Introduction
You can use a time series or line chart to automatically predict future data values based on the data included in your chart definition.
Note
- The creation of a forecast requires a measure and a date dimension.
- Multiple measures can be used to compare predicted values across these measures.
- Coloring by dimensions can be used to compare predicted values across dimension values.
There are 3 Forecast options available which can be used depending on the data.
- Automatic Forecast: Performs a predictive forecast on the available data. With this option, you can specify how many forecast periods to display in the chart.
- Advanced Options: Enables you to select one of the following simulate forecasting scenarios:
- Linear Regression: This uses the Linear Regression algorithm for historical time series data to predict future values.
- Triple Exponential Smoothing: This uses the Triple Exponential Smoothing algorithm which accounts for seasonal changes and trends.
The chart will display the Predicted values and the Upper and lower limits for the confidence interval.
You can also use calculated measures, measure input controls, or additional measures from the current model as inputs when creating the forecast. This option is available only for Time Series charts.
Note
- Before you can create a forecast on a time series chart, using a remote model from an SAP HANA, SAP BW, SAP Universe or SAP S/4HANA system, your administrator must configure the following option: Enable Time Series Forecast and Smart Grouping on Live Data Models. The data will be processed on SAP servers. You cannot run forecasts on Line charts using remote models.
Procedure:
1
Go into Edit mode and click on Designer. In the Builder panel on the right side under Trend, select Line or Time Series.
2
Under Measures section, add one or more measures in the Left Y-Axis.
3
Under Dimensions section add the Date dimension.
4
You can choose to add a Color dimension. The default will be the Measure selected.
5
Select the Chart and on the right-hand corner of the chart widget, select the 3 dots (ellipses) -> + Add -> Forecast.
6
Select one of the following:
- Automatic Forecast: Once the forecast values are calculated, a Forecast link is displayed on the top left corner of the chart. Select the link to display the Forecast Periods slider for the number of displayed periods and the Forecast Quality for the configured data.
- Advanced Options: Choose one of the following advanced options for running your forecast:
A. Triple Exponential Smoothing: Select this option to run the forecast using the Triple Exponential Smoothing algorithm to account for seasonal changes as well as trends. Once the forecast is values are calculated, a Forecast link is displayed above the chart. Select the link to display a Forecast Periods slider for the number of displayed periods and the Forecast Quality for the configured data.
B. Linear Regression: Select this option to run the forecast using the Linear Regression algorithm for historical time series data to predict future values. Once the forecast is values are calculated, a Forecast link is displayed above the chart. Select the link to display a Forecast Periods slider for the number of displayed periods and the Forecast Quality for the configured data.
Results
The chart displays the forecast values based on the selection and the confidence interval for the forecast (shaded region on the right side of the chart with an Upper and Lower confidence level). To show or hide the confidence interval, select the ellipses (3 dots on the top right hand corner of the chart) -> Show/Hide -> Confidence Interval.
To see how well the predictive model matches with the historical data, select the ellipses (3 dots on the top right-hand corner of the chart) -> Show/Hide -> Past Period Forecast. A dashed line (originating from the first point of the forecast) depicts the predictive model applied to past periods.
