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We answer frequently asked questions and explain key terms related to our AI, demand forecasting, and food production – concise and easy to understand.

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Are seasonal fluctuations and holidays taken into account in the forecasts?

Yes, seasonal fluctuations and holidays are taken into account in the forecasts

Technology & data
How does foodforecast contribute to reducing food waste?

Foodforecast uses cutting-edge technologies and data-driven approaches to effectively reduce food waste. Here are the main ways we're contributing to this important goal:

Accurate demand forecasts: By using artificial intelligence and machine learning, we can make accurate predictions about future demand for food. These forecasts are based on historical data, current trends, and external factors such as weather conditions and holidays. As a result, companies only order the quantities they actually need and avoid overstocks and thus food waste.

Optimized ordering and production processes: our solutions optimize and automate your ordering and production process. This allows you to identify bottlenecks and overstocks early on and take appropriate measures. This results in more efficient use of existing resources and reduces the amount of food that spoils or goes unused.

Automated ordering: With automated orders, we ensure that the right quantity of goods is always available. This automation minimizes human errors and ensures that orders reflect actual demand.

data analysis: Our interactive analytics platform helps you identify patterns and trends, adjust your product range, and promote products that sell well while reducing slow-moving items. This prevents the accumulation of unsold food that would otherwise have to be disposed of.

Integration of external data sources: We integrate various data sources such as weather forecasts, holidays and events into our artificial intelligence to increase the accuracy of demand forecasts. This results in even more precise planning and reduces the risk of excess inventory that must be disposed of.

Through these comprehensive approaches, we help you to reduce your food waste by up to 30%. This not only protects the environment, but also helps you to save costs and operate more sustainably.

Sustainability
How much time do employees save by using foodforecast?

The use of Foodforecast saves employees around 30 minutes per day on average. This time saving results from several aspects of the optimized workflow, which is made possible by the AI-based platform.

1. Automated ordering processes

One of the biggest benefits of Foodforecast is the automation of ordering processes. Employees in bakeries, restaurants or retailers usually have to spend a lot of time manually planning and processing orders. You need to analyze sales figures, review previous order quantities, and estimate how much of which product is needed. This process is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. Our artificial intelligence performs these tasks by intelligently analyzing sales data and predicting future demand. Employees simply have to review the AI's suggestions and, if necessary, adjust them if, for example, a bulk order comes in spontaneously that the AI could not foresee. This takes significantly less time.

2nd Avoiding overstocks and shortages

Another advantage that saves time is the reduction of excess inventory and shortages. Employees often have to make additional effort to manually check inventories and trigger short-term orders when a product becomes scarce. Foodforecast helps to avoid these situations by planning orders more precisely and in line with requirements. This eliminates manual corrections and ad hoc orders, which would normally take a lot of time.

3rd Faster decision making

By providing clear analyses and interactive reports, we help you make informed decisions faster. Instead of having to carry out extensive evaluations themselves, employees receive all relevant information at a glance. This significantly reduces the time required for analysis and decision making.

By using Foodforecast Employees not only save around 30 minutes a day, but also benefit from a significantly more efficient workflow. The automated processes, precise inventory management and fast, data-based decisions all contribute to significant time savings and higher work quality.

Added value & benefits
How does our AI help increase sales?

Our AI recognizes items that sell out too early and automatically increases the order quantity. This results in optimized inventory management. The automatic recognition of items that sell out too early and the subsequent adjustment of order quantities helps to increase sales.

1. Detecting sold out items

Our AI continuously analyzes sales, order, and food waste data in real time and identifies patterns that indicate high demand or an unexpected increase in sales of specific items. When a product sells out quickly, it signals that demand is higher than expected.

2nd Automatic adjustment of order quantity

As soon as the AI determines that an item is sold out prematurely, it automatically adjusts the order quantity. The systems are configured to take into account historical sales data, seasonal fluctuations, and current trends. This ensures that the order quantity for in-demand items is increased so as not to miss out on future sales. Constant availability of popular products helps to avoid lost sales due to empty shelves.

3rd Avoiding overorders

At the same time, AI prevents companies from building up unnecessarily large inventories. By only increasing the order quantity that meets forecasted demand, it minimizes the risk of inventory growing unnecessarily. This creates a balance between sufficient availability of goods and efficient warehousing.

4th Optimizing warehousing

AI-based systems also contribute to efficiency across the supply chain. By optimally adjusting order quantities, the risk not only of stockouts but also of overorders is reduced. As a result, storage costs are reduced and margins are improved. At the same time, customer satisfaction is increased, as the desired products are always available.

5th Quick responses to market changes

Another advantage of our AI-based inventory management solutions is the ability to react quickly. The systems quickly identify changes in buying behavior, whether as a result of seasonal effects, promotions or unexpected external influences. This means that companies can react flexibly to these changes without the need for human intervention.

Overall, this optimization of ordering and production processes results in a significant increase in turnover, as companies work more efficiently, respond more quickly to demand and manage inventories more sensibly.

Added value & benefits
Are evaluations provided regarding the added value of AI?

Yes, evaluations of the added value of AI are provided comprehensively both during the pilot phase and during long-term cooperation. Our goal is to give you transparent insight into the results and effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on your company at any time.

1. Pilot phase: Weekly meetings and analyses

During the 4 to 6-week pilot phase, we offer you the opportunity to hold weekly meetings. In these sessions, we'll discuss AI forecasts together to give you a clear understanding of how the predictions are made and what factors play a role in them. We also attach great importance to showing you the development of sales and food waste and returns in detail.
These weekly meetings are not only used to assess the added value of AI, but also to get feedback from you to make possible adjustments to meet your organization's specific needs. In this way, we can ensure that the AI-based solutions are optimally tailored to your needs and offer maximum benefits.

2nd Long-term collaboration: Power BI dashboard

With long-term cooperation, we go one step further. You get access to a Power BI interface, which is specifically set up to give you comprehensive insights into the power of AI. Power BI is a powerful analysis tool that allows you to independently evaluate and visualize data. This gives you the opportunity to track sales trends, return rates and other relevant key figures at any time.

Using the dashboard, you can analyze different time periods, look at specific categories or products in detail, and thus understand exactly how AI is affecting your business. It also enables you to identify trends and make well-founded decisions based on this data. You don't have to wait for external reports, but have access to current and historically relevant data at any time.

3rd Benefits of evaluations

By providing regular evaluations and using Power BI, we ensure you full transparency with regard to the added value of AI. You can clearly see how forecasts affect your sales figures, how food waste and returns are reduced, and which products benefit in particular from AI-based inventory optimization. This data-based basis for decision-making not only helps you to increase operational efficiency, but also to make long-term strategic decisions.

Both during the pilot phase and during long-term cooperation, we ensure that you get a full overview of the added value of AI through comprehensive evaluations. During the pilot phase, we actively guide you through weekly meetings, and with a long-term partnership, you have a Power BI dashboard available that allows you to access the relevant data at any time.

Added value & benefits
What sets you apart from competitors?

Our AI-powered solution stands out from the competition due to several decisive factors. In the bakery sector in particular, we achieved the best forecasts and results in parallel tests with other providers, which made it possible to directly measure our performance against competitors. This shows that our technology works more precisely and effectively, especially in an industry that is often characterized by many peculiarities and fluctuations.

1. Optimum forecast accuracy

A key difference from our competitors is the exceptional precision of our forecasts. We took part in tests in various bakeries where our forecasts for demand planning scored the best. The forecast accuracy of our solution is 95%. In concrete terms, this means that our AI can predict exactly how much and which products are needed at what time. This reduces overstocks and at the same time ensures that there are no bottlenecks. This accuracy leads to a significant increase in efficiency and cost reductions in companies, which has a direct positive effect on sales and profit margins.

2nd Fully automated ordering process

Another unique selling point is the ability to automate the entire ordering process with our solution. If necessary, your employees no longer have to manually intervene in the ordering process — the AI takes over the complete management of order quantities based on the calculated forecasts. This not only saves considerable time for personnel, but also eliminates human errors when planning orders. While many competitors only provide forecasts, we offer complete automation, which makes everyday work much easier.

3rd Industry-specific solutions

Our solutions were developed in close cooperation with bakeries, restaurateurs and food retailers, so that we can cover almost all industry-specific special cases. Our software was specifically tailored to the requirements of the industries. This deep specialization enables us to deliver significantly more precise and relevant solutions than competitors, which often originate in other industries.

4th Flexibility and adaptability

Because our solution was developed specifically for the needs of industries, we are able to make individual adjustments to meet the specific requirements of each company. Solutions that were originally developed for other industries often lack this flexibility.

We distinguish ourselves from our competitors through precise predictive accuracy, full automation of the ordering process and our industry-specific specialization in bakeries, restaurateurs and food retailers. Our solution was developed specifically for the requirements of these industries. Thanks to our close cooperation with industry experts and the ability to cover almost all industry-specific special cases, we offer a tailor-made, powerful and fully automated solution that clearly stands out from the competition's standard solutions.

Added value & benefits
Why should I use foodforecast?

Foodforecast offers numerous benefits for your business. Here are the top reasons why you should use our AI solutions:

Efficient sales planning: With a forecast accuracy of over 95%, our artificial intelligence makes accurate forecasts about your need for food. This helps you avoid excess inventory and minimize bottlenecks, resulting in less food waste and lower costs.

