Inventory Demand Forecasting Using Seasonal Pattern Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory management methods are inefficient in forecasting future demand, particularly when historical demand data exhibits irregular seasonal patterns, leading to inaccurate predictions and excessive inventory buildup.
Innovation Solution
A method that classifies historical demand data into seasonal, quasi-seasonal, high variability, or non-seasonal patterns to estimate specific inventory requirements for different portions of the future demand period, using statistical analyses and filtering to establish corresponding fixed requirements for each category.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If historical demand data is modeled using Fourier series or multiple linear regression to forecast future demand, then the method can handle seasonal and causal factors, but it becomes inaccurate when demand exhibits irregular seasonal patterns that are not periodic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments historical demand data into multiple seasonal patterns (e.g., annual, semi-annual, quarterly, monthly seasonality) and applies separate Fourier series models to each pattern. This allows the system to capture both regular periodic seasonality and irregular seasonal variations by combining multiple segmented models rather than relying on a single periodic model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment mechanisms where the Fourier series models can adapt to changing demand patterns over time. The system dynamically updates seasonal parameters and can switch between different seasonal patterns based on observed demand behavior, enabling accurate forecasting even when seasonal patterns become irregular or non-periodic.
2Reliability
If inventory is stocked in anticipation of future demand based on demand forecasts, then part availability is ensured, but excess inventory accumulates when actual demand fails to meet forecasted demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where actual demand data continuously updates and refines the Fourier series demand models. The system compares forecasted demand with actual demand, identifies deviations and seasonal patterns, and adjusts future forecasts accordingly. This feedback loop enables more accurate demand prediction, reducing both stockouts and excess inventory accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes inventory parameters (such as safety stock levels, reorder points, and order quantities) based on the identified seasonal patterns and forecast accuracy. During high-seasonality periods, the system adjusts parameters to ensure availability, while during irregular or low-demand periods, it reduces parameters to prevent excess inventory, optimizing the balance between availability and inventory quantity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forecasting a future inventory demand includes receiving historical demand data associated with a part number and statistically analyzing the historical demand data associated with one or more part numbers to identify each part number as one of a seasonal part number, a quasi-seasonal part number, a high variability part number, or a non-seasonal part number. If the part number is identified as a seasonal part number, a first inventory requirement for a first predetermined portion of a future demand period is estimated. If the part number is identified as a quasi-seasonal part number, a second inventory requirement for a second predetermined portion of a future demand period is estimated, wherein the second predetermined portion of the future demand period is a multiple of the first predetermined portion. If the part number is identified as a high variability part number, a third inventory requirement for a third predetermined portion of a future demand period is estimated.


