Operations & Supply Chain

Demand Planning and Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)

Sales and operations planning aligns demand, supply and financial plans to support profitable growth. This course covers demand forecasting methods, forecast accuracy, collaborative demand planning, supply planning, the monthly S&OP cycle, integrated business planning and process implementation.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Disconnected sales, operations and finance plans cause stockouts, excess inventory and missed targets. This course helps you build an effective S&OP process.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course uses forecasting exercises, S&OP simulations, case studies and process design workshops.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Apply statistical and judgemental forecasting methods
Measure and improve forecast accuracy
Run collaborative demand reviews
Balance demand and supply plans
Design and run a monthly S&OP process
Integrate financial planning and executive decision-making

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Demand and supply planners
Supply chain managers
Sales and marketing managers
Finance business partners
Operations managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Demand forecasting
Forecast accuracy
Supply planning
S&OP process
Scenario planning
Cross-functional alignment

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Planning Foundations

09:00–09:54Role of demand planning
09:54–10:48Planning horizons
10:48–11:00S&OP overview
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12S&OP overview (continued)
12:12–13:06Planning maturity
13:06–14:00Exercise: Planning assessment

Day 2Demand Forecasting

09:00–09:54Statistical methods
09:54–10:48Market intelligence
10:48–11:00Forecast accuracy and bias
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Forecast accuracy and bias (continued)
12:12–13:06Demand sensing
13:06–14:00Lab: Forecasting exercise

Day 3Supply Planning

09:00–09:54Capacity planning
09:54–10:48Inventory policies
10:48–11:00Supplier constraints
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Supplier constraints (continued)
12:12–13:06Supply scenarios
13:06–14:00Exercise: Supply plan

Day 4The S&OP Cycle

09:00–09:54Product review
09:54–10:48Demand and supply reviews
10:48–11:00Pre-S&OP and executive meetings
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Pre-S&OP and executive meetings (continued)
12:12–13:06Decision-making
13:06–14:00Simulation: S&OP meeting

Day 5Integrated Business Planning

09:00–09:54Financial integration
09:54–10:48Scenario planning
10:48–11:00Technology tools
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Technology tools (continued)
12:12–13:06Implementation roadmap
13:06–14:00Capstone: S&OP process design

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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