Cost savings: By optimizing your inventory and reducing overproduction, you can achieve significant cost savings. Foodforecast allows you to order only the quantities that you actually need, thus avoiding unnecessary spending.

time savings: we automate the manual and time-consuming tasks in the ordering and production process by up to 100%, so you and your team can focus on other important aspects of your business. The simple integration and intuitive user interface make using our AI solution easy and efficient.

New sales potential: By optimizing your sales planning, new sales potential is also generated, because selling out certain items too early is avoided. This allows you to increase your turnover by up to 11%.

sustainability: By using our AI solution, food waste is reduced by up to 30%. This means that your business not only becomes more sustainable, but also saves resources and costs for the disposal and production of food that has to be thrown away at the end of the day.

Improved customer satisfaction: By making accurate forecasts, you can ensure that there is always enough inventory to meet your customers' needs. This increases customer satisfaction and strengthens customer loyalty.

Adaptability: Foodforecast is flexible and can be adapted to the specific needs and requirements of your company. Regardless of whether you have a bakery with over 100 branches or a restaurant with 10 branches, we offer tailor-made solutions.

By using Foodforecast, you can not only increase your operational efficiency, but also make a positive contribution to sustainability and increase customer satisfaction.

Added value & benefits
How long does it take for the solution to pay off?

Our AI solution pays off almost immediately, as our artificial intelligence is immediately ready for use thanks to the training of historical data. This means that companies do not have to go through long training periods or extensive implementation phases to benefit from the benefits of the solution.

This is a decisive advantage of our AI solution, because the AI has already learned how sales are behaving based on historical data. The historical data is used to train AI and make precise forecasts about the demand for goods and to create analyses. In this way, users can immediately benefit from the insights gained from these analyses.

In addition, the solution makes it possible to identify trends and patterns that might have gone undetected before. This can mean that decisions can be made more quickly, which in turn leads to an immediate increase in sales.

Another aspect that contributes to immediate profitability is the user-friendly interface and intuitive usability of the solution. As a result, employees hardly need any time to become familiar with the software. Training is usually short and efficient, meaning the team is quickly up and running to take advantage of the solution.

Immediate profitability is also reflected in the ability to use resources more efficiently. Through accurate sales planning, companies can avoid excess inventory, reduce inventory costs and improve the efficiency of their supply chains.

Service & costs
How does foodforecast support work?

At foodforecast, we not only offer a world-class Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, but also comprehensive support and support to ensure that you get the most out of our platform. Our commitment to your satisfaction starts with implementation and continues throughout the life of our services.

Comprehensive implementation

The first step in our support is the seamless implementation of our solution into your existing inventory management and cash register systems. Our team of experts takes care of everything and ensures that the integration is smooth and efficient.

24/7 support and continuous assistance

A central part of our SaaS model is our 24-hour support. No matter what time of day or night, our support team is available to answer questions and resolve issues. We understand that time-critical challenges can arise in the food industry, so we're always ready to help you quickly and efficiently.

Quick response times: Our team is trained to process inquiries quickly to minimize downtime and ensure that your systems run smoothly.

One-on-one support: Customer satisfaction is our top priority. Our team of experts with over 10 years of AI experience will assist you with the introduction of foodforecast and during ongoing operations. A personal contact always takes care of your concerns.

Proactive maintenance and updates: In addition to reactive support, we also offer proactive maintenance and regular updates to our software. This includes:

  • Automatic updates: Our software is regularly updated to incorporate new features and improvements and to fix security gaps. These updates are delivered automatically without interrupting your operation.
  • System monitoring: We continuously monitor the performance of our systems to identify and fix potential issues early on before they impact your operations.

Consulting and optimization

Our commitment doesn't stop with technical support. We also offer strategic advice to help you utilize the full potential of our AI solutions. This includes:

  • Data analysis and reporting: We provide you with interactive reports from the data generated by our platform, so you can make better, more informed business decisions.
  • Process optimization: Our experts work with you to continuously improve your business processes and make them more efficient.

Long-term partnership

We see ourselves not only as a software provider, but as a long-term partner for your success. Our relationship with our customers is based on trust and continuous collaboration. We are always striving to improve our service and adapt to your changing needs.

With our comprehensive support and 24/7 support, we ensure that you receive optimal support at all times. Our goal is not only to offer you powerful AI software, but also the best service so that you can concentrate on your core business.

Service & costs
What costs does the solution save?

Our solution is designed to significantly reduce the burden on several cost-sensitive areas and to enable companies to operate sustainably economically. The cost savings cover four key areas in particular: personnel costs, food waste, logistics and warehousing. The following is an overview of how these savings actually represent themselves:

  1. personnel costs
    With the help of our AI solution, the workload is significantly reduced. Manual tasks are automated and processes are optimized, reducing the need for personnel resources in the area of order and production planning. This means that workers can be deployed elsewhere or, depending on the structure of the company, personnel costs can be saved. The use of automation and digitized processes makes it possible to work more precisely and faster, which also reduces the error rate and increases efficiency. As a result, companies benefit in the long term from optimized personnel deployment and reduced labor costs.
  2. Food Waste
    Our solution reduces food waste on multiple levels. With the help of our unique AI technology, only the amount of food actually required is procured and stored. In this way, excess stocks that would have to be disposed of later can be avoided. Through this targeted demand planning, companies save significantly on costs associated with food waste and at the same time make a positive contribution to the environment.
  3. logistics
    Efficient management and optimization of logistics processes also reduces costs. Our solution helps to coordinate order quantities and delivery intervals, thus reducing transport routes and costs. Optimized delivery processes mean fewer empty runs and better utilization of means of transport. In this way, logistics costs can be significantly reduced, which is particularly advantageous for companies with a high throughput of goods.
  4. warehousing
    Optimized warehousing also helps to reduce costs. With our precise sales forecasts, companies know exactly what is being sold and when and can adjust their inventory accordingly, reducing excess inventory and space requirements. By reducing storage space and optimising the use of storage spaces, costs can be saved not only for warehouse operation, but also for warehouse infrastructure, such as energy or maintenance. Companies can thus reduce their inventory capital and build a more efficient, cost-effective inventory structure.

In summary, our solution helps companies to maximize efficiency in these areas while significantly reducing costs in all of the above aspects. The savings not only have a positive effect in the short term, but also sustainably improve the financial stability of the company.

Technology & data
Are there any costs on the customer side for creating the interface to the ERP system?

No, as a customer, there is no cost for creating the interface to your ERP system. All costs associated with developing, adapting and implementing the interface are fully covered by us. This applies both to initial creation and to subsequent adjustments that could be necessary as part of updates or system expansions.

Why we cover the costs
The seamless exchange of data between the FoodForecast system and your existing ERP system is a central part of our solution. We are convinced that successful integration should not be hampered by additional financial burdens on the customer side. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get started and to ensure that our solution can be integrated into your existing processes quickly and without additional investment.

By covering the costs of creating the interface, we want to give you confidence that the implementation is not only technically smooth, but is also economically beneficial. This allows you to concentrate fully on optimizing your processes without having to worry about additional costs.

How does integration work?
Our experienced team takes care of the entire interface creation process — from analyzing your existing ERP infrastructure to complete implementation. We work closely with you to ensure that all relevant data is seamlessly transferred between your ERP system and the food forecast system. In doing so, we take specific requirements into account and adapt the interface individually to your needs. This tailored approach ensures that integration is both efficient and tailored.

No hidden costs
Another important point is that there are no hidden costs. The implementation of our solution is completely free of charge for you — regardless of how complex or extensive the adjustments to your ERP system may be. Even after integration, there are no additional fees for maintaining or operating the interface. All necessary work required as part of implementation or future updates is included in our service.

Long-term benefits of an integrated solution
Integrating the food forecast system into your ERP enables you to automate and optimize your ordering and production processes. Direct data exchange eliminates manual entries and potential sources of error, saving you not only time but also money. This increase in efficiency is reinforced by the free implementation and allows you to start using our solution smoothly and quickly.

Creating the interface to the ERP system is completely free of charge for you as a customer. All associated expenses, from development to implementation, are borne by us. Our goal is to offer you a carefree and economically attractive solution that integrates seamlessly into your existing processes and provides long-term efficiency gains.

Service & costs
Is the order automatically triggered by the supplier?

Whether an order is automatically triggered by the supplier depends on the type of integration between your cash register system and the inventory management system as well as the settings and processes that you use in your company.

Standard process: integration with the inventory management system

When your cash register system is fully integrated with the inventory management system, the transfer of forecast data and order suggestions based on it is usually seamless. These order suggestions are generated in the inventory management system and can be retrieved via the cash register system. Here you have the option to place orders directly via the cash register. This process is particularly beneficial for smaller branches or stores that do not have a complex ordering structure. By triggering the order directly via the cash register, the process is made efficient and administrative costs are minimized.

Automatic order triggering

In many cases, the inventory management system can be configured so that orders are automatically triggered by the supplier as soon as certain conditions are met. These conditions may be based on various factors, such as minimum order quantities, inventory levels, or specific sales forecasts. If these conditions are met, the order is forwarded directly to the supplier without manual intervention. This automation reduces administrative work and ensures that your warehouse is always optimally stocked.

Alternative: Using our ordering platform

In order to make the ordering process more flexible and independent of the cash register infrastructure, we also offer our own ordering platform. This platform allows you to trigger orders independently of checkout via an Internet-enabled device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. With this solution, you can manually review, adjust, and submit orders before they are sent to the supplier. This gives you greater control over the ordering process and can help prevent errors that could occur as a result of automatic triggers.

