Statistical Forecasting
In statistical forecasting for SAP Supply Network Collaboration (SAP SNC), the supplier can create a long-term forecast based on historical sales data sent by the customer. The customer sends historical sales data to the supplier using a ProductActivityNotification
XML
message. The supplier uses the customer data to run a forecast based on various forecasting models. The supplier can choose which forecasting model to use as follows:
Interactively on the statistical forecasting Web screens
By pre-assigning the forecast model using a forecast profile
By letting SAP SNC automatically assign the forecasting model
For SAP SNC to automatically assign the forecasting model, the supplier chooses the automatic model selection in the forecast profile. SAP SNC determines the forecast that produces the best result by running all of the available forecasting methods or using the planner-specified forecasting methods to apply the best one.
Features
Web Screens for Statistical Forecasting
In the responsive replenishment view and the supplier view of the SAP SNC Web user interface, there are three different Web screens in which the supplier can display and edit forecast data. For more information, see Web Screens for Statistical Forecasting.
Key figures for Statistical Forecasting
Statistical forecasting offers various key figures to help the user analyze the forecast data. For more information, see Key Figures in Forecasting.
Forecast Profile
The supplier can create a forecast profile with which to run statistical forecasting. The forecast profile combines the following:
Forecasting parameters
Forecasting model
Forecasting measurement errors
Number of forecasting and history periods
For more information, see Forecast Profile.
Forecasting for New Products
The supplier can create the following profiles for new products or products that are being discontinued:
Like Profile
For new products that have no historical data or insufficient historical data, the supplier can create a Like profile that models an existing product with sufficient historical data. You maintain the Like profile on the
Forecast Parameters
Web screen or on theSAP Easy Access
screen under
Demand
Forecasting
Current Settings
Update Forecast Master Data Records
.
For more information, see Maintain Like Profiles.Phase-in profile
The supplier can use the phase-in profile for products that are new and are being phased into the inventory of the customer. You maintain the phase-in profile on the
Forecast Parameters
Web screen or on theSAP Easy Access
screen under Demand
Forecasting
Current Settings
Update Forecast Master Data Records
.Phase-out profile
The supplier can use the phase-out profile for products that are being discontinued. You maintain the phase-out profile on the
Forecast Parameters
Web screen or on theSAP Easy Access
screen under Demand
Forecasting
Current Settings
Update Forecast Master Data Records
.
Note
You can only define and maintain phase-in and phase-out profiles on the SAP Easy Access
screen if you are using SAP SNC as part of the SCM Server installation.
Releasing Statistical Forecasts
From statistical forecasting, forecast data can be released as follows:
The supplier can release the statistical forecast data to collaborative sales forecasting where suppliers and customers can use consensus finding to compare forecast data and come to a common agreement about the sales forecast.
The supplier can release the statistical forecast to short-term forecasting to make more refined forecast calculations on a daily level.