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Stephan Kolassa
Data Science Expert at SAP Switzerland AG
Professional Background
Stephan Kolassa is a distinguished expert in the field of forecasting and time series analysis, currently serving as a key figure at SAP Switzerland AG. In his role, he is responsible for the forecasting and time series analysis core of SAP's Unified Demand Forecast (UDF), a crucial component of the SAP Customer Activity Repository (CAR), which serves the retail sector. His deep understanding of statistical methodologies and real-world applications positions him as a leader in the domain, where his forecasts are integral for various SAP applications.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Stephan's passion for forecasting transcends into the academic realm. He has coauthored the notable book "Demand Forecasting for Managers" with Enno Siemsen, contributing invaluable knowledge to the field and providing practical insights for business leaders and managers looking to enhance their forecasting capabilities. Additionally, he is an Associate Editor for the esteemed journal Foresight: The International Journal of Applied Forecasting, where he helps curate important research and articles that shape the future of forecasting practices.
Education and Achievements
Stephan Kolassa's educational history showcases a solid foundation in mathematics, which is critical to his forecasting expertise. He commenced his academic journey at the renowned Alexander-von-Humboldt-Gymnasium, where his interest in mathematics likely began to flourish. He pursued advanced studies in mathematics, earning a Dipl.-Math. at the Universität Konstanz, followed by a Ph.D. from Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena. His rigorous academic training has equipped him with the analytical and quantitative skills essential for advanced forecasting techniques and applications.
Stephan's professional journey illustrates remarkable growth and leadership within influential organizations. Notably, he held the esteemed position of Vice President of Corporate Research at SAF AG, where he contributed to various research initiatives that likely focused on innovative applications within the field. Furthermore, his experience as an Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton granted him substantial exposure to strategic consulting, allowing him to apply his mathematical expertise in diverse environments.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Stephan Kolassa has made significant contributions to the field of forecasting and beyond. His work at SAP focuses on refining and enhancing the precision of demand forecasts, directly impacting how retail businesses operate and make inventory decisions. The UDF is utilized by numerous applications in SAP CAR, which serves as a testament to his expertise in synchronizing demand forecasts with real-time business needs.
As a thought leader, his publication "Demand Forecasting for Managers" emerges as a critical resource that demystifies forecasting for business professionals, ensuring that organizations leverage data-driven forecasting techniques effectively.
His role as an Associate Editor for Foresight further emphasizes his commitment to sharing knowledge within the forecasting community, guiding practitioners towards best practices and innovative strategies in demand forecasting. Stephan's career and achievements underscore a mixture of practical implementation and academic contributions, fulfilling a vital role in bridging theory with practice in the increasingly data-driven business landscape.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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