The Secret to Preventing Stockouts in Business Central with AI-Driven Forecasting

Stockouts frustrate customers, disrupt production, and cost your business money. You can’t avoid every unexpected spike in demand, but you can reduce the risk significantly by forecasting more accurately—and acting on that forecast before it’s too late. That’s where AI-driven forecasting inside Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central makes a difference. But you need more than a default chart on an item card to get the most out of it. You need a tool that takes AI predictions and puts them to work.

Built on Microsoft’s Azure AI

The free Enhanced Forecasting Worksheet app from Insight Works uses Microsoft’s Azure AI to analyze your historical sales data and predict future demand. The app delivers precise, customizable inventory forecasting to prevent stockouts and optimize stock levels. Azure’s forecasting model looks at patterns across time, seasonality, and sales velocity to generate predictions tailored to your items—not just industry averages.

Because the app integrates directly with Business Central, the Enhanced Forecasting Worksheet doesn’t require additional software or exports. You stay within your ERP system while gaining advanced forecasting capabilities that help you plan confidently.

Why Stockouts Still Happen with “Forecasting Tools”

Business Central already includes a basic forecast feature—but it’s limited. You can view predicted demand on an item card, but you can’t:

• Filter the forecast by location, category, or time frame.
• Adjust the forecasting model or confidence level.
• Push the forecast into your demand plan or reorder settings.

That’s where many businesses fall short. They see the forecast but don’t act on it effectively—because the tool doesn’t let them.

Turning AI Predictions into Inventory Decisions

Enhanced Forecasting Worksheet fixes that by connecting the dots between forecast and action.

Here’s how:

• Calculate forecasts using Azure AI with custom time frames, algorithms, and history windows.
• Filter by item, location, or category, so each forecast reflects real-world usage patterns.
• Adjust confidence levels based on how critical the item is to your operations.
• Push forecasts into Demand Forecasts in Business Central with one click.
• Automatically update planning fields (Reorder Point, Safety Stock, etc.) using your own formulas.

  Enhance your inventory forecasting with precision-driven insights. Manage demand forecasts and update planning parameters effortlessly in Business Central.[/caption]

Example: Catching the Risk Before It Hits

Imagine you’re managing a high-turnover item like a popular guest chair. Sales have been climbing steadily over the last three months. Without AI, you might base your next order on average sales or guesswork.

With the Enhanced Forecasting Worksheet, you calculate a forecast based on the past 12 months, apply a model tuned for upward trends, and set a higher confidence level. The worksheet predicts a demand spike for the next 60 days. You increase your reorder point and safety stock automatically.

That one forecast could prevent a stockout, protect your sales, and keep customers happy.

Streamline your inventory planning with predictive insights. Calculate accurate forecasts, minimize stockouts, and automate demand planning directly within Business Central.[/caption]

Built-in Logic, Configurable to Fit Your Business

Enhanced Forecasting Worksheet gives you complete control over planning logic. You define formulas considering your average daily usage, lead time, and other variables. The tool uses those rules to adjust each item’s planning values.

No spreadsheet exports. No manual entry. Just automated, consistent planning logic based on your needs.

Leverage intelligent planning calculations tailored to your business. Customize reorder points, safety stock, and inventory levels to align with forecasted demand.[/caption]

Forecast More Intelligently, Plan More Confidently

You can’t stop every surprise in your supply chain—but with accurate forecasts and automated updates, you can react faster and prevent more stockouts.

Transform raw data into actionable inventory plans. Use the Enhanced Forecasting Worksheet to align forecasts with MRP/MPS for seamless operations.[/caption]

Ready to Put AI to Work?

If you already use Business Central, you can start using the free Enhanced Forecasting Worksheet today, available on Microsoft AppSource. Preventing stockouts starts with better forecasting—and better forecasting begins here.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENHANCED FORECASTING WORKSHEET