Digital Planning, Forecasting and Optimization

Within a company, the capabilities of an IT-supported solution to support users in digital analysis and planning are more and more in demand.Contact us now

What is digital planning?

After the data has been prepared and visualized via dashboards and reports, it is now necessary to use the data obtained accordingly. Thus, the term Business Intelligence continues to encompass methods of corporate performance management, i.e., the support of planning and control processes in the company.

Digital planning, forecasting and optimization describes all the capabilities of an IT-supported solution in the company to support users in digital analysis and planning. Learn more about the advantages of Digital Planning here.

Typical questions that can be answered in the context of Business Intelligence with Digital Planning and forecasting:

Away from "Excel hell": How can the planning process be simplified with digital planning and still remain agile?
What are the possible applications of the extensive toolbox of digital planning?
How can Data Science methods, e.g. forecasting, improve digital planning?
What are the fields of application for mathematical optimization in planning?

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Advantages of Digital Planning, Forecasting and Optimization

Faster decision making
In uncertain times, digital planning can help companies make decisions quickly. Scenarios are considered, dependencies resolved, consequences presented. In seconds, large teams are provided with the information they need; conversely, global teams provide the company with data that is vital to its survival.
Central knowledge instead of seperate hunches
In addition to speed, traceability and trust are key factors in digital planning. The central, quality-assured data storage as well as access rights and defined process flows make information and its procurement transparent: All users access the central data storage via different paths (Web, Excel), which incidentally provides the necessary functions required for planning purposes due to its analytical character.
Data Science as valueable addition
Data Science, whether it be forecasting or decision optimization, usefully complements digital planning. Hidden correlations become visible and potential alternative actions are shown. Integrated into the planning process, these additional possibilities create comprehensive intelligence that directly benefits the business process.

How digital planning works:

The digital planning solution includes all of these tasks: Through central data storage with all dependencies and distributed access, all data is networked and mutual influences are defined. Thus, effects, e.g. from sales planning on cash flow, can be identified immediately, compared by means of the scenario function and, if necessary, planned in a targeted manner by Mathematical Optimization.

Data Science complements manual digital planning with statistical methods

Comprehensive forecasting algorithms automatically detect historical trends
AI and ML are used to identify dependencies and take them into account in planning
Statistical methods can be used separately from manual planning or as a supplement to it
Example: Consideration of seasonalities for sales planning, or correlations to advertising measures

Mathematical optimization provides decision templates and narrows down variants

The previous methods provide one (or more) planned scenarios, which have to be implemented under given circumstances, e.g. production capacities
Mathematical optimization calculates the optimal solution under the given parameters from thousands of options for action
Example: Calculation of a production plan taking into account sales planning, production capacities, costs of raw materials and distribution, markets

Application examples

From analysis and planning to forecasts and optimization: Learn about examples of use here.

The planning solution forms the nucleus of the application: "IBM Planning Analytics" (formerly "TM1").

The solution is optimized for planning applications: the central data storage does not only ensure common consistent data access across all access options, but also a powerful engine for all types of calculation: aggregation distribution (spreading), rules, etc.

For more information about IBM Planning Analytics, click here.

Forecasting or Data Science is a special discipline in Data Processing, which uses mathematical methods (statistics or Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning) to identify connections or calculate time series into the future. We use the integration of IBM Watson Studio and IBM Planning Analytics to calculate forecasts in real time from past data.

Here you can find out more about Data Science with IBM Watson Machine Learning or Watson Studio.

Whether with or without Data Science, different scenarios often have to be considered and evaluated in course of planning. Above all, framework parameters must be adhered to: production capacities, unit costs and prices, transport routes, etc. Often there are many – sometimes competing – inputs on the way to the goal, with millions of possible combinations. Mathematical Optimization uses all parameters and boundary conditions to determine the optimal combination to achieve the business relevant goals in a very short time.

Here you can find out more about Decision Optimization with IBM Decision Optimization.

Our services for digital planning, forcecasting and optimization

Depending on the scope of the requirements, a planning project usually starts with the definition of a data model and with the transfer of the relevant data from the previous system into the planning system. Calculations are then specified, evaluations created, and planning processes defined. Data science is integrated into the planning process as an expansion stage, or mathematical optimization is used to resolve conflicts, e.g. between sales and production planning.

Digital Planning

Thanks to many years of expertise not only in all technical aspects, but especially in all business aspects, we can quickly understand and implement the requirements of the business department. Thus, an already usable model is created within a few days, which is continuously improved in agile collaboration with the customers.

