Deep Learning-Enabled Demand Intelligence: Transforming Forecast Accuracy in high velocity transaction systems

Abstract

High-velocity transaction systems, including digitally integrated supply networks, omnichannel commerce platforms, and real-time manufacturing systems, produce continuous and heterogeneous demand signals that pose challenges to traditional, batch-oriented approaches to demand forecasting. Traditional analytical processes, which are based on the assumption of stationarity and stable patterns of demand, are no longer able to produce timely, reliable, and operationally actionable insights under the conditions of dynamic market conditions and execution processes. This paper aims to conceptually elaborate the notion of deep learning-enabled demand intelligence as a new paradigm of shifting from periodic forecasting to continuous, contextualized, and decision-embedded interpretation of demand signals. The paper proposes a unified conceptual and architectural framework for integrating the concepts of streaming data ingestion, automated representation learning, multi-source signal fusion, and low-latency inference within the context of an event-driven operational environment. Additionally, this paper proposes learning strategies for the application of deep learning techniques within the context of high-velocity systems, including incremental learning, concept drift handling, and transfer learning for handling sparse or cold-start demand signals. Besides the application of predictive learning, the paper also addresses the aspects of robustness, awareness of uncertainty, explainability, and human-AI collaboration within the context of the proposed framework. By integrating the concepts of system design principles, learning mechanisms, and their implications for organizations, this paper proposes a unified framework for the application of deep learning-enabled demand intelligence within the context of digitally intensive organizations and outlines future research directions for developing human-centric, continuously adaptive systems of demand management.