In this scenario, the focus of the project is to enhance inventory analytics, specifically targeting forecasting inventory levels. The primary goal is to understand the factors influencing inventory management and to build a model that helps in predicting future inventory needs.

Option A: Product Buyeris the correct stakeholder to consult first.

Here’s why:

Direct Involvement in Inventory Management:

The Product Buyer is typically responsible for making decisions related to purchasing and maintaining inventory levels. They have a deep understanding of the factors that influence inventory needs, such as lead times, supplier reliability, demand forecasting, and purchasing cycles.

Knowledge of Inventory Requirements:

Since the project’s primary focus is forecasting inventory levels, the Product Buyer will provide crucial insights into the variables that affect inventory and the data needed for accurate forecasting. They can guide what historical data is essential and what external factors might need to be considered in the forecasting model.

Alignment with Business Objectives:

By consulting the Product Buyer, the project can ensure that the inventory forecasting models align with the company’s inventory management objectives, avoiding overstocking or understocking, and thus optimizing costs.

References:

Qlik Project Management Best Practices: In analytics projects, particularly those focused on specific operational areas like inventory management, consulting the stakeholders who are closest to the operational data and decision-making processes ensures that the solution will be relevant and effective.