Automatic order activation is therefore possible, but depends heavily on the specific system configurations and processes in your company. While some companies benefit from the efficiency of automatic activation, others prefer the control provided by manual orders via our ordering platform. Ultimately, we offer you flexible solutions that can be adapted to your individual needs in order to make the ordering process as efficient and smooth as possible.

Process & connection
How do you deal with changing product ranges?

Our system is designed to react dynamically and flexibly to product range changes to ensure that your inventory data is always up to date and accurate. Thanks to the seamless interface to your inventory management system, we receive the necessary information about changes in your product range every day. This information is automatically integrated into our system, eliminating manual effort and significantly increasing efficiency.

Automated data integration

Synchronization with your inventory management system enables us to have up-to-date data about your product range at any time. As soon as an item is added, changed, or removed, this information is automatically collected and updated in our system. This ensures that only the currently available products appear. If new products are added to the range, our artificial intelligence can calculate forecasts from the first day and data point.

Benefits of automation

Time savings: By automatically updating your inventory data, you save valuable time that you can use elsewhere.

Error reduction: Manual data maintenance is prone to errors. Our automated solution minimizes the risk of errors that could occur.

Flexibility and adaptability

Our system is designed in such a way that it can respond flexibly to different requirements. Regardless of whether you have seasonal items, run special promotions or regularly introduce new products — our solution adapts to your needs. We have developed our artificial intelligence with experts from the bakery and catering industries as well as food retailers and therefore know the special features of the industries.

usability

The integration and use of our system is simple and user-friendly. After initial setup by foodforecast, the data exchange between your inventory management system and our platform automatically takes place in the background, without any additional action on your part being required. This allows you to focus on your core business while we keep your data up to date.

Support and adjustments

If you need any special requirements or adjustments, our experienced team is at your disposal. We work closely with you to ensure that our system is optimally tailored to your individual needs.

By automatically taking product range changes into account, we guarantee high data quality and timeliness, which ultimately leads to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction. In this way, you can be sure that your product range is always correctly displayed and that you can react flexibly to changes at any time.

Process & connection
What is the order quantity when an item is offered for sale?

If an item is offered for sale, this can have a significant impact on the order quantity. Demand for an item typically increases when it is offered at a discounted price, as customers often use such offers to benefit from more favorable conditions. In this context, it is crucial that information about an existing offer is passed on to the system promptly and precisely in order to enable appropriate order planning.

In your specific case, we have two different options for transmitting information about an item's offer to our system:

  1. Automatic transfer via your inventory management system (ERP system):
    If your company uses an inventory management system, the information that an item is on sale can be automatically transmitted to our system. In this case, the AI immediately recognizes the offer and adjusts the forecasts for the order quantities accordingly. The AI takes the supply period into account and expects increased demand based on historical data and algorithms. Accordingly, it increases the forecast order quantity for this period in order to avoid bottlenecks and out-of-stock situations. This automated procedure is particularly efficient as it works quickly and without manual intervention.
  2. Manual transmission of offer information:
    If it is not possible to automatically transfer the offer data, it is possible to send us this information manually — for example by e-mail or in another format. In this case, the information is entered into the system by our team so that the AI can also access it. In this scenario, too, the order quantity is increased for the supply period in order to meet the expected increased demand.

In both cases, the AI's adjustment of the order quantity forecast ensures that your inventory levels are optimally tailored to the offer phase. The order quantity is therefore usually significantly increased to cover the increased sales during the offer period. This approach minimizes the risk of supply bottlenecks and ensures that you have enough goods in stock to meet demand.

Process & connection
How do you handle special orders?

Special orders are special requests from customers that go beyond the normal order volume or have special requirements. Handling such orders requires special attention to ensure that both internal processes remain efficient and that customer requirements are met in the best possible way.

Recording of special orders

Ideally, special orders are recorded and managed separately. This means that they are not simply integrated into regular orders, but are treated as separate items. The separate entry ensures that these orders can be clearly differentiated from the usual orders. This approach minimizes the risk of errors, such as unintentional overordering, and enables precise tracking.

Adjustments to the ordering platform

Our ordering platform offers a function to store the reasons for order changes. If a special order is received or an existing order is changed as a result of a special request, this change can be provided with a corresponding reason. In this way, all deviations from the normal ordering process are documented. This documentation is crucial for traceability and transparency, particularly when it comes to analyzing past order changes or being able to respond quickly and efficiently to inquiries.

Implications for forecasting and AI-powered analytics

Our AI-based forecasting systems generally do not take special orders into account. This has the advantage that exceptional orders — so-called outliers — do not distort general forecasts. Such outliers could otherwise result in inaccurate forecasts that could have a negative impact on future orders and inventory levels. By deliberately omitting this data, predictive accuracy remains high and well-founded ordering decisions can be made.

Handling special orders requires careful planning and precise documentation. By entering orders separately and being able to store reasons for order changes in our platform, we ensure that all orders are processed efficiently and transparently. At the same time, the accuracy of our forecasting systems is ensured by deliberately excluding special orders. This allows us to both respond to special requests and maintain the efficiency and reliability of our ordering processes.

Forecasts & settings
What is the difference between forecasting sales and order items?

The difference between forecasting sales and ordered items lies in the way the data is collected and processed. In principle, we can make forecasts at both sales and order item levels, but the underlying processes and type of use differ depending on the item type. For this purpose, we offer two specific products: “AI-based order optimization” for order items and the “AI-based production plan” for sales items.

Forecast for order items (“AI-based order optimization”):
The forecasts at order item level are based on the actual sales volumes of all associated sales items. This type of forecast requires precise mapping between sales and order items to ensure that the correct quantities of ordered items are ordered. An example of this is dough pieces such as sliced rolls. These dough pieces are not only sold as simple sliced rolls, but are also processed into other products such as cheese or poppy seed rolls or even snacks. Without mapping between the sales and order items, the forecast would only take into account the sales figures of sliced rolls, which would result in an insufficient delivery volume of dough pieces.

The mapping ensures that the entire sales volume of the various articles produced from the dough pieces is included in the order forecast. This gives you an exact calculation of the required raw materials, which in turn avoids inventory bottlenecks and increases efficiency.

Sales item forecast (“AI-based production plan”):
A separate forecast is created for sales items, which is based directly on the sales data of the respective end product. This is about predicting how many units of a particular product will be sold in the future based on historical sales data, seasonal trends, and other influencing factors. This forecast is particularly important for planning production and inventory levels so that you always have enough goods available to meet demand.

The main difference is therefore that the forecast for order items takes into account the sales figures of several sales items in order to precisely determine the required order quantity, while the forecast for sales items focuses on the end products that are sold directly to the customer. Both approaches complement each other and help to ensure efficient inventory planning so that bottlenecks and overproduction are avoided.

In general
When will I receive the forecast?

This can be answered individually according to your needs, as we are flexible in providing forecasts based on your requirements. However, forecasts are usually provided up to 14 days in advance by default. The forecasts are updated daily to ensure that they are always based on the latest information and therefore offer a high level of accuracy. As a result, seasonal fluctuations, current trends or short-term changes in demand can be optimally taken into account.

Flexibility in providing forecasts
The exact provision of forecasts is adjusted to your order intervals. For example, if you order every Monday for Wednesday delivery, the corresponding forecasts are provided in such a way that they are available to you in good time. In this case, the forecast for Wednesday in the night from Sunday to Monday would be updated and provided. This gives you all the relevant information you need to prepare the order on Monday morning.

Daily updates for maximum precision
Updating forecasts on a daily basis ensures that the data is up to date. This is important because factors such as changing weather conditions can play a significant role in determining demand. The daily adjustment of forecasts enables you to react flexibly and quickly to changes and adjust your order quantities accordingly.

Customization to meet your individual requirements
In addition to the standard procedure, we offer you the option of adapting delivery intervals and the scope of forecasts individually to your business processes. For example, we can set up longer forecast periods or special intervals if this is beneficial to your company.

Overall, our service aims to provide you with forecasts exactly when you need them to ensure optimal order planning and product availability. Flexibility in deployment and regular updates to forecasts ensure that you always have access to up-to-date data and can therefore plan your orders precisely and efficiently.

Forecasts & settings
Can foodforecast data be retrieved in the cash register?

The availability of our forecast data depends heavily on the ordering system you use. Basically, we always send the forecasts to the inventory management system first, as this serves as a central control unit for orders.

Standard process: Transfer to the inventory management system

In our standard process, we import the forecast data directly into the inventory management system as order suggestions. These order suggestions are based on a variety of data, such as past sales figures, seasonal fluctuations and other relevant factors. The inventory management system further processes these suggestions and, if necessary, can send them to the cash registers, depending on how your internal system is configured. If your cash register system is integrated with the inventory management system, the forecast data and the order suggestions based on it can also be retrieved at the cash registers. This makes it possible to trigger orders directly via the cash register, which can be particularly advantageous for smaller branches or stores with less complex ordering processes.

Alternative: Using our ordering platform

In order to make the ordering process more flexible and to decouple it from the cash register infrastructure in the long term, we also offer our own ordering platform. This platform allows you to place orders directly via an internet-enabled device, regardless of checkout. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer to access this platform. The forecast data is also provided here, and you can adjust and confirm order suggestions directly.

