The process manufacturing industry is under immense pressure to respond to fast-changing market demands, supply chain volatility, and increasing complexity. Yet, many organisations are still relying on outdated tools for planning, risking costly inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
One thing is clear: AI is no longer a “nice-to-have” in forecasting — it’s a must-have.
Jack Cheesbrough, our CEO at I-Plan, recently delivered a powerful talk on this very topic. Watch the full presentation below.
Smarter Forecasting, Faster Decisions
At the heart of effective Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) is accurate forecasting. But in a world where complexity and uncertainty are the norm, traditional forecasting methods — spreadsheets and gut feel — just don’t cut it.
AI-powered forecasting, like that offered by I-Plan, uses machine learning to automatically identify patterns, analyse large datasets, and generate highly accurate demand predictions. This enables planners to:
- React quickly to changing conditions
- Explore “what if” scenarios with confidence
- Align operational decisions with real-time market insights
Our Expert Selection engine takes this even further, applying 14 forecasting methods across every SKU to select the most appropriate one based on its unique behaviour. What used to take weeks can now be done in under an hour.
Human Expertise Still Matters
We don’t believe AI replaces planners — we believe it amplifies them. AI handles the heavy lifting, while human planners provide the strategic context, creativity, and judgment that machines can’t.
This hybrid approach allows organisations to move faster, plan smarter, and stay resilient in the face of disruption.
The Time to Act Is Now
AI isn’t just the future of forecasting — it’s already here, and businesses that don’t adapt risk falling behind. Want to understand what this means for your business?
Get in touch to explore how I-Plan can help future-proof your planning processes.
Let’s make your planning faster, smarter, and more resilient — together.
