on 07-14-2012 6:24 PM
Hi,
Can any one pls tell me the differences between Statistical Forecasting, Constrained Forecasting and Unsconstrained Forecasting with an example.
Regards,
Kumar.
Kumar,
Consider a make-to-stock example. A packaged foods manufacturer supplies frozen meat products to retailers. For brevity, assume a single product and production capacity is limited by the raw material i.e. right animal (or bird) with respect age, weight, health, etc. There is a confirmed supply of 2500 kg of meat per month.
The sales demand (cleansed history) for past 3 months are as follows: (Comes from the sales history)
Category | April | May | June |
---|---|---|---|
Cleansed Sales history | 2400 | 2600 | 2500 |
Considering a simple moving average method to generate statistical forecast and a simple promotion to take advantage of the summer month's seasonal demand.
Category | July | Aug | Sept |
---|---|---|---|
Stat. Forecast | 2500 | 2533 | 2511 |
Promotion | 600 | 1000 | 500 |
Total unconstrained forecast | 3100 | 3533 | 3011 |
Since the available supply is only 2500 kg per month, the manufacturer has to look outside to meet the demand spikes (especially due to promotion). Assume the following confirmed capacity.
Confirmed Capacity | July | Aug | Sept |
---|---|---|---|
In-house production | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 |
External procurement | 450 | 600 | 511 |
Total confirmed capacity | 2950 | 3100 | 3011 |
Based on meat availability constraint, the total confirmed capacity shown above will be our constrained forecast that can be met by the production.
Category | July | Aug | Sept |
---|---|---|---|
Unconstrained Forecast | 3100 | 3533 | 3011 |
Constrained Forecast | 2950 | 3100 | 3011 |
Difference | 150 | 433 | 0 |
Since the difference is significant in July and Aug months, the manufacturer has to rework on the planned promotion for these two months.
I hope this simple example helps you to understand the business perspective of statistical, unconstrained, and constrained forecasts.
Thanks,
Rajesh
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