The Ultimate Guide to AI-Powered Demand Forecasting

A practical, ICP-focused guide for mid-market manufacturers and wholesalers.

Chapter 1: Why Traditional Excel Forecasts Fail

Manual spreadsheets create errors, version conflicts, and cannot model campaign production, long lead times, or external signals.

Chapter 2: AI & Machine Learning Basics

Modern ML chooses the best model per SKU, includes seasonality and external drivers, and learns continuously.

Chapter 3: The 3 Metrics That Matter

  • WAPE: Weighted Absolute Percentage Error
  • MAPE: Mean Absolute Percentage Error
  • Bias: Systematic over/under-forecasting

Chapter 4: Checklist to Get Started

  • Export-first: ERP/CSV snapshots (sales, inventory, lead times)
  • Define service targets per ABC class
  • Baseline current accuracy; plan a 4-8 week PoV