SAS Forecast Server

SAS Forecast Server is a forecasting software solution offered by SAS Institute Inc. According to the vendor, it is designed to automatically generate high-quality forecasts for organizations of all sizes. The software aims to provide users with easy access to powerful forecasting capabilities without the need for manual coding. SAS Forecast Server is targeted at various professions and industries, including business analysts, forecasting analysts, demand planners, supply chain managers, and retailers.

Key Features

Easy-to-use GUI: According to the vendor, SAS Forecast Server offers a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to access powerful forecasting capabilities through point-and-click functionality. The software is designed to be intuitive and does not require users to have knowledge of SAS programming.

Scalability & modeling: The vendor claims that SAS Forecast Server supports ongoing and repeatable forecasting processes throughout an organization, making it suitable for large-scale forecasting. The software is said to be capable of modeling a wide range of behaviors and scenarios.

Automatic outlier detection: According to the vendor, SAS Forecast Server automatically examines the historical data of each item being forecasted and identifies outliers and shifts. It adjusts subsequent forecasts to account for these anomalies, aiming to improve the accuracy of the forecasts.

Interactive time series exploration & analysis: The vendor states that SAS Forecast Server provides a graphical user interface for exploring and analyzing large volumes of time series data. This feature is said to help users gain insights, understand patterns and trends, and make informed decisions based on the analysis.

Automatic forecasting: According to the vendor, SAS Forecast Server automatically determines the most suitable forecasting models for historical data. It generates an appropriate model for each item being forecasted and optimizes model parameters to improve forecast accuracy.

New project wizard: The vendor claims that SAS Forecast Server includes a user-friendly wizard that guides users through the setup process for a new forecasting project. It assists users in selecting data, assigning roles to variables, and setting up a forecasting hierarchy. The wizard also helps users select important automatic forecasting criteria.

Hierarchical forecast reconciliation: According to the vendor, SAS Forecast Server individually models and forecasts every series in the hierarchy. It reconciles forecasts across the full hierarchy using top-down, bottom-up, or middle-out reconciliation methods. This feature aims to provide a comprehensive view of forecasts at different levels of aggregation.

User override facility: The vendor states that SAS Forecast Server allows forecasters to incorporate their judgment or outside information into the forecasting process. Users can manually adjust the statistical forecast when necessary, giving them flexibility and control over the forecasting process.

Scenario analyzer: According to the vendor, SAS Forecast Server includes a scenario analyzer that allows planners to test what-if scenarios and analyze their impact on future demand. This feature is said to help users understand the potential effects of changes in pricing, promotions, or other factors, enabling more effective planning and decision-making based on different scenarios.