Patent ID: 8103538
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for forecasting demand for an item from a distribution center and a plurality of stores associated with the distribution center using a central computer, the method comprising: identifying, using at least one processor of the central computer, a season and an item associated with the season; collecting, using the at least one processor, sales data of the item associated with the season from each store within the plurality of stores; generating, for each store, using the at least one processor, a seasonal score for the item based on information associated with the identified season; including, using the at least one processor, the item within a list of seasonal items in response to the seasonal score associated with the item being greater than a seasonal threshold; monitoring, using the at least one processor, sales data of each of the plurality of stores associated with the distribution center; generating, using the at least one processor, a sales baseline based on the sales data of each of the plurality of stores associated with the distribution center; generating, using the at least one processor, an aggregate regular sales forecast for the plurality of stores based on the sales baseline, the season, and the item associated with the season; generating, using the at least one processor, a store regular sales forecast for each store based on the aggregate regular sales forecast; determining, using the at least one processor, a status of the item associated with the season; generating, using the at least one processor, projected store sales for each store by, for each store: accounting, using the at least one processor, for parameters with effective dates; determining, using the at least one processor, for each store, in response to the promotional event during the interval of the period of time, a total available quantity of the item associated with the season by adding a number of open orders of the item associated with the season to an initial quantity of the item associated with the season that is available at the store; generating, using the at least one processor, for each store, special store orders for the interval of the period of time based on the promotional sales forecast for the promotional event and the total available quantity of the item associated with the season; generating, using the at least one processor, for each store, suggested regular store orders for the interval of the period of time based on inventory; and generating, using the at least one processor, for each store, projected store orders for the interval of the period of time, wherein each of the projected store orders for the interval of the period of time is based on the special store orders and the regular store orders; generating, using the at least one processor, an aggregate projected store order for the plurality of stores based on the projected store orders for each store; and generating, using the at least one processor, a distribution center order of the item associated with the season based on the aggregate projected store order for the plurality of stores, the distribution center order being associated with the distribution center.