Forecasting

The extension of a digital planning with Data Science requires the close cooperation of both disciplines. We have the technical know-how of integration and the professional knowledge in both digital planning and Data Science to perfectly complement planning with Data Science.

Mathematical optimization

The resolution of a technical dilemma between different, partly contradictory target values and numerous boundary conditions is one of the core competencies of our consultants. In close cooperation with digital planning, a solution proposal for urgent challenges in the company is thus simultaneously created from digitized manual planning.

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Contact us now!

We would be happy to advise you in a non-binding meeting and show you the potential of demand planning, forecasting and optimization. Just leave your contact details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Marc Bastien

[email protected]

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Decision Optimization

Mathematical algorithms enable fast and efficient improvement of partially contradictory specifications. As an integral part of the IBM Data Science platform "Cloud Pak for Data" or "IBM Watson Studio", decision optimisation has been decisively expanded and embedded in the Data Science process.

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Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence (BI) is a technology-driven process for analyzing data and presenting usable information. On this basis, sound decisions can be made.

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Dashboards & Reports

The discipline of Business Intelligence provides the necessary means for accessing data. In addition, various methods have developed that help to transport information to the end user through various technologies.

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Big Data, Data Lake & Data Warehousing

For the optimal solution – with special consideration of the business requirements – we combine different functionalities.

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Data Governance

Data Governance describes all processes that aim to ensure the traceability, quality and protection of data. The need for documentation and traceability increases exponentially as more and more data from different sources is used for decision-making and as a result of the technical possibilities of integration in Data Warehouses or Data Lakes.

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Conception of individual Analytics and Big Data solutions

We determine the best approach to develop an individual solution from the professional, role-specific requirements – suitable for the respective situation!

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Operationalization of Data Science (MLOps)

Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support almost any business process based on facts. Many companies are in the phase of professional assessment of the algorithms and technical testing of the respective technologies.

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Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

For some time, Data Science has been considered the supreme discipline in the recognition of valuable information in large amounts of data. It promises to extract hidden, valuable information from data of any structure.

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Data Integration, ETL and Data Virtualization

While the term "ETL" (Extract - Transform - Load / or ELT) usually described the classic batch-driven process, today the term "Data Integration" extends to all methods of integration: whether batch, real-time, inside or outside a database, or between any systems.

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IBM Watson Studio

IBM Watson Studio is an integrated solution for implementing a data science landscape. It helps companies to structure and simplify the process from exploratory analysis to the implementation and operationalisation of the analysis processes.

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IBM SPSS Modeler

IBM SPSS Modeler is a tool that can be used to model and execute tasks, for example in the field of Data Science and Data Mining, via a graphical user interface.

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IBM Cognos Analytics 11

IBM Cognos Analytics is a central platform for the provision of dispositive information in the company. With the reporting and analysis functions of IBM Cognos, the relevant information can be prepared and used throughout the company.

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IBM Planning Analytics mit Watson

IBM Planning Analytics with Watsons enables the automation of planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis processes using IBM TM1.

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IBM Cloud Pak for Data

The Cloud Pak for Data acts as a central, modular platform for analytical use cases. It integrates functions for the physical and virtual integration of data into a central data pool - a data lake or a data warehouse, a comprehensive data catalogue and numerous possibilities for (AI) analysis up to the operational use of the same.

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IBM Db2

The IBM Db2database has been established on the market for many years as the leading data warehouse database in addition to its classic use in operations.

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IBM Cloud Pak for Application

The IBM Cloud Pak for Application provides a solid foundation for developing, deploying and modernising cloud-native applications. Since agile working is essential for a faster release cycle, ready-made DevOps processes are used, among other things.

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IBM Cloud Pak for Automation

The IBM Cloud Pak for Automation helps you automate manual steps on a uniform platform with standardised interfaces. With the Cloud Pak for Business Automation, the entire life cycle of a document or process can be mapped in the company.

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IBM Netezza Performance Server

IBM offers Database technology for specific purposes in the form of appliance solutions. In the Data Warehouse environment, the Netezza technology, later marketed under the name "IBM PureData for Analytics", is particularly well known.

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Confluence from Atlassian

Create, organize, and collaborate on tasks - all in a single place. Confluence is a workspace for teams and organizations where you can store your documentation and collaboratively develop and share knowledge. Dynamic pages give your team a place to create, capture, and collaborate around projects or idea development.

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Jira Service Management from Atlassian

Enable developers, operators, and other teams from different departments to collaborate and improve their service management responsiveness. Respond quickly to incidents, requests, and changes, and provide your customers with an optimized service experience.

