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.