The retailer generates a forecast of consumer sales, in units, that extends a year or more into the future for every item in every store, including any planned sales uplifts from promotions or other marketing initiatives.

The retailer$$s sales forecast is deducted from its current store inventory and used to calculate projected inventory levels and future shipments needed from suppliers,$$which the retailer shares with suppliers.

Based on the projections, all elements of the supply chain calculate all required labor, space, equipment, and capital resources necessary to acquire, make, transport, store, and deliver products from the final point of manufacture to the final point of sale.