Point of Sale (POS) data is a commonly used tool for retail demand planning. However, relying solely on POS data can be problematic and lead to inaccurate demand forecasts. Let’s outline why POS data is not enough for retail demand planning and the importance of considering additional data sources.
POS Data is Limited in Scope:
POS data provides valuable information about sales, but it only reflects what has already been sold, not what will be sold in the future. It does not take into account a variety of factors that can impact demand, such as consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive activity. For example, if a new competitor enters the market and begins offering a similar product at a lower price, this will likely impact demand, but will not be reflected in POS data.
POS Data is Subject to Bias:
POS data is often subject to bias, as it is based on past sales at a specific location or time period. This can lead to an over-reliance on past sales trends, which may not be reflective of future demand. For example, if a store experiences a sudden increase in sales due to a one-time promotion, relying solely on POS data could result in an overestimation of future demand for that product.
POS Data Does Not Reflect Inventory Levels:
POS data does not provide information about inventory levels, which can significantly impact demand. For example, if a store runs out of a popular product, this will result in a decrease in demand, even if consumer interest in the product remains high. Without considering inventory levels, it can be difficult to accurately forecast demand.
Additional Data Sources are Needed:
To accurately forecast demand, it is essential to consider additional data sources beyond POS data. This includes demographic data, consumer behavior data, market trends, and competitive activity. For example, analyzing demographic data can reveal that a particular product is more popular among a specific age group, which can inform demand planning decisions. In addition, augment POS data with online consumer behavior data from Social Media, web sites, web forums, CRM systems and other sources of buying behavior can take demand forecasting accuracy to new heights.
Challenges in Integrating Additional Data Sources:
Integrating additional data sources into demand planning can be challenging, as it requires access to a variety of data sources and the ability to analyze and interpret the data. In some cases, the data may be difficult to access or not available in a format that is suitable for analysis. Additionally, it can be challenging to determine which data sources are most relevant and how to effectively incorporate them into demand planning. Evaluating new AI (Artificial Intelligence) powered demand planning software is a must in order to achieve this.
The Bottom Line
POS data is a valuable tool for retail demand planning, but relying solely on this data can lead to inaccurate demand forecasts. To accurately forecast demand, it is essential to consider additional data sources, such as demographic data, consumer behavior data, market trends, and competitive activity. Integrating these data sources into demand planning can be challenging, but it is necessary for making informed decisions and staying ahead of the competition in the retail industry.
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