The Finished Goods Series™ (FGS) comprises an integrated suite of sophisticated software tools that accurately forecasts demand and inventory needs to meet customer service targets. FGS was designed for manufacturers and distributors with substantial inventory investment and a need for high customer service levels.

Demand Forecasting

• Expert model-fitting to find the best initial forecast model
• A separate Forecast Revision Process to keep the model current yet warn of possible fundamental changes in the pattern of demand
• Simulation for graphical user review (especially for exceptions)
• Selectable forecast calendars forecast each item on the most appropriate calendar—improving accuracy, reducing inventory, and often reducing workload
• Marketing intelligence to override intrinsic forecasts yet measure the impact on accuracy
• Statistical process control tools to report and review the most significant forecast errors
• Fourier Seasonal Profiles for stable, accurate seasonality
• Promotional profiles to increase or decrease forecasts for promotions or price increases

Inventory Planning

• Inventory simulation what-ifs
• Service goals drive inventory investment
• Inventory goals drive service targets
• Optimization of service and inventory
• Right lot sizing and interaction with safety stock
• Drive safety stock down to the component level to reduced lead times
• Plan at multiple levels in your supply chain
• Classify parts by ABC

Database

• Data dictionary to add or change your own fields
• Query analysis tool to understand your data
• Report writer with spreadsheet output
• Scripts/macros to automate processes
• Automated Interfaces to and from other systems
• Publish forecasts and inventory targets to your data networks

Replenishment Planning

• Replenishment orders based on time-phased material requirements plan
• Many rules for planning replenishments match your operational needs
• Action reports suggest changes to firm orders
• Plan at all levels of the bill of material
• Project weekly inventory balances over the planning horizon
• Combine orders to meet vendors' price breaks, to fill containers, or to level load production
• Plan production to net warehouse demand
• Plan supply to anticipate and black out non-producing or non-shipping dates, such as Chinese New Year, plant shutdowns, or seasonal harvests

Distribution Planning

• Time-phased planning from the satellite warehouses to the master
• Fair-shares allocation recommends warehouse transfers to keep distribution network in balance.