Hey there, Dynamics crew! Today, we’re diving into a lesser-known feature in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management that has the potential to make your life a whole lot easier: Phase In/Out functionality for demand planning.
I’m sure we’ve all been there — your trusty, well-loved product is being retired, or a new shiny SKU is ready to make its debut. How do you handle the forecasting and demand changes gracefully, without confusing the heck out of your inventory planners and finance folks? Grab your coffee, and let’s get phasing (not the Flash kind)!
What’s Phase In/Out, and Why Do I Need It?
In a nutshell, the phase in/out functionality allows you to plan demand forecast changes for product introductions, phase-outs, and even product replacements. Think of it as a way to anticipate and adjust for natural transitions in your product lineup.
This feature is super handy for scenarios like:
Phasing out older products or versions.
Introducing shiny new product versions.
Opening a new store or warehouse.
Handling seasonal items that pop in and out.
Think of the phase in/out feature as the secret recipe to handling transitions in demand forecasting. When you’re launching that spicy BBQ brisket, you know it’ll take some time before your customers fully switch over. Maybe some die-hard rib lovers will need more convincing, while others can’t wait to try it. This functionality lets you control the pace of that transition, so you don’t end up with a mountain of leftover ribs… or worse, run out of brisket too soon.
Phase In/Out Tile: Where the Magic Happens
In Dynamics 365, you start by adding a “Phase in/out tile” to your demand forecast model. This tile enables you to gradually shift demand forecasts from one product to another. Here’s where your Phase In/Out Rule Group comes in.
This group defines:
Data columns (think: ribs demand vs. brisket demand).
Time periods to control the shift.
Scaling factors that decide how fast the change happens.
With these, you’re basically writing a recipe that tells D365 how to move customers from ribs to brisket over time.
A BBQ Example: Phasing in Spicy BBQ Brisket
Let’s break down a realistic plan for rolling out that brisket while phasing out ribs over a few months. Here’s how it might look:
January to March: You want to introduce the brisket gently. Let’s say you forecast that brisket will account for 30% of last year’s ribs demand each month, with ribs still holding strong at 70%.
April to June: The brisket is catching on! Now, you expect it to grab 60% of last year’s rib demand each month, with ribs covering the remaining 40%.
July to December: By this point, you expect brisket to be the main attraction, accounting for 90% of the forecasted demand, while ribs are phased down to just 10%.
After a Year: It’s brisket season! By now, ribs have sizzled out, and brisket takes over 100% of the forecast.
In D365, you’d set up a Phase In/Out Rule Group with specific rules for each time frame. Each rule specifies:
Which data columns to adjust (e.g., ribs forecast vs. brisket forecast).
Time frames (e.g., January-March, April-June, etc.).
Scaling factors that gradually adjust each month’s percentage.
Why Should BBQ Joints (and You) Care About Phase In/Out?
Think about the last time a menu change caught you by surprise. You don’t want customers walking in hoping for ribs only to find they’re gone without notice. Here’s why phase in/out is a BBQ lifesaver:
Keeps Inventory Balanced: By planning the demand shift, you avoid overstocking on ribs or running out of brisket during the early hype.
Helps Predict Sales Trends: You get a more accurate forecast as your BBQ fan base warms up to the new dish.
Cuts Manual Adjustments: You won’t need to tinker with forecasts every week. Set up your rules, and D365 does the rest.
Pro Tips for Successful BBQ Phasing
Want to make sure your brisket takes off without burning your inventory? Here are some tried-and-true tips:
Get a Feel for Customer Interest: Talk to your regulars! If they’re excited about the new brisket, maybe you can speed up the phase-in. If they’re hesitant, you might need to stretch out the ribs phase-out.
Balance with Seasonal BBQ Trends: Is your BBQ brisket rolling out just before grilling season? Time your phase in/out to match peak demand, but don’t leave ribs lovers hanging without warning.
Test Samples: Give customers a taste of the new brisket while keeping ribs on the menu. This can drive up brisket demand gradually without the risk of running out too soon.
BBQ Dad Joke for the Road
Why did the ribs get phased out? Because brisket had them feeling the heat!
Happy forecasting, and may your demand planning be as smooth as your sauce!
DynamicsDad
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