Intermittent demand forecasting: a guideline for method selection

Abstract

Intermittent demand shows irregular pattern that differentiates it from all other demand types. It is hard to forecasting intermittent demand due to irregular occurrences and demand size variability. Due to this reason, researchers developed ad hoc intermittent demand forecasting methods. Since intermittent demand has peculiar characteristics, it is grouped into categories for better management. In this paper, specialized methods with a focus of method selection for each intermittent demand category are considered. This work simplifies the intermittent demand forecasting and provides guidance to market players by leading the way to method selection based on demand categorization. By doing so, the paper will serve as a useful tool for practitioners to manage intermittent demand more easily.