Katana's Planning and Forecasting (PAF) add-on helps you maintain optimal inventory levels, reduce stockouts, and improve production planning — all by forecasting demand using real-time and historical data.
Note: The Planning and Forecasting add-on can be added to the Standard plan, and is automatically included in all other plans.
This guide walks you through best practices for using PAF effectively — from setup to strategic improvements.
Getting started with PAF
Review your current planning process
Before diving into Katana’s forecasting tools:
Audit your current methods for stock management and demand planning.
Identify where stockouts, overstocking, or delays occur.
Clarify goals — Do you want to reduce manual tracking, prevent shortages, or optimize supplier orders?
Set up your data in Katana
Ensure Katana has the complete picture by:
Adding all products and materials
→ Import via spreadsheet or integration
→ Include SKUs, lead times, and suppliersConnecting your sales channels
→ This ensures real-time sales data powers your forecastsExploring the full PAF feature set
→ Demand planning
→ Restock suggestions based on history
→ SKU-specific lead times & MOQs
→ Purchase order management
Using forecasting & replenishment tools
Choose your preferred calendar view
In the Plan screen, select:
Weekly view for short-term insights
Monthly view for broader forecasting windows
This helps spot upcoming stockouts and restock needs more easily.
Activate forecast demand
Enable forecasting:
Go to the Plan screen
Toggle Activate forecast demand
Katana will begin using sales history to predict future demand for each SKU.
You can also manually override forecasts — ideal for product launches or sales campaigns.
Plan replenishment proactively
Ensure you configure:
Lead time: How long it takes to receive/make the item
Minimum order quantity (MOQ): The smallest amount you can reorder
Set these in the Supply details tab of each item card. Katana will use these in order to make suggestions.
Manage purchase orders
Use the Buy screen to:
Create new purchase orders (POs)
Track supplier orders
Match inventory needs with suggested order dates and quantities
Keep improving your planning
Regularly review & adjust
Forecasts aren't “set and forget.”
Revisit data weekly or monthly
Adjust for seasonal trends or sales events
Fine-tune lead times and MOQs as your supply chain evolves
Use insights for strategy
Leverage your forecasting data for:
Product line expansions or reductions
Identifying demand gaps
Exploring new markets or vendors
Stay updated and evolve
Follow Katana updates and best practices
Use video tutorials, support documentation, or reach out via chat
Keep refining how you use PAF as your business grows
Final result
By following these steps, you'll:
Reduce costly inventory errors
Improve order timing
Align stock levels with real customer demand
Planning and Forecasting turns your sales data into a smart planning engine — so you always stay one step ahead.
Your feedback is invaluable. Let us know your thoughts on this article or anything in Katana you'd like to see improved: [email protected]