This solution is particularly useful if you want more control over the ordering process or if your cash register system does not support direct integration with the inventory management system. In addition, using our platform can help to optimize the ordering process and minimize potential sources of error that could arise from the integration of various systems.

In summary, the availability of our forecast data at checkout depends on the configuration of your ordering system. While forecasts can reach the cash registers via the inventory management system in the standard process, we offer a flexible alternative with our own ordering platform that gives you more independence and control over the ordering process. Regardless of which solution you choose, our goal is to make the ordering process as efficient and transparent as possible for you.

Forecasts & settings
Can forecasts be provided for new items in the range?

Yes, forecasts for new items in the range can be easily provided. Our system is designed in such a way that it can react dynamically to product range changes without the need for additional manual intervention. This is done via a direct interface to your inventory management system, which provides us with up-to-date information about your product range on a daily basis. As soon as new items are added or existing products are removed, this is automatically recorded and taken into account when preparing forecasts.

Automated recognition of product range changes
The interface between our system and your inventory management system ensures that changes in the product range are seamlessly recorded. This includes both adding new items and removing products that are no longer available. The information about these product range changes is incorporated directly into our AI's calculations, so you immediately receive accurate forecasts for new products without the need for additional configurations.

How are forecasts made for new articles?
Even though historical sales data is not yet available for new items, we can generate reliable forecasts using various methods. For example, the system analyses similar products and takes into account seasonal trends, current sales developments and other relevant factors. These data-driven approaches make it possible to provide precise forecasts for new articles right from the start.

Benefits of automated product range integration
By automatically recording and taking account of product range changes, you not only save time, but can also be sure that your forecasts are always based on the latest information. This minimizes the risk of errors and ensures that forecasts are adjusted continuously and reliably.

Flexibility and efficiency in a dynamic range
Especially in industries with a frequently changing product range, such as the food trade, it is crucial to be able to react flexibly and quickly to new products. Our system is designed to manage such dynamics and to provide accurate forecasts even in the event of short-term product range changes. This allows you to remain in control at all times and make well-founded decisions, even when new items are added to the range.

The forecast for new items in the product range is no problem and is completely automated. Thanks to the interface to your inventory management system, product range changes are immediately identified and taken into account in the forecasts. Even with a small amount of historical data, we can create precise forecasts for new articles using intelligent analysis methods. As a result, you benefit from a solution that not only reacts flexibly to changes, but also remains reliable and efficient, no matter how dynamic your product range is.

Forecasts & settings
Can I change the return classification myself or do you have to adjust the settings?

Yes, you can classify returns yourself. You don't have to rely on us to make changes to the classification. Our system gives you full flexibility to adjust returns according to your individual needs and specific requirements.

Changes in the admin interface:
In the administration interface of our system, you have the option to control the classification of returns yourself. Under the menu Products/Bakery products/Returns You can adjust the classification of returns individually for each branch. This gives you the freedom to specify branch-specific items to be returned and in what quantity, depending on the sales situation or inventory requirements.

This is particularly convenient as different branches can have different sales dynamics. While a particular product is in high demand in one branch, it may run less well in another. The ability to adjust the returns classification separately for each branch ensures that you can always manage the optimal number of returns and avoid unnecessary storage costs and excess inventory.

Classification categories and flexibility:
You have the option of classifying the articles into the predefined categories SHOULD, CAN and NONE. This classification has a direct influence on the calculation of return quantities:

  • SHOULD: Items that should remain available after closing time to meet demand.
  • CAN: Items that may be available as an option but do not necessarily have to be reordered.
  • NONE: Items that should not be returned because they are best sold out before closing time.

These categories provide you with a clear structure and help you react efficiently to sales developments.

Why is that important?
An optimized returns strategy is crucial for the economic success of a bakery. Too many returns result in unnecessary costs and perishable surplus, while too few returns involve the risk of not having enough goods available. By adjusting the return classification yourself, you can control this balance as required. This gives you control over when and where returns are necessary and which items should only be returned in small quantities or not at all.

The return classification can therefore be flexibly and easily adjusted by yourself. Using the administration interface, you can change the settings at branch level in order to best adapt your returns strategy to local sales conditions.

Forecasts & settings
Can I adjust the order suggestions?

Yes, you can manually adjust the order suggestions. Our solution is designed to give you maximum flexibility. You can review the automatically generated order suggestions and, if desired, manually change them. The system is designed in such a way that it allows both experienced users and people without in-depth technical knowledge to make adjustments quickly and easily.

Experience shows: AI delivers the best results in most cases
Although you have the option to change the order suggestions, experience shows that in 9 out of 10 cases, the suggestions generated by the AI are optimal. Artificial intelligence is based on extensive data analyses and takes into account numerous factors such as historical sales figures, seasonal fluctuations, current trends and other relevant influencing factors. By using advanced algorithms and continuous learning, AI is able to make more accurate predictions.

This does not mean that manual adjustments are fundamentally superfluous. In certain exceptional cases — such as short-term special promotions, unexpected changes in the supply chain or special market knowledge — it may be useful to revise the automatically generated suggestions. Nevertheless, we have found that AI often captures the complex relationships better and faster, which in most cases results in more optimal order quantities.

How does the adjustment work?
Should you still want to make adjustments, this is very straightforward. You can view the suggested order quantities directly in the user interface and change them as you wish. The user interface provides a clear overview and easy input options so that adjustments can be implemented with just a few clicks. At the same time, the history of changes remains comprehensible, which enables a transparent analysis of the effects.

Optimum balance between automation and manual control
Our goal is to offer you the best possible balance between automation and manual control. The automated order suggestions do the heavy lifting for you and, in most cases, deliver precise and reliable results. At the same time, you remain in control at all times and can intervene when necessary to make specific adjustments.

In summary: Yes, you can adjust the order suggestions, but in most cases, it is advisable to rely on the precise calculations made by the AI, as the forecast accuracy is over 95%. In this way, you benefit from the combination of intelligent automation and individual flexibility.

Forecasts & settings
Can I “push” articles centrally?

Yes, it is possible to “push” items centrally in order to control delivery quantities in a targeted manner. This feature allows you to effectively increase the availability of items in your stores, especially during expected spikes in demand or special promotions. There are two main ways in which this can be implemented: centrally determining the delivery quantity and “pushing” through an additional manual return.

Centralized determination of delivery quantity:
The simplest and most effective way to push an item centrally is to store the desired delivery quantity directly via our central system. This has the advantage that you have control over the quantity of a specific item delivered to your stores without the respective stores having to manually intervene. Especially for high-selling items or during special promotions, it is helpful to proactively increase delivery volumes in order to avoid bottlenecks. With this central control, you can ensure that every branch is adequately supplied with the required item, based on local sales figures or your strategic goals.

Push via manual return:
Another way to push items is to control this via an additional manual return. This can be useful if you want to have additional quantities of an item available in stores without changing the standard delivery schedule. Sometimes there may be short-term changes in demand, or you want to react to specific local circumstances — in such cases, manual returns can offer a quick and flexible solution. Here, too, the adjustment is carried out centrally, so that branches do not have to make individual adjustments.

Benefits of central “pushing”:
The ability to push items centrally gives you as a company greater flexibility and control over your product availability. You can specifically increase the availability of certain items in all or selected stores. This helps to make optimal use of sales opportunities. At the same time, warehousing is optimized by avoiding excess or understocks.

Pushing items centrally provides valuable control to ensure that your stores are always supplied with the right quantities of products — without complicated manual intervention. You can do this by defining the delivery quantity or by adding a manual return.

Forecasts & settings
Is it possible to set destination returns?

Yes, it is possible to configure destination returns flexibly and precisely via our ordering and/or administration interface. This function allows you to tailor the returns strategy exactly to your needs. You can set the target return both in quantities and in percent, individually for each day of the week, every item and every branch. This gives you full control over the return quantities of your goods.

How does destination returns work?
The destination return is based on an intelligent classification of the items into three categories: SHOULD, CAN and NONE. These categories influence the calculation of return quantities, which are determined by our AI-supported system on a daily basis and at item and branch level.

  • TARGET item: These items should still be available after closing time. The AI calculates a return that ensures that these items are still in stock to ensure continuous availability.
  • KAN-Item: These items may or may not be available after closing time. Here, the system allows more flexibility, which means that a return is useful but not absolutely necessary.
  • No-items: These items should not be returned as they should be sold in full before closing time. Here, the strategy aims to sell out these items in order to keep stocks low.

Based on this logic, our AI optimally calculates the return quantities, so that in most cases no manual adjustment is necessary. However, you can manually store return quantities if required in order to respond to specific requirements or changes in demand.

Individual adjustments for greater flexibility:
The settings options for destination returns offer you maximum flexibility. You can adjust return quantities for various items and stores depending on the day of the week and other factors. For example, you can set higher return quantities for high-turnover days or reduce return quantities for weaker days to avoid unnecessary storage costs.

By combining AI-supported calculation and manual adjustment options, our system offers you an efficient solution to optimize your returns strategy and inventory levels.

Forecasts & settings
Is there a separate ordering interface?

Yes, we offer a specially developed, user-friendly ordering interface, which is provided free of charge as standard. This ordering interface was specially developed to make the process as simple and efficient as possible for our customers without relying on external systems.

Advantages of the ordering interface: Our ordering interface is intuitive to use, so that even users without previous technical knowledge can easily handle it. The clear design and clear navigation enable you to find the order suggestions per product, product group and branch at a glance.

