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W ith demand rapidly changing during the COVID-19 pandemic , beverage producers need more accurate forecasting capabilities to stay ahead of the thirsty consumer . That ’ s why HEINEKEN , an international brewer , has expanded its demand planning capabilities with Blue Yonder , a world leader in digital supply chain and omni-channel commerce fulfilment . HEINEKEN will implement Blue Yonder ’ s Machine Learning ( ML ) - powered demand planning solution to keep pace with rapidly changing consumer demand patterns .

Committed to innovation and long-term brand investment , HEINEKEN was looking for a solution that would expand its digital capabilities to allow for more accurate , integrated and automated forecasting .

Blue Yonder will provide solutions to achieve improved forecast accuracy , alwayson planning capabilities and a new user experience . The improved demand signal will feed into Blue Yonder ’ s Luminate Platform , powered by a fast optimisation engine , that will translate into even greater supply chain performance . A long-time Blue Yonder customer , HEINEKEN already utilises Blue Yonder ’ s end-to-end supply chain planning solutions in many of its operating companies to optimise and orchestrate decisions across sales , supply chain , operations and finance . Going forward in the next few years , they will deploy the new demand planning solution in five of its largest operating companies worldwide .

“ At HEINEKEN , we have embarked on an ambitious journey to become the bestconnected brewer , going from fragmented to seamless digital interaction across the whole value chain . The introduction of Machine Learning as part of building an integrated cross-functional planning capability across our business is a critical component of this journey . The solution will assist us in continued growth and meet the changing demands of our customers and consumers ,” said Marc Bekkers , Director of Global Supply Chain Planning , HEINEKEN .

Powered by Microsoft Azure , Blue Yonder ’ s demand planning solution continuously provides insights into a customer ’ s supply chain to allow for smarter , more profitable business decisions using AI and ML . The solution can ingest hundreds of internal and external influencing factors that drive demand to provide a unique demand projection with calculated business impact and risk . HEINEKEN will realise better inventory management and an improved understanding of demand drivers and consumer behaviour .

“ HEINEKEN has been a long-time Blue Yonder customer , so we are looking forward to expanding its supply chain footprint by helping it develop highly accurate forecasts with our AI- and ML-driven demand planning solution . This capability , paired with Microsoft Azure , will help HEINEKEN continue to meet consumer demand while solidifying its position as a leading global beverage producer ,” said Johan Reventberg , President , EMEA , at Blue Yonder . •

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