Huffy Bicycles relies on Predictive Demand Planning to increase Forecast Accuracy
The Challenge
Huffy’s lead-time for bicycles is 90–120 days. Due to this relatively long lead-time, Huffy places a high value on correct DC inventory stocking levels. Insufficient inventory at the time the retailer places an order results in lost revenue and unhappy customers.
The Solution
Build a platform with IBM Analytics to create a solution that was fully customized to fit Huffy’s exact business needs. The solution seamlessly integrated the final, approved forecasts directly into Huffy’s order management system.
The Benefit
Sales associates have a significant reduction in workload through forecast automation. Sales associates also have a wealth of information available that serves to validate and improve forecasts.
About Huffy Bicycles
Huffy Corporation designs and markets one of the top-selling bicycle brands in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to distributing Huffy brand bicycles, the company partners with brands such as Disney, Marvel, and Panama Jack to market co-branded products. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Huffy sources from manufacturers in Asia and imports products to U.S.-based distribution centers to supply both online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
“Given the time constraints on our entire business process, QueBIT’s implementation set the
stage to streamline and improve our forecasting accuracy.”
- Dan Carlascio, CIO/Director of Global IT
The Challenge?
Huffy Bicycles operates with a long production and supply lead time of 90–120 days, making accurate demand forecasting critical to maintaining proper distribution center inventory levels. Insufficient inventory at the time retailers place orders results in lost revenue and dissatisfied customers, while excess safety stock creates high carrying costs that reduce cash flow. Prior to QueBIT’s solution, forecasting relied heavily on manual processes, sales intuition, and customer input, leading to inconsistent results, limited visibility, and significant time demands on sales associates.
Delivering the Solution
QueBIT implemented a predictive demand planning solution built on IBM Analytics, combining IBM SPSS Modeler, IBM Cognos TM1, and IBM Cognos BI to create a fully customized forecasting platform. The solution leverages advanced predictive modeling techniques, including ensemble forecasting, to generate accurate, data-driven demand forecasts across products and distribution centers. Final, approved forecasts are seamlessly integrated into Huffy’s order management system, while intuitive dashboards and workflows enable sales teams to review, adjust, and approve forecasts in real time.
Benefits/Results
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