Planners facilitate the planning of deliveries within a supply chain and optimize inventory planning that needs service, cost, and timeliness objectives of the employer. They oversee different employees and departments within a supply chain, which ensures the process runs smoothly. They often work in shipping, manufacturing, or in supply chain management companies. Some planners work on a consulting basis and analyze and coordinate supply chains for a company.
Planners are responsible for the maintenance of company inventory and minimizing both overstock and out-of-stock occurrences; this requires them to analyze the supply and demand of a company‘s product and its forecast. It also requires them to monitor inventory, supply, and demand. They assist with customer issues and order problems and help craft effective solutions for the customers by responding to feedback and complaints and through the development of new systems and methods that will prevent further occurrences. Planners need a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or related fields. They should have demonstrable knowledge of supply chain management and proficiency in planning software.