Arineo, as the first German Microsoft partner, has successfully implemented Microsoft’s Demand Planning app in a customer project. This closed a functional gap in the planning process of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management and created an end-to-end process for modern sales planning.
A System for Intelligent Sales Planning
The solution at a glance
With the Demand Planning app, Microsoft provides a modern planning application that supports companies with sales and derived demand planning. The model-driven Power App offers standardized interfaces to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management. Historical data can be automatically imported, and completed plans can be directly transferred into the sales plan.
The special value lies in the combination of standardization and flexibility. While the planning process can be structured at its core steps, the specific implementation must always remain tailored to individual companies. Different data sources, influencing factors, planning models, and organizational requirements make rigid system specifications largely impractical in practice.
The Demand Planning app creates a suitable framework: it standardizes the workflow without limiting the content structure. Companies can build their plans based on their own data structures, custom calculation logics, and specific influencing factors – up to the integration of user-defined planning models via Azure Machine Learning.
How Demand Planning Works in Daily Operations
Overview of the Demand Planning App / Start or Summary Page
The solution in detail
01
Provide data structures and import data
At the beginning of the planning process, relevant data structures are defined, and required data is imported. This can include historical sales figures from previous periods, master data, and external influencing factors relevant to the plan.
This creates a consistent data foundation on which further planning can be based.
Import Area with Data Sources, Import Runs, or Imported Datasets
02
Transform data and bring it to the planning level
After importing, the data is transformed into a structure suitable for planning. This transformation step is critical because operational data in ERP systems is usually highly detailed.
For example, sales data typically consists of sales orders and order line items with information about customers, delivery addresses, delivery terms, scheduling plans, and other characteristics. However, this level of detail is generally not required for sales planning. Instead, the data is aggregated to a suitable level so it can be used meaningfully for forecasting and planning comparisons.
Transformation Step or Data Model with Aggregation on the Planning Level
03
Calculate plans and configure the process flow
In the next step, the actual planning takes place. In the Demand Planning app, this is done through a configurable process flow that can include various calculation steps.
These include classic mathematical operations as well as AI-supported forecasting models or functions for outlier handling. Companies can define how their planning is structured, which calculation logics to apply, and which external influencing factors to consider.
Up to this point, the process runs entirely automatically.
Configured Process Flow with Forecasting, Calculation, or Outlier Steps
04
Review, adjust, and collaboratively refine plans
In the subsequent step, the plan is reviewed and manually adjusted if needed. The app provides extensive functionality for collaboration and transparency.
These include comment functions, manual adjustments, and conditional formatting. At the same time, the graphical display of planning line trends helps make developments visible and allows direct comparisons between different trends. Simulations can also be conducted, and planning variants can be evaluated.
An additional benefit of Copilot integration is that AI processes, analyzes, and makes the data available to planning stakeholders in a usable format. This simplifies the interpretation of complex relationships and supports informed decisions.
Planning Interface with Table View, Comments, Manual Adjustments, and Conditional Formatting
Chart or Comparison View of Planning Line Trends / Simulations
Copilot or AI-Supported Analysis Within Planning
05
Export Plans and Transfer to Follow-Up Processes
Once the planning is complete, results can be exported – as a CSV file, for example. In addition, automatic transfer into sales planning is possible via standard interfaces to Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management.
This creates an end-to-end process from data transfer through planning to handover into downstream operational processes.
Configured Process Flow with Forecasting, Calculation, or Outlier Steps
Flexible Planning for Individual Requirements
Key Features at a Glance
The Demand Planning app not only provides a structured planning process but also numerous features to map individual requirements in practice.
Integration in Dynamics 365
Import and export occur via standard interfaces to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management. Historical data can be automatically loaded, and completed plans can be directly processed further.
Custom Planning Models
In addition to standard methods, user-defined models can also be integrated via Azure Machine Learning. This allows the planning to be specifically adapted to industry-specific or company-specific requirements.
Line-Level Access
Users can be granted access at the line level. This enables differentiated control of collaboration and targeted embedding of responsibility in the planning process.
Time fences and time freezes
Certain time windows can be intentionally excluded from or included in the planning. This creates additional control options and improves the quality of planning.
Phase-in-Phase-out Functionality
Product transitions can be systematically considered in planning. Especially during product line changes or new launches, this is a critical building block for realistic forecasts.
Efficient Planning, Collaborative Work
Advantages at a glance
The Demand Planning app helps companies modernize their sales planning process to be more transparent and flexible.
Structured Planning Process
From data transfer through transformation to calculation and professional review, a clear, traceable process is created.
High Individuality Despite Standardization
The process is standardized, but the specific implementation remains flexible. This is decisive because planning varies by company.
Better Decision-Making Foundations
Historical data, external influencing factors, and intelligent forecasting models are combined in one environment and made usable.
More Transparency and Collaboration
Comments, manual adjustments, visualizations, and comparison options promote collaboration and improve the traceability of decisions.
Seamless System Integration
Direct integration with Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management avoids media disruptions and efficiently supports follow-up processes.
Conclusion: Modern Sales Planning Needs Structure and Flexibility
With the Demand Planning app for Microsoft Dynamics 365, companies have a solution that balances a standardized planning process with sufficient room for individual requirements.
This is particularly critical in sales planning, as not every plan can be uniform – but the path to it can be. The combination of an integrated data foundation, flexible process logic, collaborative processing, and AI-supported assistance makes the Demand Planning app a powerful addition to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management.
Free Starter Workshop
Would you like to learn more about the Power Platform and explore how to use it for your company?
In our Envisioning Workshop, your team will learn hands-on how to digitize processes with the Power Platform using an example from your company – with a practical focus on knowledge sharing. The best part: Microsoft generally covers the workshop costs.
