Stay in stock with inventory planning and forecasting

At Katana, we understand the complexities of managing inventory in today’s complex environment. That’s why we’re happy to announce the launch of the Planning and Forecasting module, designed to help you accurately predict demand and maintain optimal inventory levels.

The add-on is designed to work with the many different ways companies can manage inventory. Whether you’re a manufacturer planning production schedules or a retailer wanting to optimize stock levels across multiple locations, Katana’s Planning and Forecasting module gives you the insights and advice to succeed.

Key features of the module

• Demand planning – make informed decisions about purchasing and production using real-time sales to maintain ideal inventory levels
• Demand forecasting – use historical sales data to predict future demand, reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts
• SKU-based lead times – customize your inventory planning down to the SKU so you never miss an ordering deadline
• Minimum order quantity – implement precise reorder thresholds to minimize storage costs and eliminate waste

Take the self-guided tour below to discover how Planning and Forecasting helps your company avoid stockouts while meeting customer demand.

How accurate forecasting can grow your business

Accurate inventory management and forecasting is crucial to growing your business. Katana’s Planning and Forecasting add-on gives you a forward-looking view of your inventory needs based on real-time sales data and historical insights. This module enables you to keep your stock levels optimal, allowing for timely production and restocks. Incorporating accurate forecasts into your planning ensures balanced inventory levels and streamlines your supply chain operations so you can make informed choices about product lines, market expansion, and purchasing optimization.

Getting started with Planning and Forecasting

We’ve designed the module to be intuitive. To help you get started, we’ve put together a series of resources, including detailed guides and a comprehensive product tour that walks you through every aspect of the module.

• Getting started guide
• Detailed product walkthrough

What’s coming next

We’re constantly improving our tools and building new features to meet your needs. Recent feature releases include:

• Custom fields – add detailed, specific information to products and materials
• Category filter – easily view the forecast for specific product categories
• Manual edits – adjust the forecast based on seasonality or upcoming events
• Stockout filter – quickly identify the items at risk of running out stock

Upcoming features on the roadmap include:

• Safety stock – maintain desired inventory levels to lower the risk of a stockout
• Extended planning horizon – view and plan inventory needs up to 12 months ahead

Katana’s Planning and Forecasting module isn’t just a new feature; it’s a strategic tool for aligning with your demand, cutting excess inventory costs, and improving customer experience. With this powerful information at your fingertips, your business is well-equipped to navigate and succeed in today’s highly competitive market.