Improving demand forecasting through AI integration

The customer

LAPP is a leading provider of integrated solutions and branded products in the field of cable and connection technology. The company's portfolio includes cables, industrial connectors, gland technology, and customized cable solutions, primarily targeting the machinery, industrial, and telecommunications sectors. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, LAPP has a global presence with subsidiaries and partners around the world, ensuring comprehensive service and supply to customers across various industries.

The challenge

The partnership between LAPP and Merantix Momentum was centered around LAPP’s strategic initiative to accelerate their transition toward AI-powered forecasting and process optimization. 

The primary focus was on implementing AI for demand forecasting within their integrated business planning vision. Merantix Momentum launched a proof of concept (PoC) specifically targeting the LA EMEA region and organizations using SAP systems, to assess the feasibility of AI for enhancing forecasting accuracy. This collaborative effort aimed to demonstrate the potential of AI, determine the necessary data requirements, and establish integration strategies for optimizing business planning, thereby setting the stage for successful AI implementation across LAPP’s operations.

Solution

To tackle the challenges faced by LAPP in demand forecasting and process optimization, Merantix Momentum adopted a probabilistic modeling approach. Unlike traditional models that provide a single forecast outcome, the probabilistic model developed by Merantix Momentum offers multiple potential future scenarios, each accompanied by uncertainty bounds.  

This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of possible outcomes, enabling LAPP to make more informed decisions by considering the range and likelihood of future events. This method not only enhances the accuracy of forecasts but also supports strategic planning with a robust analytical foundation.

Results & effects

The project proved that the advanced Probabilistic Demand Forecasting Model works effectively. This model helps improve decision-making by providing accurate forecasts and assessing risks, which is crucial for LAPP’s strategic planning. Merantix Momentum recommended using metrics that better matched LAPP's business goals and worked together to figure out the data and IT needs for integrating this system with SAP in a seamless way. The successful test showed the model’s potential and set the stage for further development and discussions about a comprehensive End-to-End (E2E) solution.

Overview

About the company
  • LAPP Group
  • Founded in Stuttgart, Germany
  • Cables and connection technology
  • Industry, mechanical engineering, telecommunications
Implemented services
  • Probabilistic demand forecast
  • Alignment of business metrics
  • End-to-end integration approach
  • Workshops on business requirements
  • AI/ML educational workshops
Project period
11/2023 - 01/2024
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Contact us

  • Critical and holistic evaluation of the approach
  • Development of guidance for reliable implementation
  • Free of charge and without obligation
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Contact us

  • Critical and holistic evaluation of the approach
  • Development of guidance for reliable implementation
  • Free of charge and without obligation
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
We would like to get to know you!

Start your AI journey with us now

Subscribe now to the Merantix Momentum Newsletter.

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