Which term refers to the process of aligning production with forecasted demand?

The process of aligning production with forecasted demand is best described by the term "demand management." This is because demand management specifically focuses on understanding and influencing customer demand, ensuring that production levels match what is anticipated based on forecasts. It involves analyzing market trends, sales data, and other factors to predict demand for products, which then informs production schedules and inventory levels.

In this context, demand management helps organizations optimize their resources by producing only what is necessary to meet projected customer needs. This minimizes waste and excess inventory while maximizing service levels.

Although production planning is related to this process, it is more concerned with the specifics of scheduling and managing the production process itself rather than aligning it directly with demand forecasts. Supply chain management encompasses a broader scope that includes the entire flow of goods, services, and information across multiple organizations, rather than just aligning production with demand. Inventory control refers to managing stock levels, ensuring that adequate supplies are available without overstocking or understocking, but again, this is a different focus than the alignment of production with demand.