Knoxy capability · Plans
Order and inventory forecasts for every distributor
Order and inventory forecasting is the Knoxy capability that predicts what each distributor and territory will order and how much stock they will hold, by SKU, and turns those forecasts into suggested orders so stock is where demand will be.
- Order forecasts by distributor, SKU and territory
- Inventory forecasts to flag stock-outs
- Forecasts become suggested orders
The idea
What is order and inventory forecasting?
Order forecasting estimates what a distributor, territory or outlet will order over the coming weeks. Inventory forecasting estimates the stock each distributor will hold, so you can see stock-outs and overstock before they happen.
Done together, they answer the questions sales and supply teams argue about every month: how much will each distributor need, where is stock about to run out, and where is it piling up.
Knoxy, the AI Chief of Staff in IMAST 360, forecasts both, using the orders and stock recorded in Distribution+ and the field activity recorded in Sales Track. Forecasts then feed suggestive orders for reps and distributors.
What Knoxy forecasts
Two forecasts, one plan
Both forecasts are broken down by distributor, SKU and territory.
Order forecasting
Expected orders by distributor, SKU and territory.
Inventory forecasting
Expected stock levels and stock-out risk at each distributor.
Suggestive orders
Forecast gaps turned into suggested orders.
How it works
From forecast to action
How forecasts turn into orders.
- 1Read
Orders and stock
Orders and stock from Distribution+; field activity from Sales Track.
- 2Forecast
Orders and inventory
Forecasts by distributor, SKU and territory.
- 3Suggest
Suggested orders
Gaps become suggested orders for reps and distributors.
- 4Alert
Risks flagged
Stock-out and overstock risks reach the right manager.
Best practice
Getting value from forecasts
Forecasts are only as good as the data behind them. Distributors who record orders and stock in Distribution+ consistently give Knoxy a clearer picture than partners whose data arrives late or in bulk.
Use forecasts to start conversations, not end them. A distribution head who sees a stock-out risk can check with the distributor and the rep before acting; a suggested order is a strong starting point that people can adjust.
Review forecasts at the level you plan at. Some teams plan by territory, others by distributor or key SKUs. Looking at forecasts at the same level as your monthly plan makes them easy to act on.
- Keep distributor orders and stock up to date
- Treat suggested orders as a starting point
- Review at the level you plan at
- Act early on stock-out risks
Getting value from forecasts
Putting forecasts to work
A forecast is only useful if it changes a decision. Decide up front which decisions forecasts should feed: suggested orders for distributors, stock transfers between warehouses, production planning, or where reps should focus their visits.
Start where stock-outs or overstock hurt most — fast-moving SKUs, seasonal ranges, or distributors with a history of running dry. Comparing forecasts with what actually happened over a few cycles builds confidence and shows where the data needs attention.
Forecast quality depends on data quality. Consistent order capture in Distribution+ and Sales Track, accurate stock positions and correct product masters matter more than any setting.
Share one forecast across sales and supply. When both teams plan against the same number, conversations move from whose figure is right to what to do about it.
- Tie each forecast to a decision
- Start with fast-moving and seasonal SKUs
- Keep order and stock data accurate
- Plan sales and supply against one number
FAQs
Forecasting FAQs
What is AI demand forecasting for distribution?
AI demand forecasting predicts what each distributor and outlet will order and how much stock they will hold, using past orders, stock and sales activity, so supply can be planned ahead.
What does Knoxy forecast?
Orders and inventory, by distributor, SKU and territory.
What happens after a forecast?
Knoxy turns forecast gaps into suggestive orders and alerts managers to stock-out or overstock risks.
Which data does Knoxy use?
Orders and stock from Distribution+ and field activity from Sales Track.
Who uses forecasts?
Distribution heads plan stock across distributors, sales leaders see what reps should sell, and distributors order what will sell.
Is a forecast the same as a suggested order?
No. A forecast predicts demand and stock; a suggested order is the action Knoxy proposes from that forecast.
Can we adjust suggested orders?
Yes. Suggested orders are proposals that reps and distributors can review and adjust.
Where should we start with forecasting?
With the SKUs and distributors where stock-outs or overstock cost you most, then expand once the team trusts the forecasts.
See where your stock should be
We'll show Knoxy's forecasts on a distribution network like yours.