Case Study: Unilever achieves improved short-term forecast accuracy and reduced inventory across Europe with e2open

Unilever implementing demand sensing and inventory optimisation across europe

Unilever, one of the world’s largest FMCG manufacturers, needed a more agile end-to-end supply chain to manage growing volatility from channel fragmentation, economic swings, promotion intensity and rising resource costs. Rather than piling up inventory, Unilever sought improved short‑term forecast accuracy and lower working capital while integrating with its existing SAP APO platform.

Partnering with Terra Technology, Unilever deployed demand sensing and multi‑enterprise inventory optimisation in a phased roll‑out with senior buy‑in and a dedicated project team. The solution boosted short‑term forecast accuracy (MAPE improved ~22% at 7 days, ~12% at 21 days) and cut European safety stock by about 35% overall (Foods -43%, Personal Care -18%, Home Care -29%, Refreshment -38%), delivering cost and waste reductions and enabling further global roll‑out and sustainability gains.

Unilever