Getting to a single set of numbers is a big task. It requires not only technology to support statistical forecasting, but also a tool that minimizes the effort necessary to regularly contribute to a demand plan. A solid, single forecast is the first and most essential building block for a world-class S&OP process.

Zemeter does the up-front work by providing a baseline forecast in views that are meaningful to the various users. Sales may want to monitor and provide input only on top customers, whereas the organization’s demand planner will use Zemeter to identify the most significant sources of variability and focus on correcting these problems. Zemeter provides both a statistical starting point and functionality that helps draw the team’s attention to areas costing the company money because of lost sales and unprofitable decisions.

In addition, Zemeter provides an easy-to-use mechanism to allow sales reps, product managers, regional managers, or others with knowledge of future trends to provide collaborative input for their areas only – and to track the relative accuracy of each over time.

Furthermore, demand management means not only providing a good forecast but monitoring demand versus plan throughout the month. User-definable alerts draw attention to areas that are significantly over or under forecast while there is still time to take action within the month.