This is a Guide on how to setup your first forecast.

Instructions are to be repeated every time you want to cerate a new, different forecast.

After you have successfully logged into the database follow the Steps below to setup your first forecast.

(Keep in mind that if at any point you have any questions you can open a demo forecast to take advice or contact BIAdvice)

1. Go to Explore-> Customers and add as many Customers you want.
2. Go to File -> New Forecast and fill in all the areas. After you are done, press Save and close the Forecast Setup form (right click on Forecast Setup, close)
3. Go to File -> Open Forecast and select the newly created forecast. Press OK and you will see that the Forecast will be loaded on the left hand side of the application.
4. If you double-click on Basic Settings you should be able to see all the information you have filled in Step 2. If you wish to change something, don't forget to press save and close.
5. Double-click on Accounts and make sure you fill in all the columns and respective Account Instance Configuration on the right-hand side. Use the Save, Add and Delete Buttons to make any changes. Save and Close when finished. Look at the Demo Forecasts if you have any doubts.
6. Double-click on Structure and start building your forecast structure. Also again look at the demo forecasts to get a better idea. Make sure you only use the buttons on top to make changes and also fill in the Item Details and Data Input (where applicable)on the right hand side. To better choose a Forecast method use the tiny f(x) button next to the Forecast Method drop box. If a desired forecast method is not listed contact BIAdvice. Don't be surprised that you will only be able to edit the right-hand side on leaf nodes (colored in purple). Use Save several times throughout the whole process. Close when you are done.
7. Now, double-click on Data to enter the final stage. You should be seeing the same tree structure as the one you have set up in Step 6. Choose the pivotted or unpivotted view to enter your data. Also, you can use the Functions and Transform button to distribute your input. Take advice from the demo forecasts again if your get stack at some point. Press Save and Close when you are done.
8. Assumming you have completed all steps correctly you can now go to Process -> Run Forecast in order to run your forecast. Do not interrupt the process after it has been initiated.
9. When Step 9 is completed, expand the Results section on the left hand side and double-click on Analysis. Choose an account the view your results. If the results are not the desired ones, you may have to edit the changes you made in the steps above. Re-run your forecast to view different results. Attention: Make sure the Analysis form is closed when you make changes to the forecast. Analysis results can be exported to Microsoft Excel by using the toolbar on the Analysis Form.
10. Also if you want to view and print reports in Excel of the Forecast Assumptions you have used in a specific forecast or the Data Input you provided the system with, use the View menu in the the main screen.

Once a forecast has been created , you can copy it by selecting Save As under the File menu. This will create an exact copy of your forecast and the system will open it automatically, informing you of it's new ID.

Video Links

• Do not forget to look at our example videos on how to setup your first forecast in the following address:

Important Tips

• When opening a Firecast Structure, the system will display in the output windows (bottom of software) whether some nodes have not being assigned with a forecast method.
• After you have run your forecast the Analysis Results will display the node names you have entered int he Structure of the forecast (Item Description). If the item Description is empty then it will use the node name. Some people have found this useful in order to change the name values displayed in their results.
• If at any point you want to view your Data Input or Forecast Structure parameters the use View menu on top.
• Take regular backups of your database. Set up the backup path from Tools -> Options - don't forget to Save -and then press Tools -> Backup Database
• If you have multiple forecasts open, use the Tools -> Set Process forecast id to select the forecast id that the Run Forecast will use.
• If unsure where you are connected go to Help -> Connection Status
• Developer Menu should not be changed by users unless instructed so by BIAdvice.
• If you have multiple Forecasting Databases you can use the Tools -> Change Connection to change bettween connections.
• Be aware of the Selected Forecast ID and Process Forecast ID at the bottom. Tools -> Close Forecast uses the Selected Forecast ID.
• Delete Forecast allows you to choose which forecast to delete.
• Pay attention to the Output Section at the bottom, important messages may appear depending on your actions at each step.
• If you are experiencing slow processing of your forecast you may want to use the Tools -> CleanUp command.
• Avoid the use of the character " ' " i.e. Single quote character, Single apostrophe