David Karp, Author at Smart Software

Consumer Packaging Leader Aluprint Selects SmartForecasts for Sales & Operations Planning

Aluprint S.A. to use demand planning solution as the centerpiece of S&OP process in Mexico operations

Belmont, Mass., September 12, 2013 – Smart Software, Inc., provider of industry-leading demand forecasting, planning, and inventory optimization solutions, today announced that Aluprint S.A. a subsidiary of Constantia based in San Luis Potosi & Monterrey, Mexico, purchased its flagship product, SmartForecasts^®. Aluprint manufactures and sells metallic paper and printed packaging materials for the consumer products industry, and has two factories, two distribution centers, and a warehouse in Mexico. The sale was made by Grupo de Outsourcing Tecnologico, S.A (GOTSA), Smart’s reseller in Mexico and Latin America.

In a quest to produce more accurate forecasts for its products, Aluprint evaluated forecasting solutions and chose SmartForecasts with its patented intermittent demand forecasting technology to be the heart of its Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process. Not only was SmartForecasts more accurate, it solved a major planning problem for the company. 65% of Aluprint’s 4,000 SKUs have hard-to-forecast intermittent demand and are only needed sporadically but have spikes in usage occurring randomly. SmartForecasts will enable Aluprint to accurately forecast intermittent demand, as well as generating accurate service level-driven inventory stocking estimates over a replenishment lead time.

GOTSA was instrumental in helping Aluprint implement SmartForecasts and integrate its forecasts and inventory stocking recommendations with SAP by developing a universal interface to the SAP system, and instituting processes for cleansing demand data.

Aluprint has three goals for SmartForecasts. First, it wants a better view of the future through its S&OP process, and more accurate forecasts is a vital component of the process. Second, the company needs a solution that can easily integrate with its SAP ERP system. And third, it must be able to collaborate with customers and suppliers to produce accurate forecasts.

“We are very pleased with the way SmartForecasts integrates with the way we work,” said Francisco Javier Carrera, S&OP manager at Aluprint. “We see the forecast as more than a number, and the accurate results we get from SmartForecasts and the seamless way it integrates with our SAP system helps us improve our ability to address and incorporate demand changes in a more effective way. Gotsa has also done a great job enabling and improving our S&OP efforts with their support.

SmartForecasts helps demand planners handle sales seasonality, promotions, new and aging products, multi-dimensional hierarchies, and intermittently demanded service parts and capital goods items. It also provides inventory managers with accurate estimates of the optimal inventory and safety stock required to meet future orders and achieve desired service levels. It integrates with Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM DB2, and virtually any ERP or supply chain planning system including solutions from SAP, Microsoft, PeopleSoft, Sage and Epicor.

About GOTSA

Grupo de Outsourcing Tecnologico S.A., based in Mexico City, specializes in providing enterprise demand forecasting, planning, and inventory optimization systems for manufacturing and distribution companies. GOTSA resells and supports SmartForecasts in México and Latin America as a standalone demand forecasting and inventory optimization solution, as well as a best-in-class solution integrated with a company’s ERP or supply chain planning system.

For more information, please contact Eduardo Mendoza, Grupo de Outsourcing Tecnologico, S.A., Mexico City (52) 55.62.72.77.44 or emendoza@gotsa.com.mx

About Smart Software, Inc.
Founded in 1981, Smart Software, Inc. is a leading provider of enterprise-wide demand forecasting, planning and inventory optimization solutions. Smart Software’s flagship product, SmartForecasts, has thousands of users worldwide, including customers at mid-market enterprises and Fortune 500 companies, such as Abbott Laboratories, Metro-North Railroad, Siemens, Disney, Nestle, Nikon, GE and The Coca-Cola Company. Smart Software is headquartered in Belmont, Massachusetts and can be found online at www.smartsoftware.wpengine.com .

