> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.simcel.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Overview of key demand planning features and how they support forecasting.

The **Demand Planning (DP)** feature in SIMCEL is designed to help you forecast demand accurately, shape future demand proactively, and align operations with market needs. It integrates key planning elements into one workflow — from analyzing historical data to configuring new demand streams and measuring forecast accuracy.

## Explore actual

Analyze **historical sales data** to identify trends, outliers, and performance patterns. This foundational insight enables more reliable demand forecasting and highlights areas for refinement.

## Tactical plan

Build detailed plans that align with your business strategies and operational capabilities.

### Plan initialization and continuity

Ensure a smooth handover between planning cycles by initializing plans with historical data. This process maintains consistency and reduces disruptions.

### Committed plan

Define the **finalized demand plan** — incorporating inputs from stakeholders and aligning with business objectives. This version serves as the baseline for execution.

### Forecast algorithms

Leverage **machine learning and statistical models** to predict future demand. Choose and customize algorithms based on your specific needs for optimal forecast precision.

## New demand stream

Plan for **new sources of demand** such as product launches or market expansions.

### NDS logic

Ensure each new demand stream is treated consistently with your existing plans using structured rules and logic — maintaining planning integrity.

## Analytics

Use advanced tools to analyze your demand plan across **scenarios, products, and customer segments**. Identify gaps, validate assumptions, and optimize plans with data-backed insights.

## Planning accuracy

Measure how close your forecasted demand is to actual outcomes. Monitor errors and bias over time to continuously improve forecast precision and decision-making.

## Forecast settings

Customize your forecasting approach:

* Define **forecast horizons**
* Choose **aggregation levels**
* Adapt parameters to fit planning requirements

## Set base demand

Establish a **baseline forecast** derived from historical trends and business knowledge. This base demand anchors the planning process and enables comparison with scenarios and event-based overlays.

## Trade terms

Incorporate **promotional and commercial agreements** such as discounts or incentives into your forecast. This ensures demand projections reflect real-world pricing dynamics and customer behavior.

### Trade terms — events

Plan for specific **promotional events** (for example, Flat Discounts, Bundles, Rebate Targets) that affect sales volume and financial metrics.

SIMCEL enables you to:

* Define event parameters by **market segment**
* Calculate their impact on **Net Sales Value** and **Trade Expenses**
* Evaluate campaign performance holistically