Kipu Analytics: Forecasting

The forecasting feature allows you to take current data and extrapolate, or forecast, future trends based on current information using machine learning. Forecasting automatically excludes outlines and imputes missing values. This feature is available on many line charts in the Analytics Dashboards.

Generate a Forecast

To begin, click on the three dots on the top right of the desired widget.

Set the desired forecast properties.

1. Forecast Length: Choose how far forward and backward you wish to gather data and forecast out to. You can set the Periods Backward to look for patterns to base the forecast on.
2. Prediction interval: Use the sliding scale or the number box to indicate the interval in which the observations will fit. Doing this changes how wide the band of possibility is around the predicted line.
3. Seasonality: Set the number of time periods involved in the predictable seasonal pattern of data. The range is 1–180, and the default setting is Automatic.
4. Forecast boundaries: Set a minimum and/or maximum forecast value to prevent forecast values from going above or below a specified value. For example, if your forecasting predicts the number of new hires the company will make in the next month to be in the negative numbers, you can set a forecast boundary minimum to zero. This stops the forecasted values from ever going below zero.
5. Forecast dividing line: If you choose to use this element, there will be a line indicating where the forecast data begins.

You can use as many of these elements as you wish. 

If your forecast contains multiple metrics, you can isolate one of the forecasts by selecting anywhere inside the orange band. When you do this, the other forecasts disappear. Select the isolated forecast band again to have them reappear.

Additionally, if you click on the push pin icon, you can view the Forecast properties widget and the dashboard charts side by side.

Use the Reset All button to clear all properties, and be sure to apply your changes.