Migrates solution to Microsoft Azure, taking advantage of their Machine Learning services Boston – September 13, 2017 – ToolsGroup announces a major new release of its AI supply chain planning software, SO99+ 8.0, bolstered by a new technology integration with Microsoft. With this release, ToolsGroup migrates its software to Microsoft Azure and its machine learning […]

Finance speaks a different language than supply chain. But by monetizing Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), supply chain planners can speak the language of finance while developing S&OP into a more mature process. In its report Partner with Finance to Monetize the S&OP Conversation, Gartner says finance is not taking part in S&OP meetings at 40% of […]

ToolsGroup’s unique combination of machine learning and advanced analytics applications include social sensing, weather, and enhanced NPI forecasting SANTA CLARA, Calif. — May 16, 2017 — Based on its recent analysis of the supply chain management (SCM) for the retail and wholesale market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes ToolsGroup with the 2017 North American Frost & […]

In a previous popular blog we described the key components of a demand sensing solution, which helps improve near-term forecasts by leveraging detailed, short-term demand data. It’s a great competency for any business—to be able to grab downstream demand data, identify trends, get a heads-up on looming problems, and minimize supply chain latency. But there are some […]

New applications incorporate social sensing, weather, and enhanced new product introduction forecasting Boston – Feb 15, 2017 – As part of its broader AI strategy, ToolsGroup announced today the availability of three new machine learning applications to improve demand forecasting and supply chain planning outcomes. Through its continuous self-learning nature, machine learning is significantly improving […]

A problem with Demand Collaboration is that we humans naturally tend to overestimate our own forecasting skills and underestimate or even distrust computer generated statistical forecasts. We ignore the statistical probabilities of outcomes and assign great significance to the few facts we know, ignoring the impact of what we don’t know. For instance, if we believe a […]

When it comes to demand forecasting, machine learning can be especially helpful in complex scenarios, allowing planners to do a much better job of forecasting uncertain demand. Demand forecasting with machine learning leverages the knowledge, experience, and skills of planners and other experts in a highly efficient and effective way across a broad range of data. […]

Many consumer product companies are showing keen interest in demand sensing. A few weeks ago, we published a blog describing why most CPG companies have hit a demand forecasting ceiling. This week Manoranjith Pathekkara, managing director of ToolsGroup’s partner in India, LogicaMatrix, digs into how companies are employing demand sensing to break through that ceiling. Demand sensing is a capability and technology for improving near-future […]

Should you manage your own planning processes or outsource supply chain planning? We will describe how to choose a planning partner, but first let’s take a look at why to consider outsourcing at all. In an economy where only the fittest survive, shedding non-core business processes is one of the most time-tested ways to cut […]

Disruptive business outcomes resulted from 3-year team effort to transform processes and technology Boston – September 17, 2015 — Lennox Industries, a leading provider of climate control solutions for residential and commercial heating, cooling, filtration and refrigeration (collectively known as HVAC systems) is honored to have been chosen as a finalist for CSCMP’s Supply Chain Innovation […]

How do you get to be really good at forecasting demand and driving higher supply chain performance? The same way you get to be good at hitting a curve ball – by sensing what’s happening sooner. In baseball, you want to see a pitched baseball sooner after it leaves the pitcher’s hand (See last week’s blog). […]