Create a Forecast

You can make predictions about the future performance of your business based on past data by using one of these time series forecasting methods: trend, growth, or autoregression.

Calculated values can appear as na, or in scientific notation (for example, 1.7976931348623158e+308). If the values appear as na, IBM® Cognos® PowerPlay® does not have appropriate values on which to base a forecast. If the value appears in scientific notation, the result is larger than 15 digits.

Procedure

  1. Right-click a time category in your crosstab display or graphic display, and then click Insert Calculation.
  2. In the Operation type box, select Financial.
  3. From the Forecast Method list, select the forecasting method you want to use.
  4. In the Forecast Horizon box, type the number of time periods to forecast.
  5. Click OK.

Results

Tips
  • To change the label of a calculation, right-click the label and click Rename Calculation. Type the new label in the Calculation Name box and click OK
  • To see the forecasting method that was used, right-click the label, and click Explain.