Individual adjustments and extensions: Our goal is to provide the best possible user experience for our customers. That is why we are always open to suggestions for improvement and offer the opportunity to adapt them individually to your needs. If specific functions or interfaces are required, extensions and adjustments can be integrated. This makes it possible to tailor the interface exactly to the requirements of your company.

Security and privacy: Particular attention was also paid to safety when developing the ordering interface. Protecting your personal information and complying with applicable data protection guidelines is our top priority.

Assistance and Support: If you need assistance using the ordering interface, our customer service is always available. Our employees will help you with any questions you may have about using the ordering interface.

Forecasts & settings
Do I need any previous experience?

No, no special previous knowledge is required to use our system. The handling is deliberately simple so that you can start forecasting work quickly and easily. Our goal is to make the process as user-friendly as possible so that you can concentrate on your core business without having to familiarise yourself with complicated technical details.

Easy to use:
The user interface and functions of our system are intuitive and clearly structured. Even without in-depth IT knowledge, you can easily view, analyze and incorporate the forecast data into your ordering processes. The most important functions are designed in such a way that they can be accessed with just a few clicks, and the evaluation of forecasts is automated. This means that you don't have to deal with the manual calculation of order quantities or complex data analyses.

Backed by our 24-hour support:
Should any questions or challenges arise, a personal contact person is always available to help you. We offer comprehensive support, from initial setup to daily use of the system. If necessary, our team will also help you adapt the system to your individual requirements and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

In short, you don't need any special previous knowledge. Our system is designed to be easy for everyone to understand and access. At the same time, you can always count on our team of experts when you need help. In this way, we ensure that you can work optimally with the forecasts right from the start, without long training periods or technical hurdles.

Forecasts & settings
We're already using another company's AI. Is it possible to run both in parallel to obtain comparative values?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to run our AI in parallel with your existing solution to obtain comparative values. In such cases, we offer you the opportunity to test our forecast free of charge for a period of 4-6 weeks. During this time, you can compare our AI's predictions with the results of your existing solution and see for yourself the quality of our forecasts.

How does the parallel test run work?
As part of the trial run, we will provide you with our AI solution free of charge without any financial risk for you. During the 4-6 week pilot phase, our AI runs parallel to your existing solution. You can compare the forecasts we generate with those of the current system in real time. Our solution is flexible and can be seamlessly integrated into your existing processes without disruptions or additional complexities.

What happens after the pilot phase?
After the trial period has ended, you have the opportunity to analyze the collected data and evaluate the forecasting quality of our AI solution. In the past, we have often proven ourselves in such direct comparisons with other providers and have often been able to deliver better results. The superiority of our AI is particularly reflected in the accuracy and precision of forecasts as well as in the ability to make reliable forecasts even in complex scenarios.

Why do a comparative test?
The direct comparison gives you an objective insight into the performance of our AI solution compared to your current system. This allows you to decide based on data whether switching to our solution makes sense for you. In addition, parallel use gives you the opportunity to precisely understand the strengths and weaknesses of both systems and to find out which system is better suited to your requirements in the long term.

Our experience with comparative tests
In the past, we have already carried out numerous comparative tests and have regularly been able to impress with the high quality of our forecasts, as our forecast accuracy is 95%. Our AI is specifically designed to deliver accurate results even in dynamic and challenging environments. The test run gives you the opportunity to test this performance without obligation.

It is easy to let our AI run in parallel with your existing solution in order to obtain direct comparative values. The free trial period of 4-6 weeks gives you plenty of opportunity to check our forecasts under real conditions. After the pilot phase, you can analyze the results and, based on data, decide which solution provides the best results for your company. We're confident that our AI will make a positive difference in your case too.

Process & connection
What exactly does the pilot phase process look like?

The pilot phase process is well-structured and designed to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation of the solution. Here is a detailed overview of each step:

1. Initial contact and coordination with your inventory management system provider:
The first step is taken by us. We will contact your inventory management system provider to arrange an appointment to set up the necessary interface. This step is crucial to create the technical conditions for data integration. In doing so, we take care of communication and scheduling, so that you are relieved.

2. Joint appointment for setting up the interface:
After the initial appointment has been set with your inventory management system provider, we will arrange a joint appointment with you and the provider. This deadline is important to set up the interface correctly and to ensure that everyone involved is on the same page. Attending the appointment is optional, but we recommend it so that you can see directly how our solution works and what steps are being taken. The appointment usually takes place digitally via Microsoft Teams, which allows flexible and easy participation.

3. Access and setup:
To set up the interface, we usually need temporary access to your servers, which we obtain from your inventory management system provider. Should long-term cooperation develop, it would be useful for us to have our own server access in order to make processes efficient over the long term.

4. Data export and import:
After successfully setting up the interface, we export the historical data from the last two years. This includes sales data, returns data, delivery quantities and article master data. This data is imported into our database and serves as the basis for the AI training phase.

5. Data plausibility check:
Before we start training the AI, you must check and validate the imported data. This step is important to ensure that the data has been interpreted and processed correctly. Your feedback is crucial here to avoid errors and ensure the accuracy of forecasts.

6. Linking sales and order items:
Sales and order items are then linked. This allocation is essential for training AI and creating precise forecasts.

7. AI training and provision of forecasts:
AI training usually takes two to three days. During this time, the models are adapted and optimized based on historical data. As soon as the training is completed, the initial forecasts can be provided, which provide you with valuable insights into future developments.

The process is clearly structured and designed to ensure a smooth implementation of our solution. We will show you which optimization potential is possible in your company. Each step is coordinated closely with you, with our team coordinating and executing to make it as easy as possible for you to get started.

Process & connection
How long does the connection take?

The duration of the connection depends on several factors and can therefore vary. As a rule, the process can be divided into several phases: the pilot phase and the planning phase. In the following, we provide an overview of the individual steps and typical time frames.

  1. Coordination and pilot phase (4-6 weeks):
    In this phase, it is clarified which systems should be connected and which interfaces are necessary. This includes analysing the requirements and coordinating with all parties involved. Thorough planning is crucial to avoid subsequent delays. This is followed by the actual technical connection. Here, the necessary interfaces are developed, configured and tested. The duration depends on the complexity of the connection. The availability and capacity of technical teams on both sides also play an important role. We will show you which optimization potential is possible in your company.
  2. Planning phase (2 weeks):
    In this phase, we work together to find out how our modules create the greatest added value for you and your company. In doing so, we analyse your individual requirements and business processes. On this basis, we will put together a tailor-made package that is ideally suited to your needs. Our experts are always available to advise you and your team and also support you and your team during the subsequent rollout of foodforecast. Of course, we also support you during ongoing operations to ensure sustainable implementation.


Depending on complexity and resource availability, the connection can take between 6 and 8 weeks in total. Close cooperation and clear communication between all parties involved are important in order to make the process efficient.

If there are specific requirements or particular challenges, the time frame may be longer.

Process & connection
How can I integrate foodforecast into my existing processes?

Die Integration des foodforecast-Systems in Ihre bestehenden Abläufe ist unkompliziert und bietet zahlreiche Vorteile für die Optimierung Ihrer Prozesse. Viele Unternehmen zögern, neue Systeme einzuführen, weil sie befürchten, dass dies zu Störungen im Tagesgeschäft führt oder einen hohen Schulungsaufwand erfordert. Bei foodforecast haben wir jedoch großen Wert darauf gelegt, eine Lösung zu entwickeln, die sich nahtlos in bestehende Strukturen einfügt und gleichzeitig Ihre täglichen Abläufe vereinfacht.

Vereinfachte Kontrolle über Ihre Prozesse – auch aus der Ferne
Ein wesentliches Merkmal von unserem KI-System ist die zentrale Steuerung und Überwachung Ihrer Prozesse, auch wenn Sie nicht vor Ort sind. Egal ob Sie ein einzelnes Geschäft oder mehrere Standorte betreiben – das System ermöglicht Ihnen eine umfassende Übersicht über alle relevanten Abläufe. Diese Flexibilität erleichtert es, Entscheidungen fundiert zu treffen und schnell auf Veränderungen zu reagieren. Sie können die Einhaltung von Standards an allen Standorten überwachen und sicherstellen, dass Prozesse reibungslos ablaufen.

Effizienzsteigerung durch Digitalisierung
Ein zentraler Vorteil des foodforecast-Systems ist die Automatisierung von Prozessen, die bislang manuell erledigt wurden. Manuelle Verfahren sind nicht nur zeitaufwendig, sondern auch fehleranfällig. Mit foodforecast gehört das der Vergangenheit an. Stattdessen erhalten Sie exakte, detaillierte und automatisch erfasste Daten, die Ihnen helfen, fundierte Entscheidungen zu treffen. Die Umstellung auf ein digitales System bedeutet nicht nur eine Zeitersparnis, sondern auch eine höhere Genauigkeit und Transparenz.

Detailliertere und aufschlussreichere Informationen
Das Foodforecast-System liefert Ihnen weitreichende Einblicke in Ihre Abläufe, die weit über das hinausgehen, was mit traditionellen Methoden möglich ist. Statt bloßer Bestandsdaten erhalten Sie umfassende Analysen und Berichte, die Zusammenhänge aufzeigen und Potenziale zur Optimierung offenlegen. Diese Daten sind nicht nur präzise, sondern auch benutzerfreundlich aufbereitet, sodass Sie sofort einen Überblick erhalten und gezielt Maßnahmen ergreifen können.

