Outputs of the process are forecast

Outputs of the process are forecasts for multiple time periods into the future. Typically, they are on a monthly basis and are projected out from six months to two years. Most software packages have theability to “roll up” or “aggregate” forecasts for individual stock-keeping units (SKUs) into forecasts for whole product families. Forecasts can also be “blown down” or “disaggregated” into smaller pieces. In a make-to-stock environment, forecasts tend to be more detailed and can get down to specific individual products. In a make-to-order environment, the forecasts tend to be for groups of products. Similarly, if the lead times to buy raw materials and manufacture a product or provide a service are long, the forecasts go farther out into the future