Developing a Forecasting Modeling Tool for a Consumer Products Manufacturer
Clarkston Consulting recently partnered with a global confectionery company on developing a forecasting modeling tool. Read a synopsis of the project below or download the full case study.
Download the Developing a Forecasting Modeling Tool Case Study Here
A leading global consumer products company with a focus on confectionaries was seeking to improve its current forecasting processes and systems while also enabling more functionality to allow for adjustments, items management, and baseline change management.
The client had previously used multiple systems and manual processes. Because of this, development of baselines was labor-intensive and time-consuming, which led to a poor user experience. The current approach was no longer meeting the needs of the client’s consistently growing business and demands on their sales and trade teams. Due to the complexity of their business and go-to-market strategies, the client decided to build its own internal solution to best meet the needs of the organization and its users.
Clarkston worked closely with the client’s business team, helping to define and communicate business requirements during system design. To successfully implement the design the client desired, Clarkston’s subject matter experts in forecasting, TPM, and data and reporting contributed holistically to ensure the new forecasting system would integrate with the client’s other systems as part of a larger trade management ecosystem.
During the build phase, Clarkston provided support on key decisions and facilitated activities with the technical team. A comprehensive testing plan was developed and coordinated, including the creation of test scripts that ensured process flows developed during design were adhered to. A “Forecasting Fundamentals” training was developed and presented at the client’s national sales meeting. Further clicks training and “train the trainer” classes were created with videos and PowerPoint decks as leave behinds to support go-live and hypercare.
Clarkston’s work over the year-long design, build, and implementation contributed to the client’s development of a highly anticipated forecasting system. The automation of a previously manual, highly labor-intensive process along with enhancements for item management and cannibalization were a huge success for the organization. The ability to hit key milestones on time helped ensure the larger timelines for the entire project were achieved. This was all done with the existing strength of the client’s team and data resources, which allowed the Clarkston team to help set the framework for the client’s long-term success.