SmartForecasts is a registered trademark of Smart Software, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, please contact Smart Software, Inc., Four Hill Road, Belmont, MA 02478.
Phone: 1-800-SMART-99 (800-762-7899); FAX: 1-617-489-2748; E-mail: info@smartsoftware.wpengine.com

Smart Software Wins Three Supply Chain Awards for 2013

Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Inbound Logistics Again Select Smart Software for Top 100 Lists and Executive Recognition

Belmont, Mass., July 16, 2013 – Smart Software, Inc., provider of industry-leading demand forecasting, planning and inventory optimization solutions, today announced that three supply chain industry publications have again recognized the company and its president as supply chain leaders. Smart was selected by Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Inbound Logistics for the eighth and ninth years, respectively, to be on their “Top 100” lists. In addition, Supply & Demand Chain Executive also chose Smart’s president and CEO, Nelson Hartunian, as a “Provider Pro to Know.” The competitive awards recognize Smart Software as a leader in the supply chain planning software niche, and highlight the company’s strengths in technical innovation and the ability to meet customers’ needs for forecasting and demand planning solutions.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100
Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine chose Smart Software, from more than 300 entries, for its annual “Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100” announced on May 13, and published in its June 2013 issue. The 2013 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100 are supply chain solution and service providers that are helping their customers and clients achieve supply chain excellence. They have produced measurable gains in ROI through cost-cutting and increased efficiency in forecasting and demand planning chain.

“Smart Software’s inclusion in this year’s “100” list recognizes its leadership as a solution and service provider in assisting the Supply Chain function and supply chain executives as your customers move toward supply chain excellence,” said Barry Hochfelder, editor, Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

Top 100 Logistics IT Providers
In its April 2013 issue, Inbound Logistics’ editors recognized 100 logistics IT companies that support and enable logistics excellence. Chosen from more than 300 companies, the “Top 100 Logistics IT Providers” selected demonstrate leadership by answering Inbound Logistics readers’ needs for scalability, simplicity, fast ROI and ease of implementation.

“Inbound Logistics editors have selected 100 logistics technology companies that enable logistics and supply chain excellence. Smart Software was recognized by Inbound Logistics for leading the way in 2013 and positioning enterprises for the years ahead.” said Felicia Stratton, editor of Inbound Logistics. “Smart Software excels at providing solutions that drive supply chain excellence and answer IL readers’ need for simplicity, ROI, and efficient implementation. Inbound Logistics is proud to honor Smart Software for continuing to offer our readers solutions that optimize logistics and supply chain excellence.”

Provider Pros to Know
President and CEO, Dr. Nelson Hartunian, has been chosen a “2013 Provider Pro to Know” by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine in its February/March 2013 issue. This well-respected publication’s annual listing of Provider Pros to Know recognizes a select group of individuals, and Dr. Hartunian, a pioneer in developing inventory optimization techniques for intermittent demand, was chosen from more than 400 entries submitted.

“Those working to overcome supply chain challenges and grow the global supply chain at the same time should get the recognition they deserve for their achievements,” said Barry Hochfelder, editor, Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “Now in its 13th year, the Supply & Demand Chain Executive “Pros to Know” awards recognize both ends of the supply chain. This includes honoring individuals from software firms, service providers, consultancies or academia who helped their supply chain clients or the supply chain community prepare to meet industry challenges.”

“We work diligently with our customers to achieve their demand planning goals,” said Dr. Hartunian. “Our customers have found that better demand planning, using SmartForecasts, has become a critical strategic element for improving their operations and the productivity of their supply chain. While initially many purchase SmartForecasts^® to achieve tactical goals, they quickly discover strategic benefits. More specifically, the ability to accurately forecast and estimate their inventory stocking levels improves their relationships with both customers and suppliers, especially where their inventories experience a lot of intermittent demand.”

SmartForecasts is a registered trademark of Smart Software, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, please contact Smart Software, Inc., Four Hill Road, Belmont, MA 02478.
Phone: 1-800-SMART-99 (800-762-7899); FAX: 1-617-489-2748; E-mail: info@smartsoftware.wpengine.com

Smart Software to Help New Jersey Transit Improve Inventory Planning and Service Parts Availability

Belmont, Mass., June 13, 2013 – Smart Software, Inc., provider of industry-leading demand forecasting, planning, and inventory optimization solutions, today announced that New Jersey Transit (NJT) has purchased Smart’s flagship product, SmartForecasts^®, for its rail and bus operations as part of a company-wide service improvement and inventory reduction program. NJT is the nation’s third largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit, and links major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

NJT will use SmartForecasts to forecast parts consumption and inventory stocking requirements for its 40,000 active spare and service parts, valued at more than $100 million. Much of NJT’s inventory experiences erratic, intermittent demand which is especially difficult to forecast and can lead to significant over- and under-stocking of critical parts. Early results with SmartForecasts indicate the potential for substantial savings and service level improvements, once full-scale implementation is complete.

