Inventory Planning

The US Defense Logistics Agency says its headquarters planning organization is applying the five-step process described in Nicolas Vandeput’s Demand Forecasting Best Practices as part of a broader machine-learning planning transformation.

The initiative highlights downstream demand visibility, inventory-policy data and inconsistent data standards as major requirements and constraints.

AGR published a comparison of inventory-planning platforms including RELEX, Slimstock, EazyStock and Netstock. The article reflects growing demand for dedicated forecasting, replenishment and inventory-optimization capabilities beyond spreadsheets and standard ERP functionality.

A June 19 comparison reviews AGR, RELEX, Slimstock, EazyStock and Netstock across forecasting, inventory optimization, replenishment and planning automation.

INFORM argues that AI recommendations affecting supplier priorities, forecasts and inventory adjustments can create material consequences when outputs are erroneous or misunderstood.

Mees van den Brink selected Slimstock to improve forecasting and inventory processes internationally. The signal reflects continued mid-market demand for dedicated planning platforms beyond spreadsheets and basic ERP functionality.

Slimstock highlighted how Freedom of Movement uses AI-powered planning to support retail growth. The item is relevant because it connects planning technology to practical retail outcomes: stock availability, inventory productivity and replenishment decisions.

For Inventory Planning teams, the signal is that mid-market and retail companies are using AI-supported planning to improve everyday operational decisions, not only strategic forecasting. The governance focus should be planner trust, exception logic and measurable service-cost impact.

Wipak has selected RELEX to connect demand, inventory and production planning. The manufacturing group will use machine-learning forecasting and shared planning processes to improve end-to-end visibility and coordination.

FourKites has enhanced Inventory Twin to connect S&OP decisions with real operational inventory conditions. The update is designed to help teams identify gaps between planned inventory positions and execution reality across the network.

GEPP has selected RELEX to replace legacy and manual planning processes with a connected, AI-driven platform. The program aims to unify planning across the network and improve visibility, forecasting and inventory decisions.

RELEX Solutions published research on how AI is moving into core supply chain planning decisions as volatility continues. The signal is particularly relevant for retail, grocery and consumer goods organizations where forecasting, replenishment, pricing and waste reduction are directly connected.

For Retail Planning, the relevant shift is from AI as analytics support to AI as decision support for availability, margin, replenishment and inventory placement. That makes AI Governance important as decisions become more granular and frequent.

ToolsGroup integrated SO99+ with PriceAI to create an inventory-aware demand-shaping solution that connects forecasting, stock positions, pricing and promotional decisions.

SKU Science participated in Global Industrie 2025 in Lyon, presenting demand-forecasting and inventory-management capabilities and previewing product developments.

Netstock launched AI Pack to improve supply chain visibility and decision-making for small and mid-sized businesses. The announcement highlights capabilities such as Predictor Inventory Advisor and AI-supported planning guidance.

This matters because SMB and mid-market supply chain teams often need practical AI support for Inventory Planning, demand planning, replenishment and exception prioritization before they need a heavy enterprise APS. Netstock’s positioning is therefore relevant to accessible AI adoption in planning.

More details are available in the Netstock announcement.

Autone raised $17 million to expand its AI-powered retail inventory planning platform. The round included investors such as General Catalyst, Speedinvest, Y Combinator, Seedcamp, Motier and Financière Saint James.

The announcement is relevant for Retail Planning because fashion and lifestyle brands need faster decisions on buying, allocation, replenishment and stock rebalancing. Public coverage and company materials connect Autone to brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Courrèges and Benoa.

More details are available in the Startups Magazine report.