Submitting your ZFS Weekly Forecast on zDirect
Here we explain why and how ZFS partners submit your forecast using the Forecast tool on zDirect.
Why do I need to submit a forecast?
Each week, partners using Zalando Fulfillment Solutions (ZFS) need to submit a 16-week rolling forecast using the Forecasts tool on zDirect.
This forecast of inbound and stock return quantities is crucial for planning capacities and workforce in Zalando warehouses.
It also enables a smooth flow of goods and a short Time To Article Creation (TTAC), previously know as Time to Online (TTO).
Types of forecast
Inbound:
The first four weeks of the forecast are a freeze period. This means that no changes can be submitted in these four weeks.
Submit the ZFS 16-week rolling forecast at least five weeks before the desired delivery week.
Outbound i.e. Returns to partner:
The first two weeks of the forecast are a freeze period. This means that no changes can be submitted in these two weeks.
Submit the ZFS 16-week rolling forecast at least three weeks before the desired delivery week.
Forecasting essentials
The forecast needs to be updated weekly by 23:00 on a Friday.
Unused capacity is released on Fridays for the following week and is not carried over to the following weeks. If you re-book to the following week, the capacity will be deducted from the volume you requested.
We measure forecast accuracy weekly. This helps ensure we can plan capacity to support our partner’s business plans. We’ll consider your delivery performance to allocate capacity in constrained weeks.
How can I submit the ZFS rolling forecast?
You can submit the ZFS rolling forecast via the Forecast tool in the Fulfillment module on zDirect.
What are the features of the Forecast tool?
You are able to view the previous forecast submissions from the last four calendar weeks.
You can download the previous forecast submissions into a CSV file.
You can copy values from the previous submissions into your next forecast.
You will be alerted if there is a volume increase within the forecast freeze period.
How do I access the Forecast tool?
Log in to zDirect, navigate to the Fulfillment module and click the Forecasts menu at the top of the screen.
Important
Don’t have zDirect access? Read more here.
Submitting your next forecast
The Forecast tool view will default to the current forecast starting from the next calendar week.
Enter quantities for Inbound and Returns. Click the Submit Forecast button.
Submit the weekly forecast by 23.00 on Friday at the latest.
If you update the forecast several times in the current week, you can see the date it was last updated next to the Submit Forecast button.
Copying previous values
You can also copy values from previous submissions by clicking the Copy icon.
A confirmation message pops up before the values are overwritten.
Downloading previous submissions
Click the Download All Submissions button to generate a CSV file for your own analysis.
FAQs
How can I change my forecast within the first four weeks?
It is not possible to change the forecast within the first four weeks. We have a four week freeze rule which does not allow to change the forecasted quantities. In case of any additional volumes that you would like to deliver in that period, this will depend on our warehouse capacity availability. Our zDirect Shipping Notice tool offers live availability of capacity, so please feel free to book the earlier available date.
What happens if I didn’t submit a forecast at all and I have a planned delivery in the next one to two weeks?
If you forgot to submit your forecast, the availability will depend on our warehouse capacity. If capacity is available you will be able to book it though the zDirect Shipping notice tool.
I submitted a forecast in time but I do not see any available slots.
Please be advised that forecast is not a guarantee of capacity but an indication that helps us to plan our capacities better. It might not be possible to accommodate your requested forecast. As our Shipping Notice tool allows bookings of deliveries for five weeks in advance, we recommend securing your Shipping notice request as early as possible.
If I'm not planning to ship articles in a specific calendar week, how do I fill in the template?
If you’re not planning to ship articles within a certain week, insert a "0" in the forecast template’s corresponding cell.
How would I know which warehouse to deliver to?
The Shipping notice tool will provide you with a list of warehouses that are currently enabled for your deliveries. We will allocate capacities according to availability and our inbound distribution algorithm. Make sure you have all the processes in place to ship to any of our warehouse locations.
Find out more about warehouse locations and opening hours here.
How can I know my forecast accuracy?
How can I know my forecast accuracy?
To ensure successful planning and minimal effects to your inbound volume plan, the forecast accuracy should stay close to ±5%.
The weekly forecast accuracy is calculated:
Deviation in % = (Forecasted volumes - Announced volumes) / Forecasted volumes
What are the consequences of deviations?
Inability to confirm your desired delivery date
Longer time-to-online (TTO) for stock due to limited warehouse capacity and extra workload required
Missed sales opportunities
Future charges might apply