Smart Software will implement the NJT project in two stages. The first stage will focus on using SmartForecasts to identify immediate short term benefits for key groups of parts, as well as measure the likely long term benefits for NJT. In the second stage, SmartForecasts will be integrated into the day-to-day planning environment at New Jersey Transit.

SmartForecasts offers unique, patented statistical solutions to forecast intermittent demand, a particularly challenging aspect of service parts management, as well as a complete suite of automated forecasting and planning methodologies. By automatically identifying the right method for each part, SmartForecasts can significantly reduce the amount of inventory required to meet a defined level of service.

“We have had several very strong successes helping transit systems improve their parts inventory planning and provide better service to their customers with better parts availability,” said Nelson Hartunian, CEO of Smart Software. “Organizations like New Jersey Transit are looking for ways to help them reduce their costs without negatively impacting customer service. With ridership trending up, this is ever more important. We look forward to helping NJT achieve its goals.”

About New Jersey Transit
NJ TRANSIT is New Jersey’s public transportation corporation. Its mission is to provide safe, reliable, convenient and cost-effective transit service with a skilled team of employees, dedicated to our customers’ needs and committed to excellence. Covering a service area of 5,325 square miles, NJ Transit is the nation’s third largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit, linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. The agency operates a fleet of 2,027 buses, 711 trains and 45 light rail vehicles. On 236 bus routes and 11 rail lines statewide, NJ Transit provides nearly 223 million passenger trips each year. In addition, the agency provides support and equipment to privately-owned contract bus carriers. For additional information about NJ Transit, click here.

SmartForecasts is a registered trademark of Smart Software, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, please contact Smart Software, Inc., Four Hill Road, Belmont, MA 02478.
Phone: 1-800-SMART-99 (800-762-7899); FAX: 1-617-489-2748; E-mail: info@smartsoftware.wpengine.com

Smart Software Awarded National Science Foundation Innovation Research Grant

New research to improve service and spare parts planning for the multi-billion dollar aerospace, automotive, high tech, and utilities markets

Belmont, Mass., November 28, 2012 – Smart Software, Inc., provider of industry-leading demand forecasting, planning, and inventory optimization solutions, today announced that it has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Smart Software will investigate new statistical methods to forecast intermittent demand, with the ultimate objective of helping enterprises worldwide reduce inventories by tens of billions of dollars.

The new research will build upon Smart Software’s patented solution for forecasting slow-moving or intermittent demand, developed with the support of a previous NSF grant. The current method, commercialized as part of the company’s flagship product, SmartForecasts^®, evaluates historical demand for each item and establishes the optimum level of inventory that will be required to achieve service level objectives. The new research seeks to extend demand forecasting beyond individual products and parts, identifying and interpreting interactions across clusters of items whose demands fluctuate together.

The new forecasting capabilities will benefit customers in several significant ways:

A more dynamic statistical model of parts will enable forecasts to better reflect a variety of external factors that include part usage by itself or in combination with other products, as well as the impact of macroeconomic and environmental factors.
Research results will provide planners with a dynamic model of item usage, enabling planners to develop functional maps of the interrelationships of large numbers of parts. Knowing which parts have demands that co-vary can be useful in at least two ways. First, item managers can be assigned to work with coherent clusters rather than arbitrary collections of miscellaneous parts, and second, parts can be co-located in warehouses for more efficient storage and retrieval.
Another benefit from this new approach will be improved forecasts of “aggregates” where intermittent demand is present, such as all items in a product line, or all items at a particular warehouse. Better forecasts of aggregate demand across groups of parts will also be useful for raw materials purchasing, as well as for financial planning when parts are a source of revenue.

According to Nelson Hartunian, president of Smart Software, “Any organization that builds or supports capital equipment experiences intermittent demand for some portion of its inventory. This grant is a terrific opportunity to impact one of the biggest forecasting challenges facing these organizations – accurately forecasting parts and optimizing inventories. Ultimately, the goal is to have the right part at the right place at the right time. The research we are undertaking will make this goal more achievable.”

