Weather data analysis

Weather data analysis is an optional feature that can enhance the accuracy of forecast results. The weather conditions on a given day can have an effect on the sales or volume performance of a store. During training, machine learning forecasting can analyze the relationship between historical weather data at a store location and historical sales and volume data. This allows machine learning forecasting to predict the effects that particular weather conditions are likely to have on future performance. After training, weather forecasts for a store's location are factored into sales and volume predictions in each forecast generated.

These data facets are considered when weather data analysis is enabled:

Temperature
Precipitation
Humidity

Historical and forecast weather data is provided by a third-party weather API. Weather data analysis is enabled by specifying the API key for this service in the Sensitive Data Configuration maintenance form. Infor provides the weather API key for cloud-based deployments of Workforce Management.

On-premises customers are responsible for obtaining a subscription to a supported weather service. Currently, Visual Crossing (https://www.visualcrossing.com) is the only weather service supported with machine learning forecasting. The subscription level required generally depends on the number of stores or locations for which weather must be tracked. On-premises customers can contact Infor Support to determine the recommended level of subscription.

Note: Visual Crossing is a third-party service and is not affiliated with Infor. Visual Crossing may change their products or subscription levels without notice. Weather data analysis is not required to generate forecasts. If weather data analysis is not configured or if the weather service cannot be reached for any reason, forecasts are still generated without factoring in weather data.