Story originally appeared in Modern Materials Handling on the Jan. 12, 2021. Excerpts from the story below. To see the full story visit MMH.com.

Today’s planning software makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in a way that constantly evolves as the software sees more data, in a way that “tunes” the planning engine so it can identify the trends that are here to stay as well as the outliers, explains Amanda Oelschlegel, pre-sales director at supply chain software provider Blue Yonder.

“While historical data is used for the initial machine learning ‘training,’ real-time data is constantly feeding the engine and corrections are being made,” says Oelschlegel. “Additionally, the longer you feed these engines, the more data aggregates and the ‘outlier demand’ becomes known. This allows for situations like crazy spikes in toilet paper to be reacted upon quickly, because the demand spike is being seen for long enough for the engine to realize it is not a blip on the radar.”