Demand planning techniques are used to forecast future consumer demand and plan the necessary resources required to meet those demands. By gathering data on consumer trends, sales volume, market research and other factors, businesses can estimate how much to produce of a product in order to maximize profits, while still meeting customer needs. The goal of these techniques is to ensure businesses maintain adequate supply with minimal excess inventory, while also minimizing costs. With accurate demand planning techniques, businesses can become more agile, flexible and responsive to changing consumer demands.