The Small Business Innovation Research grant program from the National Science Foundation is extremely competitive. More than a thousand companies compete in a two-stage screening: one for intellectual merit, and the other for commercial potential. This Phase 1 grant is the third Smart Software has received.

About Smart Software, Inc.
Founded in 1981, Smart Software, Inc. is a leader in providing businesses with enterprise-wide demand forecasting, planning and inventory optimization solutions. Smart Software’s flagship product, SmartForecasts, has thousands of users worldwide, including customers at mid-market enterprises and Fortune 500 companies, such as Abbott Laboratories, Mitsubishi, Siemens, Disney, Nestle, GE and The Coca-Cola Company. SmartForecasts gives demand planners the tools to handle sales seasonality, promotions, new and aging products, multi-dimensional hierarchies, and intermittently demanded service parts and capital goods items. It also provides inventory managers with accurate estimates of the optimal inventory and safety stock required to meet future orders and achieve desired service levels. Smart Software is headquartered in Belmont, Massachusetts and can be found on the World Wide Web at www.smartsoftware.wpengine.com.

SmartForecasts is a registered trademark of Smart Software, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, please contact Smart Software, Inc., Four Hill Road, Belmont, MA 02478.
Phone: 1-800-SMART-99 (800-762-7899); FAX: 1-617-489-2748; E-mail: info@smartsoftware.wpengine.com

Smart Software Executive to Speak on Optimizing Military Spare Parts Inventories

Tom Willemain to lead session and tutorial at 2012 INFORMS Conference to help military logistics personnel manage $70 Billion worth of parts & supplies

Belmont, Mass., October 9, 2012 – Smart Software, Inc., provider of industry-leading demand forecasting, planning, and inventory optimization solutions, today announced that Tom Willemain, vice president for research, will have two roles at this year’s INFORMS 2012 Annual Meeting, in Phoenix, Arizona, October 14-17. Dr. Willemain, who is also a professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will present a tutorial on managing spare parts on October 16, 8:00 – 9:30 am. He will also chair a session on “Methods Supporting Military Logistics and Testing” where he will also discuss “Accurate Forecasts of Spare Part Demand,” October 17, 8:00 – 9:30 am.

Operations and support of military hardware, which includes maintaining, refurbishing and overhauling, can be 60 to 70 percent of the cost of owning a weapon system over its entire lifetime, which can be decades. Improving the management of parts involved in those operations poses a significant challenge for the U.S. military.

According to a study by Deloitte Consulting LLP, the Department of Defense spends $70 billion a year on parts and supplies. Accurately forecasting spare parts is a major problem for any parts organizations because as much as 70% of spare parts have what’s known as “intermittent demand” which is very difficult to accurately forecast. This typically results in unbalanced inventories with many items overstocked and others under-stocked.

In a book titled, Transforming U.S. Army Supply Chains: Strategies for Management Innovation, retired Army Col. Greg H. Parlier, who is now a defense logistics consultant, has proposed “mission based forecasting” software tools that will help the military to stop buying things they do not need. Dr. Willemain’s experience has helped numerous companies with similar inventory challenges do just that.

Dr. Willemain has been at the forefront of research on better ways to forecast intermittent demand. With other colleagues at Smart Software, he holds a patent that provides accurate service level forecasts and estimates of safety stock and inventory stocking level requirements. Commercialized in Smart’s flagship product, SmartForecasts^®, the patented technology has helped numerous manufacturing, distribution, and service/spare parts organizations optimize their inventories, save millions of dollars, improve cash flows, and meet corporate cost reduction objectives.

INFORMS stands for The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences. It is an international scientific society, with 10,000 members, dedicated to applying scientific methods to help improve decision-making, management, and operations. To learn more about INFORMS or its annual research conference, see www.informs.org.

SmartForecasts is a registered trademark of Smart Software, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, please contact Smart Software, Inc., Four Hill Road, Belmont, MA 02478.
Phone: 1-800-SMART-99 (800-762-7899); FAX: 1-617-489-2748; E-mail: info@smartsoftware.wpengine.com