Manhattan Associates Inc. has created a method for forecasting intermittent and seasonal demand of products. The company's Unified Forecasting Method is an algorithm within its Demand Forecasting application. The tool automatically senses shifts in market demand and allows users to reduce unneeded inventory. It was developed by blending four different forecasting methods. After analyzing the algorithm with a customer in the automotive parts industry, Manhattan founded the UFM could also be used to manage seasonal demand. It allows companies to maintain appropriate inventory levels of different products in different locations, saving shelf space for those that are in demand. A proof-of-concept exercise with one customer yielded projected inventory savings of nearly $150m, according to Eddie Capel, the vendor's executive vice president of global operations.
