Engagement Process — Datagrid Base Advisory

From first enquiry to finished roadmap

Wholesale demand planning work follows a predictable sequence, though the depth at each stage depends on which consultation you choose. This page describes a typical Diagnostic engagement; shorter reviews and workshops compress certain steps.

Introductory call (45 minutes)

You describe your assortment size, warehouse locations, primary suppliers, and the buying problem you want to address. We ask about data availability — shipment exports, open POs, safety-stock spreadsheets — and whether on-site access is possible. No charge for this call. If scope is unclear, we may request sample data before quoting.

Written quote and deposit

Within two business days you receive a fixed-fee quote listing deliverables, timeline, and what we need from your team. A 50% deposit confirms the engagement start date. Quotes are valid for 30 days.

Data intake (Week 1)

You provide 12 months of outbound shipment data by SKU, current open purchase orders, supplier lead-time notes, and any existing velocity classification. We flag gaps within three business days. Imperfect exports are workable; missing data may narrow what we can recommend.

Warehouse visit (Week 2)

A half-day on-site at your primary warehouse. We walk pick faces, mezzanine overstock, and receiving. Your purchasing lead joins for a working session on current pain points. Photographs and notes stay confidential to the engagement.

Analysis and draft review (Week 3)

Velocity tiers, reorder triggers, and slow-mover disposition options are drafted. A 60-minute call walks your team through preliminary findings before the final document is locked. You can challenge assumptions about lead times or retailer behaviour at this stage.

Roadmap delivery (Week 4)

Final written roadmap delivered electronically. Facilitated readout with purchasing and warehouse leads. Remaining 50% invoice issued on delivery. Two follow-up calls during your first implementation buying cycle are included.

Shorter engagements

Inventory Position Review compresses the process to data intake, remote analysis, and a one-hour readout — typically one to two weeks.

Seasonal Forecast Workshop centres on a half-day facilitated session with a written calendar delivered within three business days afterward.

Replenishment Cadence Design assumes velocity tiers already exist and focuses on documentation and warehouse training over two weeks.

What we need from you

A single point of contact in purchasing who can grant data access and schedule warehouse time
Timely responses to data-gap questions — delays on your side extend the timeline proportionally
Warehouse floor access with safety equipment if required by your site rules
Honesty about supplier relationships and retailer commitments that constrain buying decisions

After the engagement

Most clients implement recommendations internally and return before the next major seasonal buy. Quarterly retainer reviews are available for businesses that want an external check without a full diagnostic each cycle.

Start with an introductory call

Tell us about your assortment and the buying decision on the horizon.