SAFIO Solutions

Pros

[basic-codes]'s Sales Analysis and Forecasting Tool brings together vital information needed to make intelligent decisions in an effective and efficient manner. Prior to use of the software, I would have to pull information from multiple sources - now the information is in one place in an easy-to-use format. Sales and margin information can be analyzed at a high level, or can be sliced and diced for more in-depth analysis. The exception reporting within the tool enables me to be alerted to and focus on the opportunities and liabilities within my business. I am alerted to emerging trends quickly. Sales and profitability have increased with use of the tool. Definitely a game changer for me!

Pros

SAFIO gives us full control of data integrity. Our sales team can only make adjustments to fields that we want them to & we have an audit trail to verify when and what changes were made. The layout of SAFIO gives us all the data we need to make forecasting & purchasing decisions accurately and timely. This allows us to manage where our forecasting issues are and focus on making sure we have inventory just in time to cover those needs.

Cons

These are features that I would like to see improved/added:1. The speed of the tool is just acceptable. Flipping between items takes between 5-10 seconds to load the page. 2. We are not currently using the forecast curves, but I think there are some major improvement that can be done in this area. We need some improvement to help our sales team getting their forecasts completed. Sales is always having programs and SKUs constantly being changed in & out which will make using a standard curve with a total for the year difficult.3. A common request in our reports lately has been to be able to flip between a SKU total & Product ID total. Would it be possible to have the main screen be able to be switched between total for all locations and each individual location? Maybe there’s an alternative solution to this.4. Sku filter – would it be possible to save a View? (like Tableau)5. Can there be a Go-to page #? If I need to clear my filters and come back, it would be nice to be able to select the page #.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing SAFIO Solutions

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to SAFIO Solutions

Pros

What I like most is how all information is one place rather than having to go to multiple data sources. The ability to change the trend scenarios is also beneficial.

Cons

In the forecast editor, better scroll options would be nice for maintaining forecasts over a long time frame.

Pros

The tool is relatively easy to use and straightforward, with opportunities for deeper analysis once the system is learned. The SAFIO service team has been a big positive as they are quick to respond and find solutions. I appreciate the ability to control data integrity. SAFIO provides audit trails for planner and sales forecasts which helps us better identify issues. The tool also allows for us to limit controls on an individual basis, such as salespeople only being able to edit certain months.

Cons

SAFIO's speed can be frustrating at times as it can take 5-10 seconds to flip between items. The speed is passable, but it would be nice if this was improved.

Pros

I have been involved in planning for the majority of my career. As a consultant and an executive, it gives my client so much visibility to the complexion of their inventory. They can anticipate needs 18 months out at a top-line and granular level. Ultimately they will gain profitability since they will not be holding inventory they don't need.

Cons

Everything is based on your ability to forecast correctly. While all the information we need to make decisions is in the app, the last few years histories have been unusual at best. We are working hard to continually evaluate forecasts so that we improve our accuracy.