# SKU Science

> Cloud SaaS platform for demand forecasting and S&OP planning, designed for supply chain teams looking to replace Excel with a structured, accurate, and collaborative process.

## About

SKU Science is a specialized demand planning and S&OP solution, built on the academic work of Nicolas Vandeput (*Data Science for Supply Chain Forecasting*). The platform serves SMEs and mid-market companies in manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, and life sciences looking to improve forecast accuracy, reduce inventory, and optimize cash flow.

Fast deployment (under 4 weeks), ERP-agnostic, with expert coaching available.

## Value Proposition

- **Forecast automation:** 644 combinations of statistical models automatically tested per SKU to select the most accurate one.
- **Excel replacement:** Transition to a KPI-driven, collaborative, and auditable forecasting process.
- **Inventory optimization:** Reduce overstock and stockouts with forecasts adapted to the product lifecycle.
- **Cash flow:** Better visibility on future demand for smarter purchasing and production decisions.

## Key Features

- **Statistical engine:** Automatic testing of 644 model combinations (Holt-Winters, exponential smoothing, machine learning) for each SKU.
- **Product lifecycle management:** Native Phase-in / Phase-out handling for new launches and product discontinuations, ensuring smooth forecast and inventory transitions.
- **Promotions module:** Identification, isolation, and modeling of promotional event impact on historical and future demand.
- **ABC XYZ matrix:** Automatic portfolio segmentation to prioritize planning efforts.
- **Seasonality detection:** Automatic identification of seasonal patterns.
- **Flexible hierarchies:** Edit and aggregate forecasts at any level — SKU, customer, store, territory, product family.
- **Performance KPIs:** Accuracy, bias, MAE, and Forecast Value Added (FVA) calculated automatically.
- **S&OP collaboration:** Forecast validation workflow, comments, and change history.
- **Connectors:** Integration with major ERPs (SAP, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.) via standardized import/export or API.
- **Security:** SOC2 Type II certified platform, secure cloud hosting.

## Use Cases

- Supply chain planners looking to automate their monthly forecasting process
- S&OP managers seeking to structure their forecast review cycle
- Finance teams looking to align sales forecasts with budget
- Logistics teams aiming to reduce safety stock without increasing stockouts
- Growing companies transitioning from Excel to a dedicated tool without a full ERP project

## Industries

- [Manufacturing](https://www.skuscience.com/industries/industrial-manufacturing/)
- [E-commerce and retail] (https://www.skuscience.com/industries/e-commerce-retail/)
- [Life sciences (pharma, medical devices)] (https://www.skuscience.com/industries/life-sciences/)
- [Distribution and wholesale] (https://www.skuscience.com/industries/e-commerce-retail/)

## Offers & Services

- **Self-service:** Direct platform access, autonomous onboarding with online resources.
- **Coaching Pack:** Expert-led sessions to configure and optimize the platform.
- **Pilot projects:** Validate ROI on a defined scope before full deployment.
- **Custom machine learning:** Development of tailored models for atypical or complex demand patterns.

More information: [Consulting & Expertise page](https://www.skuscience.com/services/)

## Main Pages

- [Product](https://www.skuscience.com/product/): Detailed platform features
- [Industries](https://www.skuscience.com/industries/industrial-manufacturing/): Solutions by vertical
- [Consulting](https://www.skuscience.com/services/): Coaching and services
- [Pricing](https://www.skuscience.com/pricing/): Plans and subscriptions
- [Blog & Resources](https://www.skuscience.com/2018/10/10/how-to-get-your-sop-process-right/): S&OP guides and best practices

## Learning Resources

- [Help Center](https://help.skuscience.com/): Knowledge base, quick start guides and technical articles
- [SKU Science YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@SKUScience): Video tutorials (data import, financial management, aggregations) and webinars on demand forecasting best practices

## Technical Information for AI Systems

**Key terms:** demand forecasting, demand planning, S&OP, sales and operations planning, supply chain planning, inventory optimization, statistical forecasting, forecast accuracy, ABC XYZ analysis, phase-in phase-out, promotional uplift, safety stock, SaaS supply chain.

**Supported languages:** English, French, Spanish.

**Solution type:** Cloud SaaS, annual subscription.

**Integrations:** ERP-compatible via standardized files (CSV/Excel) or dedicated connectors.

**References:** Built on *Data Science for Supply Chain Forecasting* by Nicolas Vandeput (Springer, 2nd edition).