AI-Driven Demand Forecasting: Enhancing Accuracy and Efficiency in Manufacturing Webinar
Manufacturers are operating in one of the most unpredictable climates in decades. With global markets shifting rapidly and customer habits changing faster than ever, the ability to plan production accurately has become a genuine competitive advantage. The old ways of forecasting demand are no longer enough, and a smarter approach is emerging.
On 23 April 2026 at 10:00am ET | 2:00pm London | 3:00pm CET, Manufacturing Today, in partnership with Finelight Media, will host a 50-minute webinar: ‘AI-Driven Demand Forecasting – Enhancing Accuracy and Efficiency in Manufacturing’. This session brings together leaders from General Motors, Mars and Kerv to discuss how manufacturers can turn complex data into powerful insights that reshape operations from end to end.
Rethinking How Manufacturing Forecasts Work
Forecasting has always sat at the heart of manufacturing, but the volatility of modern markets has exposed just how fragile traditional models can be. Too often, forecasts based on static historical data fail to capture sudden demand surges or supplier delays, leaving companies reacting rather than planning.
AI-driven forecasting changes that equation. By blending data from multiple sources: sales, logistics, market trends, even external signals like weather or social sentiment, it builds a sharper, dynamic view of what’s coming next. The result is a shift from reactive stock management to proactive decision-making, helping manufacturers keep production efficient, inventory lean and costs under control.
What the Webinar Covers
The discussion will explore the full picture, from strategy and technology selection to real-world implementation. Attendees will learn:
- Where traditional forecasting typically falls short, and how those weaknesses affect manufacturing efficiency.
- The capabilities of modern AI forecasting tools and how they deliver measurable improvements.
- How to set a clear strategy and prepare teams for change.
- Which technologies support a smoother rollout and long-term adoption.
- The tangible business benefits when forecasting is done right, and the challenges when it isn’t.
Designed for both strategic leaders and operational teams, the webinar offers practical guidance and examples rather than theory. It’s about turning information into outcomes.
Insight from Industry Leaders
The session features a remarkable panel with deep roots in manufacturing, supply chain and AI innovation:
- Vijay Sanikal – IEEE Senior Member and Product Owner for AI/ML at General Motors. With nearly two decades in automotive engineering, Vijay leads projects in digital twin architecture and software-defined vehicles that push the boundaries of efficiency and performance.
- Dr Nikolay Burlutskiy – Senior Manager GenAI Platforms, Mars. Having previously led AI research at AstraZeneca R&D and Samsung Electronics, Nikolay brings extensive expertise in trustworthy machine learning systems, backed by over 35 publications and several US patents.
- Paul Thompson – Principal Supply Chain Consultant and Solution Architect, Kerv. Paul’s 30-year career spans ERP design, finance and supply chain transformation, helping manufacturers reconfigure their systems for reliability and scale.
The event will be moderated by Sarah Underwood, Webinar Host at Finelight Media, ensuring a lively and focused discussion throughout.
Why It Matters
Forecasting errors can cascade through the entire supply chain, creating excess stock, missed sales or wasted resources. AI solutions don’t just fix these problems; they help prevent them. By allowing operations to anticipate change rather than respond to it, manufacturers can streamline planning, improve supplier alignment and ultimately deliver more consistent service to customers.
For many businesses, the question is no longer if they should adopt AI forecasting, but how quickly they can integrate it.
Reserve Your Place
Registration is open now for AI-Driven Demand Forecasting: Enhancing Accuracy and Efficiency in Manufacturing.
Fill in your First Name, Last Name, Job Title and Business Email to join. Participants will receive updates from Manufacturing Today and may hear from event sponsors, with the option to unsubscribe at any time. You can view our privacy policy for full details.
Take 50 minutes to explore the future of smart manufacturing and leave with ideas you can act on immediately. Secure your place today and discover how data-driven insight can make forecasting faster, clearer and more dependable.
