Import forecast

The Forecast module is an extension of KanbanBOX that allows you to:

• import production or procurement forecasts into KanbanBOX based on historical data, market trends, and predictive analyses;
• share forecasts with suppliers to enhance collaboration;
• perform maintenance on owned kanban loops based on the imported forecasts.

The Import Forecast module therefore represents the operational starting point for using the Forecast module in KanbanBOX.

You can import forecast data into KanbanBOX via:

• Import with Excel (explained in this article)
• POST /forecast API

For the initial setup, it is recommended to import forecasts with Excel.

By importing forecasts, you can supply the Forecast module with the information needed to:

• create and manage one or more forecast scenarios;
• keep forecasts up to date over time through successive revisions;
• make forecasts available for consultation and sharing with suppliers.

For a complete overview of what the Forecast module is and what it offers, see the dedicated article: Forecast module

First steps to use the “Forecast” module

In the following steps, we will guide you step by step through the initial configuration of the Forecast module, from defining the fields to importing the data.

1. Definition of the fields used in forecast data
2. Import forecast data into KanbanBOX

Definition of the fields used in forecast data

Field	Description
Scenario	A set of multiple forecast data characterized by a specific trend. Each scenario represents a possible future evolution of demand (for example, realistic, optimistic, pessimistic) and can be compared with other scenarios within the Forecast module. It is possible to change the default scenario from Settings > Company settings.
Revision	Update version of each scenario. Revisions allow you to update forecasts while keeping a history of previous versions. To insert a new revision, the name must have a value different from the previous ones (for example, a progressive number or a date).
Time interval	The unit of time used to define the forecast data. The available time interval is the week.

How to import new forecast data

The forecast import action can be performed:

• to add new forecasts
• to update existing forecasts through a new revision

Procedure:

1. Go to Master data > Import > Forecast;
2. In the page Import forecast click import_forecasts_template.xlsx in the field Download Excel template: an Excel file will be downloaded, where you can enter the forecast data to be imported;
3. Open the Excel file forecasts.xlsx: the sheet Instructions will show a brief guide on how to enter the datam which must be entered in the sheet Forecasts;
4. Enter the forecast data to be imported following the data entry guide;
5. Save the Excel file (keeping the name forecasts.xlsx is not mandatory);
6. Go back to Master data > Import > Forecast;
7. In the field Excel file for forescast click on Choose file;
8. Select the file previously saved and click on Open to use it for the import;
9. In the field Scenario select the default scenario or create a new one, if necessary;
10. In the field Revision enter the name or number of the revision you want to import;
11. Click on Import forecast;

12. In the new screen, the data that is about to be imported will be represented. Pay particular attention to the last two columns:

    Field	Description
    Errors	If the import causes an error, the line will be placed at the top of the forecast list and the import of that prevision will not be finalized. You can know the error reason in this column.
    Action	Update: A forecast already exists for the component in the selected scenario, so it will be updated with the new data. Attention: the information relating to the forecasts of each component, when updated, will not be lost and the old revision will be deactivated Add new: a new forecast is inserted for the component.

13. Click on Import data in KanbanBOX to finalize the import and be redirected to the table Forecast as owner.

How to fill in the forecast import sheet

For each row, a forecast will be added for each component in the specified week and for the specific scenario.

Rule to be followed when entering the data

• Do not change the sheet name "Forecasts", otherwise it will not be considered during the import;
• Do not change the name of the fields, otherwise they will not be considered during the import;
• During the import a trim of the values ​will be made ​(all the spaces at the beginning and at the end of string will be eliminated);
• Additional sheets will not be considered during the import;
• Additional columns will not be considered during the import;
• Any missing columns will not be taken into account for import purposes;
• The ordering of the columns will not be a constraint;
• Cells must not contain formulas. Cells must not contain formulas. If the cell is empty, the current value will be replaced with empty or null.