Summer 2014 plays host to some of the very best sporting events in history and although June marked the beginning of the World Cup in Brazil, next week, in Yorkshire, home of FuturMaster UK, we will see the start of none other than the Tour de France.

Whilst these summer months spell BBQ’s, sunbathing, sweepstakes and gatherings for many, for those in supply chain it poses both massive challenges and huge opportunities.  Here in Yorkshire, the Tour de France will mean thousands of people will be coming to the region, bringing in excess of £100 million in economic benefit.  This raises that all important question, can the demand be met?

Already there are signs throughout Yorkshire warning of congestion and delays surrounding the Tour de France and with no precedent to base demand on, it is likely that many shops will be stripped bare.  Demand is likely to be particularly high half a mile either side of the route and at times the route even passes the same place twice, doubling the demand for small towns and villages.

Such a disruption to the usual weekend shopping pattern could ripple out post event, especially in terms of restocking on Sunday or Monday.  This could easily affect more than one depot and even cross regions.

So how can these risks be mitigated?  How can a business take full advantage of this incredible sales opportunity?

Just as Chris Froome has a detailed training plan, each business wishing to maximise the opportunity must have an effective demand plan.  Scenario planning and exception management are the first steps turning this event into an opportunity and the right planning software enabling optimised production, effective inventory management and distribution planning offer the best solution.

If you want to discover more about FuturMaster’s solutions and services, please contact us here or visit our website