Einfachheit der Implementierung
Viele Kunden stellen fest, dass die Integration von foodforecast viel unkomplizierter ist, als sie ursprünglich angenommen haben. Das System ist so konzipiert, dass es sich flexibel an Ihre vorhandenen Prozesse anpasst und nicht umgekehrt. Durch eine intuitive Benutzeroberfläche ist Ihr Team sofort in der Lage, das System effektiv zu nutzen. Wir unterstützen Sie während der gesamten Implementierung und passen das System an Ihre individuellen Anforderungen an.

Die Einbindung des foodforecast-Systems in Ihre bestehenden Prozesse ist nicht nur einfach, sondern bringt zahlreiche Vorteile mit sich. Sie gewinnen an Kontrolle, Effizienz und Datenqualität – und das mit minimalem Aufwand. Die Automatisierung Ihrer Abläufe ermöglicht es Ihnen, Prozesse schneller und präziser zu gestalten, während Sie gleichzeitig einen umfassenderen Überblick über Ihr Geschäft erhalten.

Process & connection
Do I have to give foodforecast its own server access?

No, it is not absolutely necessary to have your own server access for foodforecast. However, in many cases, it can significantly facilitate and optimize our collaboration. In this post, we'll explain the benefits of such access, as well as the alternatives and their potential restrictions.

Why having your own server access is an advantage
If you grant foodforecast direct server access, we can react faster and more efficiently to necessary changes, adjustments or updates. Such access enables us to carry out technical tasks directly and without detours. This is particularly important when time-critical adjustments are required or unforeseen problems arise.

Having our own account also reduces the effort for both sides: Instead of coordinating each update or adjustment again via a remote service such as TeamViewer, we can take action independently and immediately. This not only saves time but also minimizes the risk of misunderstandings or delays in communication.

Alternatives: Access via TeamViewer and similar solutions
If you do not want to provide your own server access, we can of course also obtain access via TeamViewer or similar tools during a meeting. In this case, you would have to grant us access again whenever you need to make a change or update. Although this process is possible, it can be cumbersome in the long run and lead to delays. Especially with regular updates or the implementation of new features, this could require increased coordination efforts.

It is therefore advisable to evaluate the frequency and extent of the interventions required before choosing this solution. In some cases, it may be sufficient to restrict access to individual meetings. In other situations, particularly with larger projects or continuous developments, direct access is far more practical.

Safety aspects
We understand that accessing your server directly is a matter of trust and security. At foodforecast, we attach great importance to protecting your data and systems. All access is carried out in accordance with strict data protection guidelines and only by authorized and qualified employees. On request, we can jointly define security measures to optimally secure access to your server.

Having your own server access is not a mandatory requirement for working with foodforecast. However, it simplifies many processes and can reduce costs in the long term. In the end, it is up to you to decide how you want access.

Process & connection
Is a special infrastructure necessary to operate the AI?

No special infrastructure is required on your part to operate foodforecast's AI. The reason is that the AI runs entirely on our own servers. These servers are located in Frankfurt am Main, where we use the powerful Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure. This means that most of the computing power needed to make accurate forecasts is in our environment, relieving you of additional hardware or software requirements.

Here is how the process works in detail:
Your data is exported to our servers in a secure and standardized process. In doing so, we pay attention to high security standards and data protection guidelines to ensure the protection of your data at all times. As soon as we have received the data, our AI will calculate the required forecasts based on this information. This step is done entirely within our environment, so that no additional IT resources are required on your part.

Benefits of this architecture:
This cloud-based solution saves you investments in expensive hardware or IT infrastructure. Plus, you don't need to provide specialized servers or other technical resources to run the AI. This enables quick and easy implementation, as only minor adjustments are required on your part.

Another advantage is scalability: Since computing power is provided via our servers, foodforecast can easily perform large amounts of data and complex calculations without burdening your own IT infrastructure. You thus benefit from a flexible, powerful solution without having to worry about the technical details.

You do not need any special infrastructure on your side to operate foodforecast. Our AI runs on state-of-the-art servers in Frankfurt, which access the proven AWS infrastructure. Your data is securely transferred to us, processed there and the finished forecasts are sent back to you. This keeps your IT costs minimal while still allowing you to benefit from the benefits of an advanced AI solution.

Process & connection
Is there a trial period?

Yes, there is a free trial period lasting several weeks, during which you can test the added value of our AI. We are offering this trial period to give you the opportunity to experience the features and benefits of our AI solutions in selected stores. During this trial period, you can fully use our AI software and see for yourself how it can optimize your workflows, increase efficiency, and deliver better results. In particular, the quality of AI-based forecasting is compared with manual forecasting in order to transparently present the added value of AI.

Our free trial period usually lasts four weeks, which provides enough time to thoroughly evaluate all aspects of our AI technology. During the trial period, our team ensures a smooth implementation and is always there for you should you have any questions or should problems arise.

The free trial period not only gives you the opportunity to evaluate the technical performance of our AI, but also to test its integration into your existing systems and processes. You can see how well our AI solutions fit your specific needs and how they fit seamlessly into your workflow.

After completing the trial period, you are well prepared to make an informed decision about whether our AI solutions are right for your company. We're convinced you'll love the benefits of our AI and look forward to helping you on your journey to digital transformation. Take advantage of this opportunity and start your free trial today!

Process & connection
How is access to the data ensured?

Access to the relevant data is ensured by connecting your inventory management system, which we take over in full. This means that we set up a direct interface to your inventory management system, which enables us to automatically record and update all necessary data. This integration ensures that we always have the most up-to-date information without the need for manual intervention.

By connecting to your inventory management system, various data points such as sales data, order data, delivery quantities and return quantities or food waste data are synchronized in real time. This enables us to efficiently optimize your processes. The interface between our systems is designed to work securely and reliably to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of your data.

Another advantage of this direct connection is the reduction of sources of error that can occur when entering data manually. Automated data transfers ensure that information remains accurate and consistent. This not only improves data quality, but also saves time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual updates and corrections.

In addition, continuous data transfer enables better decision-making. With real-time data, you can respond faster to market changes and operational demands. This is particularly important in dynamic industries, where up-to-date information about orders is crucial for business success.

In summary, the connection to your inventory management system provides an efficient, secure and reliable solution to ensure access to all relevant data. This method not only improves data quality and security, but also streamlines your business processes, making you more competitive and responsive to market demands.

Technology & data
How is the handling of our data handled?

Your data will be kept strictly confidential by us. We attach great importance to protecting your personal information and take extensive measures to secure your data.

  1. Confidentiality and security: Your data will be kept strictly confidential by us. Our employees are required to sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure that your information is not shared without authorization. These measures ensure that only authorized persons have access to your data.
  2. Server location and data protection: Our servers are located in Frankfurt, Germany. As a result, your data is subject to strict data protection laws of the European Union and Germany, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This ensures that your data is protected according to the highest security standards.
  3. Technical safety measures: To further ensure the security of your data, we use the latest technical security measures. This includes encrypting your data both during transmission and storage on our servers. Regular security updates and checks help ensure that our systems are protected against unauthorized access.
  4. Data access rights: You have the right to receive information about the data we have stored at any time. In addition, you can request the correction, deletion or restriction of the processing of your data. These rights are in line with the provisions of the GDPR and help keep you in control of your personal information.
  5. Use of data: Your data will only be used for the purposes for which it was collected. This includes providing our services, communicating with you, and meeting legal obligations. Your data will only be passed on to third parties if this is required by law or if you have given your express consent.

Through these comprehensive measures, we ensure that your data is in good hands with us. Should you have any further questions about data protection, we will be happy to answer them at any time.

Technology & data
How long does the period of data provided have to be?

To ensure high-quality analyses and forecasts, the time period of data provided is critical. For quality reasons, we should receive at least the last two years of data. However, data from the last five years is even better.

Why is that so?

1. Identify long-term trends:

Data from a longer period of time makes it possible to better train AI to identify long-term trends and patterns. This is particularly important to identify seasonal fluctuations, recurring events, and long-term developments.

2. More accurate models and forecasts:

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are based on the ability to learn from existing data and make predictions. The more historical data available, the better the model can be trained. This results in more accurate and reliable forecasts. Data from the last five years provides a solid basis.

3. Robustness against anomalies:

In shorter periods of time, individual unusual events can strongly influence the data. A longer data period helps to better understand such anomalies and to put their effects into perspective. This ensures that the model is not unduly affected by short-term fluctuations.

4. Extensive database:

An extensive database is crucial for statistical significance. In the case of rare events or in specific niche markets, relevant data points may only rarely occur. A longer period of time increases the likelihood that enough relevant data will be collected to conduct well-founded analyses.

Overall, a longer period of data provided therefore leads to a higher quality of analysis. A minimum of two years is required to identify fundamental patterns. However, five years are ideal to enable a deeper and more comprehensive analysis. By making sure we have enough historical data, we can get more accurate, reliable, and robust results.

Technology & data
How does foodforecast technology work?

Our advanced technology was developed specifically for the food industry to optimize ordering and production processes with AI. The technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to make precise predictions about future demand for various foods.

Data collection and analysis

We start by collecting a wide range of data sources. This includes historical and ongoing order and sales data, holiday periods, seasonal trends, major events, holidays, weather conditions and much more, which can influence demand. This data is continuously collected and incorporated into forecasts.

