1. Establish A Routine Weekly (or Periodic) Call. This will be the starting point for a successful relationship with the field sales manager as it establishes and formalize a channel for regular communication. Formalizing the communication linkage by establishing a regular, weekly call allows the forecast analyst and the field sales manager to develop a systematic process to monitor and enhance their communication, and ultimately the input for better forecasting. Over time, the quality and depth of discussions will improve as both parties become better versed in each other’s responsibilities and perspectives. Improvement in discussions will also raise the visibility of the analyst as a key individual that needs to be included in important customer-related communication and internal/external information.
2. Obtain Access To Customer’ Websites. Websites developed by outside customers for vendors’ access are sophisticated, and generally provide access to valuable sales and inventory data/information. The forecast analyst can have access to unbiased and critical data to perform analysis and develop a better baseline forecast. The data available on vendors’ websites often serve as the backbone for collaborative relationships. By actively monitoring announcements and other data being made available through vendor websites, the forecast analyst will be better positioned to drive discussions with the field sales manager and share pertinent.
3. Share Analysis And Results With The Field Sales Management. Most field sales managers do not have the time, expertise or resources to thoroughly analyze sales data. The sales manager will be very happy, if the forecaster analyzes the customer’s sales data and then shares the information with him or her. By analyzing the customer’s sales data, the forecaster will instill a sense of partnership and value-driven activity with the field sales manager. The sales manager will, in turn, gain a better appreciation for the forecast analyst as a valuable resource in his or her understanding and relationship with a customer. Through the analysis of important data such as POS and inventory figures, the sales manager and forecast analyst will grow in their understanding and appreciation of the inherent value of a customer.