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Anwendungsmöglichkeiten

Learn how you can integrate Atlassian products into your daily business to make your processes more efficient.

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IBM Watson® Knowledge Catalog/Information Governance Catalog

Today, "IGC" is a proprietary enterprise cataloging and metadata management solution that is the foundation of all an organization's efforts to comply with rules and regulations or document analytical assets.

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Incident communication management

Statuspage allows you to keep track of the status of individual system-relevant components as well as a history of past incidents. Our self-created solution also allows you to connect various monitoring tools and query them in specific cycles. The component failure automatically generates an e-mail to your ticket system.

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IBM InfoSphere Information Server

IBM Information Server is a central platform for enterprise-wide information integration. With IBM Information Server, business information can be extracted, consolidated and merged from a wide variety of sources.

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FinOps Consulting

We advise you both commercially and technically on how to gain transparency over your cloud costs and how to reduce them sustainably.

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FinOps

Gain visibility into your cloud costs and sustainably reduce them by applying best practices from FinOps.

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Enterprise Service Management

Our Enterprise Service Management Solution offers you a way to make Service Management accessible to all participants via an easy-to-use service portal. You can map your processes in this portal according to defined procedures and connect them to other systems. In addition, you relieve the process participants through automation.

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Cloud from Atlassian

Atlassian Cloud gives even small teams the ability to leverage the Atlassian product world. It allows you to flexibly adjust the number of users. Furthermore, you can choose from three paid variants of Cloud products. In this way, you always adapt your Atlassian product to your individual requirements. The multiple certified Atlassian Cloud solutions are hosted at Amazon Web Services Inc.

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Bamboo, Bitbucket, Sourcetree

Continuous Integration and a Continuous Delivery Pipeline with Bamboo, Bitbucket and Sourcetree. We can help you with our years of experience as a user as well as a solution partner of Atlassian products in many areas.

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FinOps Microsoft - Microsoft Cloud Cost Optimization

TIMETOACT offers license management and compliance consulting in the Microsoft area, as well as technical consulting (e.g. on the use of Azure Services).

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IBM Cloud Pak for Data Accelerator

For a quick start in certain use cases, specifically for certain business areas or industries, IBM offers so-called accelerators based on the "Cloud Pak for Data" solution, which serve as a template for project development and can thus significantly accelerate the implementation of these use cases. The platform itself provides all the necessary functions for all types of analytics projects, and the accelerators provide the respective content.

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IBM Cloud Pak for Data System

With the Cloud Pak for Data System (CP4DS), IBM provides the optimal hardware for the use of all Cloud Pak for Data functions industry-wide and thus continues the series of ready-configured systems ("Appliance" or "Hyperconverged System").

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Enterprise Content Management (ECM) & Archiving

With Enterprise Content Management (ECM), all data, information and documents are stored, archived and managed in a context-related manner on a single platform. ECM systems offer numerous advantages for managing the increasing number of (un)structured electronic documents and data.

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vdek introduces new Data Warehouse solution

The TIMETOACT GROUP supports the Verband der Ersatzkassen e. V. in the switch from a system environment to the latest IBM technology.

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Standardized data management creates basis for reporting

TIMETOACT implements a higher-level data model in a data warehouse for TRUMPF Photonic Components and provides the necessary data integration connection with Talend. With this standardized data management, TRUMPF will receive reports based on reliable data in the future and can also transfer the model to other departments.

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Interactive online portal identifies suitable employees

TIMETOACT digitizes several test procedures for KI.TEST to determine professional intelligence and personality.

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IT Asset Management – Reducing Costs and Risks Sustainably

We help customers to increase the transparency of IT assets in use, identify potential savings for hardware and software, and avoid compliance risks at the same time.

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IT Controlling – Determination and allocation of IT costs

We help to make IT controlling processes efficient and effective and to introduce suitable procedures for the internal allocation of IT costs.

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Standardize and optimize project management | Atlassian

With defined standard templates, you can easily optimize your project management and use BigPicture to keep track of the status of your project, dependencies between tasks, and the planning and workload of your team.

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TIMETOACT simplifies reporting in IBM Cognos

In the course of modernizing the application for Bette GmbH & Co. KG, TIMETOACT individually expanded the filter and selection options in IBM Cognos to include important customer-specific functions. The family-owned company particularly benefits from the search and grouping function.

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Talend Data Fabric

The ultimate solution for your data needs – Talend Data Fabric includes everything your (Data Integration) heart desires and serves all integration needs relating to applications, systems and data.

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Cloud Migration | Atlassian

The TIMETOACT team has been able to develop best practices as a result of a large number of migrations in recent years. These form the foundation of our standards, templates, scripts, and checklists and help you to move securely into the Cloud.

