Getting started with Forecasting

  1. From the menu, select Datasets > Properties .
  2. On Dataset Properties, select the Forecast tab.
  3. To enable Forecast Calculation , select DMP Forecast Calculation.
  4. On the Calculation Measures tab, select the Data Type for Demand and for Calculated Forecast.
  5. On the Forecast Time Points tab, ensure that the calculation time points are setup correctly.
    See Enabling Statistical Forecasting.
    Note: Algorithm fit initialization (init point) is less than or equal to Forecast fit write (start point). Forecast fit write (start point) is typically equal to Forecast point (end point). Forecast point (end point) is typically the current period.

    DMP uses the demand from Algorithm fit initialization to the period just before Forecast point as history for the forecast model fitting and writes the forecast from Forecast point (end Point) into the later periods depending on the extrapolation periods of the forecast method itself.

    DMP calculates the forecast based on what is loaded into the model of a favorite view. This means you include a time range of periods that allows all the forecast algorithms to run. Usually, this means a minimum of 1 year before and 1 year after Forecast point (Time mark Today). Typically, you can include more than 1 year of history to improve accuracy, and for some cases, it makes sense to forecast 1½ years or 2 years ahead.

    DMP updates the calculated forecast measure even if it is not updatable (as a data type in Formats) and even if the CTH is not defined or does not include all periods, so this is no concern. DMP also writes the calculated forecast directly to the detailed cells even if the view model is an aggregated favorite view. The forecast is distributed and saved to the detailed cells.

  6. Click OK.
  7. Access the favorite view of the dataset selected for forecasting. When forecasting is enabled for the dataset, these three key columns are available:
    • Forecast Method
    • Competitive
    • Winner
    Ensure the required columns are included in the view.
  8. Right-click the selected the lines to apply the Forecast Method and select Change Forecast Method.
  9. Select the Forecast Method to use from the list.
    Note: You can view the Forecast Method Properties by clicking the button beside the drop-down.
  10. Click OK.
    To view the results in a chart on the workbench, see Split Charts.
  11. Right-click the selected the lines to recalculate the forecast and select Recalculate Forecast.