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Planning and Forecasting add-on tips

Katana's Planning and Forecasting add-on optimizes inventory and production by predicting demand and managing stock levels.

Michael De Giovanni avatar
Written by Michael De Giovanni
Updated over 3 weeks ago

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

Screenshot of the Plan screen

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 suppliers

  • Connecting your sales channels
    → This ensures real-time sales data powers your forecasts

  • Exploring 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

Screenshot highlighting the Weekly/Monthly options on the Plan screen

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

Screenshot showing the Activate forecast demand toggle on the Plan screen

Enable forecasting:

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

Screenshot highlighting the default lead time and MOQ columns on the Supply details tab

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]

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