Background: Forecast Update
Use the Forecast Update (MFU) program to update item forecasts based on the New forecast and Ext fcst by mo fields in the Branch Item Maintenance (IMB) program. See Road Map for work flow.
The Forecast Update program transfers your entry in the New forecast field of an item's record in the Branch Item Maintenance (IMB) program to the Forecast Maintenance (MSF) program.
See Overview: Forecasting for other forecasting methods.
This topic has these subtopics:
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Selective Updates
Forecast Update processes items only if you selected the Update in MFU? field in an item's record in the Branch Item Maintenance (IMB) program. This allows you to selectively update forecasts for some items and exclude others.
You can use the Forecast Update Selection (MFM) program to enable or disable this field for an item, range of items, certain product classes, or other selection criteria.
If you selected Update in MFU? field, Forecast Update replaces an existing forecast with a new forecast.
New Forecast Quantities
You can forecast by month, week, or a template that you set up with the Forecast Period Maintenance (MST) program.
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If you forecast by |
The program |
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Month |
Transfers the quantity in the New forecast field to each forecast period |
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Week |
Distributes the quantity in the New forecast field, using this formula: (New forecast x 7) / 30 For example, if the New forecast is 50, the weekly forecast is 12. 50 x 7 = 350 |
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Template |
Distributes the quantity in the New forecast field, using this formula: (New forecast x Days in period) / 30 For example, if the New forecast is 50 and there are 6 days per period, the weekly forecast is 10. 50 x 6 = 300 |
The Spread forecast field in the Branch Item Maintenance program has no bearing on the Forecast Update program.
Forecast Periods
Ext fcst by mo is the number of calendar months that you want to extend the forecast. In other words, if you enter 6, and you select 06/01/2009 for the Select beginning date Program option, the system creates forecast periods through 12/01/2009.
However, if you are forecasting by template, the number of periods you enter must be set up in the Forecast Period Maintenance (MST) program. For example, if you enter 24 but the last period in Forecast Period Maintenance is 08/28/2009 to 09/03/2009, that is the last forecast period. Forecast Update does not create new periods for your template.
Clearing a Forecast
If you want to clear the current forecast for an item and forecasts for all subsequent periods, enter 0 in either the New forecast or Ext fcst by mo field in the Branch Item Maintenance (IMB) program and select the Update in MFU? field. When you run Forecast Update, the program removes that item's current forecast unless there are independent sales for the period. It removes all future forecasts.
Family Forecasts
For family forecast items (order code 0, bypass code 4), Forecast Update creates a forecast for the family and its members. If the New forecast for the family is 200, Forecast Update updates the independent-forecast the same way it does for finished goods and configured products. Forecast Update also updates the Family qty column for family members based on their popularity (forecast factor). If you entered .35 in the Configured Product Maintenance (MBM) program for an item, its forecast quantity is 70.