Machine learning and predictive models

As soon as the data is collected, machine learning algorithms are used. These algorithms analyze historical data and recognize patterns and relationships. Based on this, we create predictive models that can accurately forecast future demand.

Customization and Calibration

Our AI continuously learns from new data and adjusts forecasts accordingly. This means that forecasts are becoming more and more accurate over time. This dynamic adjustment allows the technology to react to short-term changes in the market, such as sudden weather changes or unforeseen events.

Integration into ordering systems

The order suggestions are integrated into the companies' inventory management and cash register systems. This enables automated order processing, which automatically generates orders. This integration ensures seamless communication between predictive models and operational systems, which increases the efficiency and accuracy of the ordering process.

Optimizing production

Thanks to precise forecasts, foodforecast can optimize production. This allows companies to have the right quantity of products in stock at the right time to avoid both overstocks and bottlenecks. This results in greater efficiency, less food waste and a reduction in costs.

Feedback loop and continuous improvement

Actual sales data and inventory movements are continuously monitored and compared with forecasts. Deviations are analyzed and the models are adjusted accordingly to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This continuous improvement is a central part of the technology and ensures that forecasts are always up to date.

Ease of use and transparency

Despite the complexity of the underlying technology, we place great value on usability. Our specially developed ordering platform offers an intuitive user interface and an interactive analysis platform provides transparent insights into the data.

In summary, foodforecast technology enables highly accurate and dynamic order optimization and production planning through the use of AI and machine learning. By collecting and analyzing diverse data sources, continuously adapting models and seamlessly integrating them into existing systems, companies can increase efficiency, reduce food waste and increase their turnover.

Technology & data
Are special days recognized that do not take place regularly?

Yes, special days can always be recognized, saved and stored — but with certain restrictions, depending on the regularity and regional relevance of the events. There are two different types of special days, which are treated differently:

1. Regular special days (such as carnival, start and end of holidays):
If these are recurring special days that take place at regular intervals and often nationally, the AI can automatically recognize them. These include, for example, carnival days, school vacation beginnings and ends, or other firmly established events that take place again and again at the same time or under comparable conditions. This information can be automatically processed and stored by AI and used for future analyses or planning. By recognizing these patterns, AI can reliably predict the impact of such days on various activities.

2. Irregular, regional events (such as trade fairs, city festivals):
However, when it comes to special days that are exclusively regional and also take place irregularly, such as local trade fairs, city festivals or events, things become more complex. Such events usually do not fall into known patterns that the AI could automatically recognize. Since they do not occur regularly or within a supra-regional framework, they are difficult for AI to identify automatically. Examples of this could be a state garden show that takes place every few years or a regional street festival that is organized at alternating intervals.

How can these irregular special days still be taken into account?
In order to include such irregular special days in planning or analysis, it is possible to store them manually. This manually saved data can then be used for specific evaluations and reactivated if necessary when the event takes place again. Companies or organizations that are influenced by such events can therefore ensure that these special days are not overlooked.

Regular special days are therefore automatically recognized and saved by the AI. In the case of irregular, regional special days, manual recording is necessary in order to reliably take them into account for planning or evaluation. This combination of automatic recognition and manual filing makes it possible to flexibly adapt to various types of special days.

Technology & data
What type of data do we need for training?

In order to develop an effective and powerful machine learning model, the selection and quality of training data is crucial. Only your sales data is relevant for AI training. This data includes detailed information about the number and type of products sold over various periods of time. Sales data is essential because it reveals patterns in customer buying behavior, reveals seasonal fluctuations, and identifies trends that are critical for predicting future sales and optimizing inventory levels.

1. Relevance and quality of data:

It is important that the data is accurate and reliable. Inaccurate or misleading data can distort the model and lead to incorrect results. Data quality also includes the consistency, completeness, and timeliness of data.

2. Diversity of data:

Diversity of features: In order to build a robust model, it is important to have a variety of characteristics (features) that cover various aspects of the problem being solved.

A variety of examples: A diverse data set ensures that the model is not only trained on specific patterns or stereotypes. This helps to avoid overfitting and improves the model's ability to generalize to new, unknown data.

3. Annotation data:

Labeling: Labeled data is required for supervised learning algorithms. This means that each data point must be provided with the correct answer or classification.

Label quality: The accuracy of the labels is crucial. Incorrectly labeled data can result in an inaccurate model. It is important that labels are consistent and accurate, often ensured through manual verification or automated quality assurance processes.

4. Data volume:

Sufficient amount of data: In general, the more data, the better. A large volume of data helps the model recognize better patterns and understand more complex relationships. However, a balance must also be found between the amount of data and processing costs.

Balance of classes: For classification problems, it is important that the various classes are represented in the data set in a balanced manner in order to ensure a balanced model.

Regardless of this, all data should always be relevant, high-quality, diverse and available in sufficient quantity to train a powerful model. Careful data collection and preparation is therefore essential for the success of machine learning.

For analysis reasons, we also export the return and delivery quantities as well as the article master data.

  1. Return dates: This data provides the number of unsold products. This helps to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. Returns data can also help identify patterns that could indicate problems in the ordering process, which in turn helps to reduce future returns.
  2. Delivery quantity data: Information about the quantities of goods delivered is essential to plan replenishment and avoid bottlenecks or overstocks. This data helps to make more accurate predictions about future orders and thus make the supply chain more efficient.
  3. Item master data: These include detailed information about each product, such as product descriptions, categories, prices, sizes, and colors. Item master data is important in order to correctly classify products and to identify relationships between various attributes and sales figures. They form the basis for a well-founded analysis.

By combining these data types, well-founded decisions can be made based not only on sales figures but also on other aspects of the supply chain. Ultimately, this results in improved efficiency, cost savings, and higher customer satisfaction.

Our methodology ensures that all relevant data is collected and analyzed to achieve the best possible results. Data protection and data security are always maintained so that your data remains secure and confidential.

Technology & data
How much lead time does foodforecast need?

The lead time for implementing foodforecast depends on various factors, including the complexity of your systems, the number of locations that need to be integrated, and the specific requirements of your company. It usually takes around 4 to 8 weeks from the initial expert interview to the start of the pilot or the provision of forecasts.

1. Expert discussion and needs analysis:
The first step is a detailed consultation in which our experts work with you to analyse your current challenges and goals. This determines which foodforecast modules and functions offer the greatest added value for your company. Based on this needs analysis, we create an individual concept that is tailored to your needs. This phase lays the foundation for the entire implementation and is crucial to avoid subsequent delays.

2. Technical preparation and integration:
In this phase, the technical connection of foodforecast to your existing systems is prepared. This includes the integration of interfaces and the configuration of the data streams required for forecasts. The duration of this step depends heavily on how complex your IT landscape is and how many adjustments are required.

3rd pilot phase:
After the technical set-up, the pilot phase starts. During this period, the forecasts are tested in a real environment and adjusted if necessary. This testing phase is important to ensure that forecasts are accurate and can be seamlessly integrated into your workflow. During the pilot phase, our experts will support you and help you with fine-tuning.

4th planning phase:
In this phase, we work together to find out how our modules create the greatest added value for you and your company. On this basis, we will put together your individual package. We are always on hand to provide you with support and further improvements to ensure smooth operation.

Depending on the initial situation, the introduction of foodforecast requires a total lead time of 4 to 8 weeks. This period includes planning, technical implementation, pilot phase and final launch. Early coordination is crucial for a smooth implementation so that all necessary steps can be optimally planned and implemented. If additional adjustments or complex integrations are necessary, the process can also take longer. In any case, we will closely guide you through all phases and ensure that you can take advantage of the benefits of foodforecast as quickly as possible.

In general
How does AI support production planning?

Our artificial intelligence (AI) helps to optimize production planning and make it more efficient. There are various ways in which AI supports production planning:

  1. Demand planning: Our AI analyses historical and ongoing operating data and combines this with external relevant factors, such as weather data, to make precise forecasts of daily sales. Our AI-based production plan provides multiple forecasts per day so that companies know within a day what is being sold and at what time. In this way, production can be adjusted accordingly and the freshness of the articles can be increased at the same time.
  1. Optimizing production processes: By using our AI-supported production plan, production processes are continuously optimized. AI identifies bottlenecks and sources of error, making processes more efficient.
  1. Inventory management: AI helps to better manage inventory by developing optimal ordering and warehousing strategies. This reduces both overstocks and shortages, which leads to a reduction in costs and improved delivery capacity.
  1. Resource efficiency: The AI-based production plan makes optimal use of resources. This results in better employee utilization and material availability, and AI can allocate resources more efficiently. This ensures that production runs smoothly.
  1. Quality control: AI-based systems can identify errors in production at an early stage and suggest corrective measures. This results in higher product quality and reduces waste and rework.
  1. Simulation and scenario analysis: With the help of AI, various production scenarios can be simulated and analyzed before they are implemented. This enables better planning and decision-making, as potential risks and opportunities can be identified in advance.

The integration of AI into production planning therefore offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced costs and greater adaptability to market changes. Companies that use these technologies are better positioned to be successful in a competitive environment.

In general
How did we come up with the idea?

The idea of helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular achieve greater sustainability with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) comes from our founder, Justus Lauten. The initial spark for this ambitious project began with a simple PowerPoint presentation that Justus sent to various companies from different industries. In it, he asked about the daily challenges faced by companies. His goal was to make operational processes more efficient through the use of AI and thus save resources.

