## Introduction

Anticipation of demand is critical for optimizing production and vital for ensuring the supply chain is managed in an efficient and timely way. Often, a manufacturing line does not make a single item, but multiple different items, one at a time. Decisions need to be made about the order of things; what will we make today? To make those decisions, we need to know what has currently been ordered. Plans should factor in the transportation and storage of raw materials and manufactured products. Looking at the data should tell us how fast we are using particular process ingredients, and analyzing data will ensure business intelligent decisions are made in production forecasting and keeping the supply chain adequately functioning to fulfill those forecasts.

## Objectives

In this module, you will:

- Identify various factors of how data analytics apply to production forecasting.
- Recognize the importance of data analytics in preventing supply chain issues.
- Analyze a dataset and identify factors that could influence production forecasting and supply chain.

## How to Succeed

To be successful in this module, make sure you:

- Review the content on current state process maps.
- Review scrap cost and downtime calculations.
- Review how to convert units of manufacturing equipment.
- Reach out to your instructor for help if you have questions.

## Additional Resources (Optional)

- Supply Chain Forecasting: The Best All in One Guide