Forecast Pro meets JFK not becuase it is easy.
In recent weeks we have worked with several companies who are using Forecast Pro and want to continue improving the forecast results from their time series data. Spanning the UK, Russia, Ireland and Spain each one of these customers had the same issues and so it a timely reminder of some facts.
Firstly they all recognised the strengths of Forecast Pro over Excel and its trendline data. Others were moving on from their ERP systems rudimentary calculations which are unable to interact with.
Even Forecast Pro sku forecast Software can't deliver immediate results. It takes time, trial and error is the best way forward in terms of planning. Once implemented take the time to learn your data and get to know the results. Be prepared to challenge the results. Consider separating data into 80 / 20 paretto analysis. Splitting some data into product/family (aggregating) levels and some at the SKU level can be effective.
Forecast Pro Top/down facility is very handy for people looking for a trend in difficult data. Isolating preferred SKU or categories is simple.
Another trend we notice amongst customers is over automation. Automatic forecasting relies on built-in features of forecasting software to choose an appropriate method for each of your time series. Like an automatic camera, automatic forecasting will work well in normal and normal circumstances. For difficult conditions, however, there is no substitute for your careful examination, judgement and expertise.
Lets face facts here you did not buy Forecast Pro to do the easy. So think John F. Kennedy, why do we want to do this, not because it is easy but because it is hard. Forecast Pro overide facility facility in the unlimited version and TRAC allows forecast overide. Human intuition, how else would we manage, ASH Clouds, Airline Strikes, Civil Service Go Slows.
So to recap, don't automate, don't expect immediate gratification, work the data, learn to use Forecast Pro and then you will reap the rewards indicated in the testimonials.
If you are not already on Forecast Pro try it out for yourself and see how it can help your company with our Forecasting Challenge. Read more: Forecast Pro