Data-Driven Demand Forecasting with Analytics Data Platform

At Allston Yale, our mission is to empower businesses with the ability to transform raw data into actionable insights. Through our Analytics Data Platform and advanced Data Analytics Consulting services, we help companies optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and drive profitability. In this case study, we explore how we collaborated with Nestlé, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, to revolutionize their demand forecasting through Data and Analytics Consulting solutions.

Data Analytics Challenges Inherent to Fast Moving Consumer Goods

Nestlé required a demand forecasting system capable of accurately predicting finished goods demand 78 weeks in advance. The system needed to function seamlessly across six product hierarchies while ensuring forecast roll-ups and roll-downs maintained a 99.99% accuracy rate. With such high precision required, traditional forecasting methods and manual processes were
not scalable.

Furthermore, Nestlé needed a way to integrate historical sales data with anticipated demand trends to prevent stockouts, reduce overproduction, and optimize inventory levels—all while keeping their supply chain responsive
and efficient.

To overcome these challenges, Nestlé turned to Allston Yale, a trusted Data Analytics Consultant, to design a scalable, automated forecasting solution that would streamline their operations and improve decision-making.

Accurate Forecasting with
Azure & Power BI Data Visualization

Allston Yale implemented a comprehensive data analytics solution leveraging Microsoft’s Azure Data Platform and Power BI to create a seamless, automated forecasting system.

Our Data Analytics Services addressed Nestlé’s forecasting challenges through the following key steps:

Requirements Gathering
& Wireframing with Azure

Collaborated with Nestlé stakeholders to understand their objectives
and data structures.

Designed an intuitive framework for forecasting roll-ups and roll-downs.

Collaborated with Nestlé stakeholders to understand their objectives and data structures.

Designed an intuitive framework for forecasting roll-ups and roll-downs.

Data Pipeline
Development with Azure

Built robust data pipelines using Azure Synapse and Azure Data Factory to automate data processing.

Integrated historical sales data with external market indicators for more
precise forecasting.

Built robust data pipelines using Azure Synapse and Azure Data Factory to automate data processing.

Integrated historical sales data with external market indicators for more precise forecasting.

Power BI Dashboard for
Data Visualization

Developed dynamic Power BI dashboards to visualize demand trends across the six product hierarchies.

Enabled real-time tracking of key metrics such as days until stockout, forecast accuracy, and working capital impact.

Developed dynamic Power BI dashboards to visualize demand trends across the six product hierarchies.

Enabled real-time tracking of key metrics such as days until stockout, forecast accuracy, and working
capital impact.

User Acceptance Testing
& Knowledge Transfer

Conducted extensive testing to validate the accuracy of forecasts and
system usability.

Provided hands-on training for Nestlé’s internal teams to ensure seamless adoption of the solution.

Conducted extensive testing to validate the accuracy of forecasts and system usability.

Provided hands-on training for Nestlé’s internal teams to ensure seamless adoption of the solution.

Data Analytics Platform Deployment & Continuous Optimization

Successfully deployed the forecasting solution, allowing Nestlé to generate automated, real-time demand forecasts with 99.99% precision.

Enabled continuous enhancements through iterative improvements based on new market trends and business needs.

Successfully deployed the forecasting solution, allowing Nestlé to generate automated, real-time demand forecasts with 99.99% precision.

Enabled continuous enhancements through iterative improvements based on new market trends and
business needs.

Data-Driven Supply Chain Optimization
with Analytics Data Platform

With Allston Yale’s Data and Analytics Consulting, Nestlé achieved transformational improvements in their supply chain forecasting

With Allston Yale’s Data and Analytics Consulting, Nestlé achieved transformational improvements in their supply
chain forecasting

99.99% Forecast Accuracy

Enhanced demand planning by eliminating inefficiencies in
manual forecasting.

Optimized Inventory Management

Ensured the right products were available at the right time, preventing stockouts while minimizing excess inventory.

Reduced Waste & Increased Profitability

Aligned production with actual demand and significantly reduced overproduction, cutting waste and improving bottom-line performance.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

Ensured on-shelf availability to enhance customer experience and retailer relationships while leveraging real-time forecasting to optimize supply chain strategies and drive growth.

Critical Decisions Supported by Data-Driven Insights

Nestlé’s success with Allston Yale’s Analytics Data Platform highlights the power of data-driven forecasting in optimizing global supply chains. By leveraging advanced Data Visualization and Data Analytics Services, Nestlé transformed its demand planning process into a scalable, precise, and automated system.

At Allston Yale, we specialize in helping businesses turn complex data into clear, actionable insights. Whether you're looking to enhance supply chain forecasting, automate data workflows, or unlock deeper business intelligence, our Data and Analytics Consulting solutions can help.

Schedule with Allston Yale Today!