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Data Vault Modeling Approach

Data Vault is a modeling technique that is particularly suitable for agile Data Warehouses. It offers high flexibility for extensions, complete historization of data and allows parallelization of data loading processes. Data Vault supports without significantly increasing the complexity of the Data Warehouse over time.

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Talend Real-Time Big Data Platform

Talend Big Data Platform simplifies complex integrations so you can successfully use Big Data with Apache Spark, Databricks, AWS, IBM Watson, Microsoft Azure, Snowflake, Google Cloud Platform and NoSQL.

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Talend Data Integration

Talend Data Integration offers a highly scalable architecture for almost any application and any data source - with well over 900 connectors from cloud solutions like Salesforce to classic on-premises systems.

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Talend Application Integration / ESB

With Talend Application Integration, you create a service-oriented architecture and connect, broker & manage your services and APIs in real time.

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IT Sourcing & Vendor Management – Managing IT Partners

We ensure the application of best practice methods for the selection and evaluation of IT vendors and service providers and for cost-optimized supplier management.

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IBM Cloud Pak for Data – Test-Drive

By making our comprehensive demo and customer data platform available, we want to offer these customers a way to get a very quick and pragmatic impression of the technology with their data.

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Database technologies

Flexible, secure and fast database systems form the stable basis of your daily work. We manage your databases optimally.

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Mix of IASP & ILMT support for optimal license management

To minimize financial risk and personnel time, UTA resorts to proactive management of the license inventory (IASP) by TIMETOACT. In this way, not only will IBM license audits be avoided in the future, but TIMETOACT will also ensure compliance-compliant use of the ILMT as part of license management.

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Flexibility in the data evaluation of a theme park

With the support of TIMETOACT, an theme park in Germany has been using TM1 for many years in different areas of the company to carry out reporting, analysis and planning processes easily and flexibly.

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Demand Management – Clarity on IT needs

We help to determine your effective IT needs, e.g. for workstations with Microsoft Office 365. Save money by only buying what you really need.

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IBM Watson Discovery

With Watson Discovery, company data is searched using modern AI to extract information. On the one hand, the AI uses already trained methods to understand texts; on the other hand, it is constantly developed through new training on the company data, its structure and content, thus constantly improving the search results.

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Microsoft Azure Synapse Analytics

With Synapse, Microsoft has provided a platform for all aspects of analytics in the Azure Cloud. Within the platform, Synapse includes services for data integration, data storage of any size and big data analytics. Together with existing architecture templates, a solution for every analytical use case is created in a short time.

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HOCHBAHN Managed Services

A high-performance and transparent IT forms the basis for being able to react quickly to new requirements. The IT specialists of TIMETOACT GROUP take over the managed services for the entire IBM WebSphere platform of Hamburger Hochbahn AG (HOCHBAHN).

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IBM Watson Assistant

Watson Assistant identifies intention in requests that can be received via multiple channels. Watson Assistant is trained based on real-live requests and can understand the context and intent of the query based on the acting AI. Extensive search queries are routed to Watson Discovery and seamlessly embedded into the search result.

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Advice around Mendix

Develop your solutions quickly and independently in low-code with the leading technology vendor. Use the Mendix toolkit and model your applications with visual elements.

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Microsoft Azure

Azure is the cloud offering from Microsoft. Numerous services are provided in Azure, not only for analytical requirements. Particularly worth mentioning from an analytical perspective are services for data storage (relational, NoSQL and in-memory / with Microsoft or OpenSource technology), Azure Data Factory for data integration, numerous services including AI and, of course, services for BI, such as Power BI or Analysis Services.

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License and software consulting from a single source

TIMETOACT has been supporting the sports retailer for more than two years, not only for the support of the ILMT, but also for consulting on IBM Cognos - which was part of the IBM audit, among other things.

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Dresscode and eBagTag - Customized protective clothing

Bayer AG communicates with its customers in the field of Crop Science via online portals developed by TIMETOACT GROUP.

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Advice around Mendix

Develop your solutions quickly and independently in low-code with the leading technology vendor. Use the Mendix toolkit and model your applications with visual elements.

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Enterprise Architecture – Synchronising Business and IT

With pragmatic approaches and based on industry standards (TOGAF), we support clients in the introduction of an effective EAM.

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Talend migration in record time

TIMETOACT migrated the Talend Data Integration Suite, including all workflows and processes, to the internal system environment of the municipal utility (with a subscription license) within a very short period of time and will continue to provide support as a support partner in the future if required.

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