Forecasting Sales

Forecasting is a major function of the Sales Analysis module.  A forecast is a statement of anticipated sales which is used as an input tool for the analysis of past and/or expected sales performance.

Sales forecasts can be expressed as sales amounts (financial data), gross margin percentages (gross margin data), or quantities (statistical data).

There are five different types of sales forecasts:

·     Financial entity (or total location)

·     Product class

·     Customer class

·     Salesperson

·     Part number

A virtually unlimited number of forecasts can be maintained for each forecast type.  This means that multiple forecasts of each type (financial, gross margin, and statistical) can exist for each forecast year for each of the five forecast types.

The Sales Analysis module provides you with online maintenance and inquiry capabilities.  Sales forecasts can be created, modified, or deleted at any time by using Sales Forecast Maintenance.  The inquiry conversation will display three consecutive years of forecasts for any particular forecast type.

Related

• Entry and Maintenance Options
• Considerations