Asambeauty achieves accurate sales forecasting for multichannel strategy

Asambeauty serves consumers across multiple distribution channels, making adaptable sales planning critical for the organization. A different organization operates each of its distribution channels, and Asambeauty sells to consumers via television shopping networks, physical retailers, and e-commerce retailers. Therefore, the cosmetics brand needed a powerful planning solution that delivered customized sales planning and forecasting capabilities. In partnership with HENDRICKS, ROST & CIE (HRCIE), Asambeauty implemented a business intelligence (BI) solution with Jedox and IBM Planning Analytics that supports high-performance, real-time calculations in a comfortable web environment with advanced planning functionality.

The project team designed and implemented a technically sophisticated data model for Asambeauty’s sales and revenue planning. The model pulls information from an existing data warehouse, from which structures and real-time data are automatically shown as comparison values. All relevant data from the warehouse is processed via the Jedox Integrator and stored in central online analytical processing (OLAP) cubes, and all calculations within the system are performed on demand. Adjustments to sales data, costs, and parameters are mapped automatically in real time, so different types of report can be viewed and analyzed.

The data and parameter implementation, as well as the reporting, takes place in a web-based platform with dedicated access rights for users. The budget and forecast values are reflected in detail within the Jedox platform for every combination of distributor, type of consumer, and individual brand. The platform can show customized combinations of distribution channels, brands, companies, and consumers for each individual user.

Automated view of results and group reporting

The components of sales planning are adopted directly into P&L planning. The costs are mapped for each organization and all relevant items, such as between production and sales companies or central services, and are automatically consolidated within the model. The adaptability of the solution also enables specific profitability analyses of each sales channel and region, as well as sales services and other parameters.

As part of the Ströer Group, Asambeauty regularly provides planning and forecasting information to the parent organization. This requires not only a different chart of accounts but also a change from total cost to cost of sales method. This step is automated on the basis of stored parameters.

A technically accurate and quickly evaluated data pool provides an excellent foundation for planning. Sales planning and forecasting are available in detail down to the sales channel, brand, organization, and consumer levels. Convenient dashboards, automated default values, and numerous planning functions within Jedox support users throughout the implementation process.

The powerful BI architecture enables planning with variants and real-time adjustments, and displays the data based on set parameters. This means reports can be viewed in various ways based on up-to-date information. Reporting to the Ströer Group is also automated, reliable, and straightforward.

As part of the project, HRCIE actively involved Asambeauty’s team in the development and provided guidance so internal teams could manage the planning solution independently after going live as well as develop it further as needed.