However, the first step along this path was fraught with setbacks. The response to his presentation was initially disappointing — only two companies responded. But it was precisely these two companies who described the same challenges that they had to overcome on a daily basis and also came from the same industry: the bakery sector. It turned out that bakers in particular have a very high need for precise sales planning. In particular, they complained about excessive returns (unsold baked goods), which had to be disposed of at the end of the day. This common denominator gave Justus the idea that there is a considerable need for precise forecasts here in particular.

This insight was the cornerstone for the development of Foodforecast Technologies GmbH. Justus began to deal intensively with the specific needs and processes in bakeries. Together with Bäckerei Merzenich from Cologne, he and his team developed and trained an AI model that takes into account the specific needs of the bakery industry and helps bakeries to optimally tailor their ordering and production to demand.

With this focus, we developed proprietary artificial intelligence that uses advanced algorithms to analyze data from past and current sales figures, weather conditions, holidays and other relevant factors. Through these accurate forecasts, bakeries can plan their ordering and production more efficiently, save resources and increase the sustainability of their operations. This prevents overproduction and the associated food waste. The positive response from the bakery industry motivates us to continuously develop the solution and adapt it to the needs of other customers. Not only bakeries are now using our solution, but also restaurateurs and food retailers.

From an initially vague idea through targeted market research and the identification of specific challenges, an innovative AI solution has developed, which today helps many companies to work more sustainably and efficiently.

In general
What are the benefits of AI-based order optimization?

AI-based order optimization offers a variety of benefits that can significantly increase both the efficiency and profitability of companies. One of the main benefits is the precision achieved through the use of advanced algorithms and machine learning. These technologies analyze historical sales data, seasonal trends, and external factors such as weather conditions or holidays to make accurate forecasts about future demand. This enables companies to optimally manage their inventory and avoid excess or underinventory.

Another significant advantage is the automation of the ordering process. By integrating AI into procurement systems, orders can be generated automatically. This not only reduces manual effort and the risk of errors, but also ensures that there are always enough goods available to meet customer demand. In addition, automation can increase operational efficiency. As a result, companies save time and personnel costs through automation. This is an important advantage, especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers.

AI-based order optimization therefore also contributes to cost reduction. Not only in terms of personnel costs, which are reduced by around 15%, but also by precisely determining the optimal order quantities. In addition, predicting fluctuations in demand helps to avoid unnecessary rush orders, which are often associated with higher costs.

At the same time, however, sales are also being increased through AI-based order optimization. By determining the optimal order quantities, new sales potential is generated that was previously lost due to an early sell-out. As a result, sales are increased by up to 11%. With the help of AI, companies can ensure that the products they need are always available in the right place at the right time. This also results in higher customer satisfaction.

In addition, AI-based order optimization enables better adaptability to market changes. Because AI systems are constantly learning and adapting to new data, companies can react quickly to changes in demand or market conditions.

Finally, AI-based order optimization also offers a competitive advantage. Companies that use these technologies are able to reduce operating costs, improve efficiency, and better serve their customers. This can lead to a stronger market position and sustainable business success.

In general
What references are there for the AI solution?

Our AI solution has already proven itself many times over in practice and is currently being successfully used in over 2500 branches in various industries, from bakeries to restaurateurs and food retailers. By using the AI solution, our partners were able to achieve significant optimizations and increases in efficiency in their processes. These positive results can be seen, among others, in areas such as reducing food waste by up to 30%, increasing turnover by up to 11% and reducing personnel costs by up to 15%. The companies that already rely on our solution confirm the clear added value of process automation.

To ensure that our solution also optimally covers the specific requirements of your company, we are happy to offer you the opportunity to learn more about our references and their individual successes. Every company has its own challenges and goals — from process optimization to cost reduction to increasing customer satisfaction. With insights into the specific case studies and successes of our reference customers, you can better assess how our AI solution can also create added value in your company.

Would you like to know more? We provide you with targeted information about the companies that already rely on our AI solution. On request, we can also provide you with contact options for our reference customers so that you can get a first-hand idea of their experiences and successes. Our sales team is looking forward to providing you with the references that are relevant to you and to answer any further questions you may have. Don't hesitate to contact us — we are always available to discuss your specific needs and provide you with comprehensive information about the application options of our AI solution. On our reference page, you will also find some customer interviews that can give you a first impression.

In general
Which problems does the AI solution address?

Our AI solutions address a wide range of problems that arise particularly in the food industry:

Inaccurate sales planning:

Problemfoodforecast solutionTraditional methods for planning demand are often based on historical data and simple statistical models that do not take into account all relevant influencing factors. Our AI can analyze large amounts of data from various sources and recognize complex patterns to make more accurate forecasts. It takes into account special events, such as local events or holidays, which have an impact on demand for specific products.

Food waste:

Problemfoodforecast solutionDue to inaccurate sales planning, overproduction and incorrect orders often occur. Bakeries, restaurants and retail stores in particular work a lot with perishable food that can no longer be sold the next day and is therefore thrown away. With our AI solutions, we address this problem by predicting exactly how much of which food must be ordered or produced. This way, less is thrown away at the end of the day.

Inefficiencies in everyday work:

Problemfoodforecast solutionOrder and production planning is often still carried out manually using Excel tables. These manual planning processes are annoying, time-consuming, and error-prone. Our AI solutions automate and speed up these processes and reduce human errors and inefficiencies.

Shortage of skilled workers:

Problemfoodforecast solutionA lack of qualified personnel and high staff turnover lead to a lack of time and frustration. This creates sources of error in order and production planning. Our artificial intelligence integrates all relevant data and factors into planning and the process is automated so that personnel have more time to concentrate on important tasks and eliminate sources of error.

Decision support:

Problemfoodforecast solutionBusiness decisions are often based on limited information and can be subjective. KI provides data-based decision support that is more objective and comprehensive.

By using our AI solutions, you can address the challenges mentioned above and increase the forecast accuracy of your sales forecasts to up to 95%. In this way, you increase your turnover, save time and reduce your costs and food waste.

In general
What is the main goal of AI-based sales planning?

The main goal of AI-based sales planning is to increase the accuracy of your sales forecasts. This is done by using our AI, which recognizes patterns and trends in large amounts of data and continuously learns from ongoing data. This increases your company's performance and enables you to make more precise and data-driven decisions. At the same time, manual processes in order and production planning, which are automated with AI-based sales planning, are eliminated.

Why introduce AI-based sales planning?

  • More precise sales planning: Our AI analyses historical and ongoing sales data, weather forecasts, seasonal fluctuations, and other relevant factors to make more accurate forecasts about future sales figures. With the help of artificial intelligence, we can issue forecasts not only on a daily basis, but also on an hourly basis. This accuracy reduces uncertainty and enables you to optimally plan your production.
  • Optimizing the availability of goods: With AI-controlled sales planning, you can optimize your product availability. That means you have the right quantities of products in stock at the right time to meet demand without too much excess inventory. In this way, you avoid overproduction and at the same time sell out your products too early.
  • Sales increase: As a result of inaccurate sales forecasts, you lose significant sales potential. The AI knows what you are going to sell at what point in time, and you can fully exploit your sales potential.
  • Staff relief: With AI-based sales planning, manual planning processes are eliminated and employees are relieved. Automating processes saves considerable time at all work levels, giving you more time to focus on other important tasks.
  • Cost savings: Improved order and production planning results in lower costs, less waste and food waste. This saves money and improves the company's overall efficiency. In addition, personnel costs are saved by automating processes.
  • Less food waste: With AI-based sales planning, there is less overproduction and less food is thrown away at the end of the day. AI-based sales planning is an important tool for avoiding food waste, especially for perishable foods.
  • Improved customer satisfaction: With more accurate sales planning, companies can ensure that they have the right products available at the right time, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
  • Responsiveness to market changes: AI-based systems can react quickly to changing market conditions. They recognize changes in demand at an early stage and can adjust plans accordingly, which is a great advantage, particularly in dynamic markets.

In general
Is there a minimum number of branches to use the solution?

No, there is no minimum number of branches to be able to use the solution. The decision to use the solution is based less on the number of branches and more on the availability and quality of digital sales data.

Regardless of whether a company only operates one branch, a handful of locations or an extensive branch network, the solution can be implemented effectively as long as digital sales data is available. Using digital sales data, for example, trends and patterns can be analyzed in real time and optimization potential can be identified in a targeted manner.

For smaller companies with a few branches, using the solution can represent a significant competitive advantage by giving them access to data-based analyses and decision-making bases that are often only reserved for larger companies. By digitizing and automating sales data, they can optimize their processes and work more efficiently, which ultimately leads to better customer loyalty and increased sales.

For companies with a larger number of branches, the solution is used in particular to efficiently manage and analyze complex amounts of data. The system behind digital data analysis allows sales data from all branches to be bundled and evaluated centrally, making it easier to implement and review cross-location strategies.

An important point is that the solution is designed so flexibly that it can be adapted to the specific needs and size of the company. The software can scale to meet the needs of both smaller businesses and a large branch network. The central criterion is therefore not the number of branches, but access to high-quality and consistently recorded digital sales data, which form the basis of the analysis.

In summary, there is no minimum requirement for the number of branches, but rather data availability and quality are decisive for getting the best possible results from the solution.

In general