Managing the upturn! 10th EyeOn Round Table on Forecasting and Planning for the Hi-Tech and Electronics industry

Over the last year demand in the Hi-Tech industry has been extremely volatile: at the end of 2008 companies encountered a demand fall-out of sometimes more than 40% while in the last quarter of 2009 demand seems to have recovered to more acceptable levels.  The key question in this situation is: how can forecasting and planning help to manage you supply chain or in some case to survive?

On November 12^th companies from the Hi-Tech and Electronics industry gathered at Croy Castle to share best forecasting and planning practices in turbulent times.

Presentations from NXP, Imation, DSM and open discussions between the participants gave a clear picture on:

·        How to sense and forecast demand drops or peaks?

·        What measures have proven to be successful in handling the turmoil?

·        How does the S&OP process help in managing in tumultuous times?

·        Are we in the upturn already?

·        What key tactics have to be applied in the upturn to capture the increased demand?

The network event has provided the participants with insights to enhance planning processes to be ‘crisis – proof’!

Participating companies included: Alcatel-Lucent,  Assembleon,  ASML,  Ferro, Imation, KPN Mobile, Lexmark, Nokia Siemens Networks, Navteq, Neways, NXP, Océ,  Philips Consumer Lifestyle, Philips Lighting  and VDL ETG.

The next network event is planned for June 17th 2010.