A gestão da demanda em cadeias de suprimentos: uma abordagem além da previsão de vendas

Abstract

Demand management emerges in knowledge fields of supply chain management and marketing. It aims at rapid and appropriate integration of the needs arising from the market towards the suppliers in order to balance the demand and strategically align it with the operational capacity throughout the supply chain. The aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual approach to implement an effective process of demand management in supply chains and provide a broader view of demand management as an integrated process and not an isolated activity or just as sales forecasting. To develop this approach, an extensive review of literature was conducted using the methodology of systematic literature review. The results indicate that the first step of the conceptual approach is the understanding of the market by analyzing the capabilities, constraints, and opportunities for internal and external environments to the enterprise. This knowledge will dictate the strategic and operational policies and practices of the organization. The process of demand management involves a multi-functional team composed of members of various levels and sectors of the organization as well as representatives of the strategic supply chain (suppliers and customers). This team will be responsible for the joint development of sales forecasts and the business plan development, implementation, and monitoring. Hence, the internal and external actors in the chain must have a supply chain orientation. A well-managed implementation of this approach can improve the level of customer service and generate substantial benefits for the company's financial results.