Ops CM Project

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OPSCM PROJECT SUBMISSION

Namrata Gadkari

Task 1
● Method of forecasting:
 I recommend utilizing a time series forecasting technique, with a particular
emphasis on the Exponential Smoothing method, such as the Holt-Winters
method. This would be beneficial for predicting the demand for TechHub
Electronics over the next six months, focusing on short-term projections. This
method is well-suited for making short-term forecasts, particularly when dealing
with data exhibiting both trend and seasonality. In the electronics sector, where
sales are influenced by seasonal patterns, holidays, and product release cycles,
this approach proves particularly advantageous.

● Justification for the choice of method:


 Exponential Smoothing method-
Seasonality: Based on the provided demand data, it's evident that the sales of
smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches follow a seasonal pattern, experiencing
increases during specific months, such as the holiday shopping season. The Exponential
Smoothing method is a suitable choice in this context, as it can recognize and
incorporating seasonality into the forecasts.
Data Sensitivity: Due to its differential weighting of recent and older observations, the
exponential smoothing method is well-suited to capture and respond to current shifts in
demand patterns. As mentioned earlier, the provided data is responsive to recent
changes.
Trend: The information further indicates a general upward trajectory in sales across the
three product categories compared to the previous year. In a dynamic market, the trend
component of the exponential smoothing method is essential as it allows for adaptation to
changing sales trends.
Assumption: When employing the Exponential Smoothing approach, it is crucial to
assume that the trends observed in the past will persist in the future. This implies an
expectation that the seasonality and patterns observed over the preceding 12 months will
extend into the next six months. While this assumption may not always hold in a rapidly
changing market like electronics, it provides a reasonable starting point for forecasting the
immediate future.

Task 2

● The formula used for forecasting demand: ESF : Alpha*Actualdemand+1-Alpha*forecast


demand
● The demand forecast for the next six months is shown in the table below

Month Smartphones (Forecast) Laptops (Forecast) Smartwatches (Forecast)

Jan 2044.92 1023.10 352.48

Feb 2121.44 1061.17 360.74

Mar 2175.01 1087.82 366.52

Apr 2212.51 1106.47 370.56

May 2238. 76 1119.53 373.39

Jun 2257. 13 1128. 67 375. 37

Task 3

● The formula used for calculating forecast errors: Forecasting error = (Actualdemand -
forecast demand) * 100 / actual demand
● The forecast errors for the six months is shown in the table below

Month Smartphones Laptops Smartwatches

Jan 444.92 268.10 93.48

Feb 472.44 196.17 68.74

Mar 606.01 210.82 116.52

Apr 462.51 183.47 156.56

May 318.76 119.53 173.39

Jun 217.13 28.67 179.37

Task 4
● The formula for calculating MAPE: MAPE = Σ|(Actual – Forecast)| / Σ Actual
● MAPE for all product categories for the six months:

Month Smartphones Laptops Smartwatches


Jan 27.81 35.51 36.09

Feb 28.65 22.68 23.54

Mar 38.62 24.04 46.61

Apr 26.43 19.88 73.16

May 16.60 11.95 86.70

Jun 10.64 2.61 91.52

● The formula for calculating Bias: Total Variances (Forecast- Actual)/Total Actual
● Bias for all product categories for the six months:

Month Smartphones Laptops Smartwatches

Jan 0.042 0.0486 0.0662

Feb 0.045 0.0355 0.0487


Mar 0.058 0.0382 0.0825

Apr 0.044 0.0332 0.1109

May 0.030 0.0217 0.1228

Jun 0.021 0.0052 0.1271

Task 5
● Recommendations:
Derived from the assessment of forecast errors and metrics for each product category
(Smartphones, Laptops, and Smartwatches), along with the objective of enhancing the
supply chain planning process, three specific recommendations are outlined, one tailored
for each product category.

Smartphones:
 Recommendation- Broaden the Supplier Base and Introduce Measures for Risk
Management.
 Justification- It is imperative to diversify the sources of smartphone components
and establish strong relationships with multiple suppliers due to the substantial
demand fluctuations and the likelihood of disruptions in the electronics industry's
supply chain. By adopting this approach, the risk associated with relying on a
single source will be mitigated, minimizing the potential for production delays and
shortages in the face of unexpected events such as natural disasters or
geopolitical turmoil.
 Actions to take-
o Identify the essential components utilized in smartphone manufacturing
and assess the concentration of suppliers for each.
o To mitigate the effects of regional disruptions, secure vital components
from multiple suppliers, ideally situated in diverse geographic locations.
o Develop contingency plans and strategies for risk reduction, such as
maintaining buffer stocks and exploring alternative sourcing options, to
promptly address potential supply chain interruptions.
Laptops:
 Recommendation- Adopt Advanced Inventory Management Strategies.
 Justification- To effectively manage fluctuations in demand and decrease lead
times for laptops, it is crucial to employ sophisticated inventory management
techniques. The intricate manufacturing processes associated with laptops often
result in extended lead times, posing challenges in promptly responding to abrupt
increases in demand.
 Actions to take-
o Adopt Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory management methods to reduce
holding expenses while ensuring product availability.
o Utilize demand sensing and demand shaping tools to enhance the
anticipation and influence of customer demand, enabling more proactive
inventory management.
o Fine-tune safety stock levels by taking into account variables such as
seasonality, supplier dependability, and transportation lead times.

Smartwatches:
 Recommendation- Improve Collaborative Demand Planning with Retail Partners.
 Justification- Smartwatches experience a comparatively consistent demand
throughout the year in contrast to smartphones and laptops. To improve the
efficiency of the supply chain for smartwatches, it is essential to establish improved
collaboration and communication channels with retailers, ensuring production
aligns closely with the actual demand.
 Actions to take-
o Introduce a Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) system or engage in
Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) with
major retailers to exchange demand forecasts and inventory information.
o Periodically evaluate sales data and work closely with retailers to modify
production plans based on up-to-date demand insights.
o Contemplate providing incentives to retailers for timely and precise sharing
of demand information to enhance forecast accuracy and mitigate
challenges related to excess or insufficient stocking.

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