This article outlines each Function in Toolio’s New Assortment Plan module—what it does, when it’s typically used, and what triggers it automatically.
Note: Functions may also be run manually unless otherwise noted.
1. Forecast
Purpose:
Generates a sales projection (demand plan) for selected choices (products) at the line item level. Forecasting can be triggered manually (via right-click on a choice) or automatically when forecast-related fields are edited. The system uses recent sales data and Toolio’s AI to update forecasts, which can be tracked in the Task Manager. If the Metrics panel is open, data refreshes automatically upon completion.
Typical Use Cases:
Creating demand plans for core and seasonal choices
Re-running forecasts weekly to keep projections current
Comparing system-generated forecasts with user adjustment
Auto Triggered On:
On field changes:
ROS model
Adjusted ROS
Adjusted Total Gross Sales Units
Sales curve
Growth rate
Count multiplier
Markdown input
After 'Refresh Locations & ROS' Functions
2. Generate Receipts
Purpose:
Calculates and generates the ideal receipt quantities needed to meet forecasted demand, safety stock, and presentation targets. This ensures that inventory is delivered on time based on supplier lead times and ensures inventory levels align with plan requirements. It also accounts for supplier constraints, such as order minimums and multiples.
Typical Use Cases:
Planning purchase orders to meet expected demand
Balancing new receipts against current inventory
Grouping receipts to meet supplier constraints
Auto Triggered On:
When the "Ignore Receipts" field is changed
3. Generate Inventory
Purpose:
Projects inventory positions over a specific timeframe based on existing receipts and sales plans. This function helps visualize how inventory will evolve, allowing for better planning and adjustment.
Typical Use Cases:
Assessing future inventory levels after entering receipts
Ensuring inventory sufficiency to meet sales targets
Auto Triggered On:
After Forecast
After Retrend
After Generating Receipts
Scheduled job (daily)
4. Refresh Locations & ROS
Purpose:
Updates the number of locations (stores or clusters) associated with an assortment or choice, which can impact allocation and planning.
Auto Triggered On:
On new Choice creation
On choice's launch-end date update
On choice's cluster or cluster group update
5. Export Assortment Plan
Purpose:
Exports the current assortment plan data for external analysis or sharing. This is useful for reporting, collaboration, or backup.
Auto Triggered On:
None
6. Re-calculate Metrics
Purpose:
Triggers aggregation and recalculation of plan metrics in the planning grid. This is necessary after certain operations (like generating receipts or forecasts) to ensure that all metrics reflect the latest data.
Typical Use Cases:
After generating receipts or inventory
When there is a mismatch between planning and reporting views
To update metrics after choice metrics population
Auto Triggered On:
After metric changes on UI
After Generating Inventory
Scheduled job (daily)
7. Populate Act Metrics
Purpose:
Populates actual (historical) metrics for use in planning and comparison.
Auto Triggered On:
On new Choice creation
On field changes:
Cluster group
Launch-end date
Assigned actual choice
8. Calculate Distinct Metrics
Purpose:
Calculates unique or distinct values for certain metrics, for reporting or exception analysis.
Auto Triggered On:
On new Choice creation
On Choice edit
After Generating Inventory
9. Update Choice Status
Purpose:
Updates the status of a choice (e.g., active, discontinued) within the assortment plan.
Auto Triggered On:
On new Choice creation
On Choice edit
After the following jobs:
Update number of locations
Forecast
ROS calculation
Generate receipts
Generate inventory
Distinct choice counts
Re-calculate metrics