Forecast 

Use

A forecast is a projection of available data using statistical methods.

Based on existing plan or actual data, new plan data is generated for a certain time period. Various forecast strategies or models are supported such as moving average, 2nd order exponential smoothing, and seasonal models. The models and forecast parameters are maintained in forecast profiles. Using a forecast profile, you can forecast plan values for several combinations of characteristics and key figures. You can find more information on forecast profiles under Forecast Profile.

You can use the forecast when changing plan data automatically, and in interactive planning (see Edit plan data automatically and Edit plan data interactively).

Integration

You can find more general information on the forecast in the online documentation on Sales and Operations Planning, section Planning Table: The Forecast.

Prerequisites

You have created a suitable forecast profile in Customizing.

Features

Automatic Planning

In automatic planning, the data is projected according to the profile parameters.

In the planning session you can either enter a forecast for all data records, or you can select an object-dependent forecast for a specific combination of characteristics and key figures. The object-dependent forecast is controlled by a planning aid access created in Customizing. For more information see Forecast Profile.

Interactive Planning

In interactive planning you also use a profile to execute a forecast. You can change the forecast parameters online, or you can modify the forecast data directly, or interactively using a graphic.

  1. Position the cursor on the cell for which the forecast is to be executed.
  2. Choose Edit ® Planning functions ® Forecast or press F9.
    The dialog box for the model selection appears.
  3. Enter the start and end dates of the period for which you wish to forecast data. The time period you have already selected for planning appears as default in this field.
  4. Enter the start and end date of the past period, from which the data for the forecast is to be taken. Also enter the version and the plan/actual indicator of the reference data.
  5. Enter a profile. If you wish to execute the forecast interactively, choose also Interactive forecast.
    To display a log of any errors that may have occurred during the forecast, choose Display forecast messages.
  6. In the next dialog box you set up the model. If necessary you can edit the values from past time periods. Then choose Forecast.
  7. In this dialog box you change the parameters for the model. Then choose Forecast.
  8. The results of the forecast are displayed in the next dialog box. You can change these either manually or by using the interactive graphic.
  9. Then the log is displayed.
  10. Save the data in the planning layout.