This session is designed for distribution professionals who want to elevate their inventory and purchasing operations through smarter forecasting, demand planning, and ERP-driven execution. We will explore best practices for configuring and maintaining advanced ERP systems to support real-time inventory visibility, dynamic replenishment, and strategic purchasing. Attendees will learn how to identify and act on the key variables that drive efficient supply chains—such as lead times, customer demand patterns, seasonality, and service-level targets. In addition, we will dive into practical frameworks for forecasting accuracy and demand planning alignment. These will be connected directly to daily, weekly, and monthly priorities for managers and buyers—ensuring time is spent where it drives the most impact. Led by a distribution executive turned consultant and supply chain professor, this session will blend academic research with operational experience to help UID members turn planning into performance. Whether you are refining your existing systems or planning for your next ERP upgrade, you will leave with tools and tactics you can implement immediately.