How Distributors Use Demand Sensing to Outperform Forecasts

Episode 28 of Wholesale & Distribution with Fexingo explores how distributors are shifting from traditional forecast-based planning to demand sensing—using real-time data like point-of-sale scans, weather patterns, and even social media trends to predict what customers will order days ahead. Lucas and Luna walk through a concrete example: a regional HVAC distributor that cut emergency stockouts by 40 percent by layering weather data onto its replenishment signals. They discuss the technology stack—mostly cloud-based demand-sensing platforms that plug into existing ERP systems—and the cultural shift required: trusting algorithms over gut instinct. The episode also touches on the limitations: demand sensing works best for high-velocity SKUs and struggles with long-tail items. By the end, listeners understand why distribution leaders are starting to call traditional annual forecasting 'the equivalent of navigating by last year's stars.' #DemandSensing #Distribution #SupplyChain #InventoryManagement #Forecasting #RealTimeData #HVAC #ERP #Business #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Wholesale #B2B #Logistics #Technology #DataDriven #InventoryOptimization Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo