Demand management aims to balance customer requirements with supply chain capabilities. It reduces demand variability and improves flexibility. Key aspects of demand management include forecasting demand accurately to have the right inventory, developing contingency plans for disruptions, and smoothing operations to lower costs. Demand management also involves sensing true market shifts, stimulating demand through marketing, translating external demand internally, and making trade-offs between risk and opportunity across markets. The overall goal is meeting customer needs while maintaining efficient operations.