Prognosis and Port Wine – Sales Forecasting at ICOPEX in Porto

At this year's ICOPEX in Porto, Lucas Polley presented the paper “Identifying and Refining Requirements for ML-Based Sales Forecasting Solutions: Evidence from Industrial Practice.” In it, key requirements for modern forecasting solutions from industrial practice—such as precision, transparency, and the possibility of continuous data enrichment—are systematically examined and implemented in a specially developed software. The solution supports companies in carrying out data-based sales planning and expanding their scope for decision-making.

The conference also addressed the challenges and opportunities of operational excellence in the context of digitalization—with a focus on sustainable implementation, the role of executives in digital transformation, and the connection between lean principles and Industry 4.0 technologies. Prominent keynote speakers such as Michael Ballé, Daryl Powell, and Peter Hines provided insights into lean culture, digital transformation, and leadership skills for sustainable excellence.
The conference visit was complemented by exciting practical insights: During a company visit to Yazaki, participants were able to learn about the implementation of lean and digitalization strategies at a global automotive supplier. Joint workshops also provided valuable insights: Jiju Antony presented current research on the understanding and relevance of quality management worldwide, while Peter Hines focused on the “people value stream” and the “human side of lean.”