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Oracle® Demand Planning

User’s Guide

11i

May 2001

Part No. A86654-01

Oracle Demand Planning User’s Guide, 11i

Part No. A86654-01

Copyright © 2000, 2001 Oracle Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Contents

Send Us Your Comments ................................................................................................................. vii

Preface............................................................................................................................................................ ix

Oracle Demand Planning Documentation ....................................................................................... xConventions ............................................................................................................................... ............. xiDocumentation Accessibility ............................................................................................................. xii

1 Demand Planning Overview

About Oracle Demand Planning ..................................................................................................... 1-1The Demand Planning System ........................................................................................................ 1-3Demand Planning User Roles .......................................................................................................... 1-5

2 The Demand Planning Environment

Logging Into Demand Planning ...................................................................................................... 2-2Demand Planning Page ..................................................................................................................... 2-3Document Workspace ........................................................................................................................ 2-4Navigation List .................................................................................................................................... 2-7Notifications List .............................................................................................................................. 2-12Activity Log........................................................................................................................................ 2-13Online Help ....................................................................................................................................... 2-15Exiting Demand Planning............................................................................................................... 2-15

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3 Using Forecasts and Histories

Baseline Forecasts ............................................................................................................................... 3-1Personal Forecasts .............................................................................................................................. 3-4Histories .............................................................................................................................................. 3-11Personal Histories ............................................................................................................................. 3-11Working with Forecasts and Histories .......................................................................................... 3-14

4 Using Worksheets

About Worksheets............................................................................................................................... 4-2Creating Worksheets .......................................................................................................................... 4-5Selecting Data for Worksheets ......................................................................................................... 4-6Arranging and Viewing Data in Worksheets ................................................................................ 4-8Using Worksheets to Modify Data ................................................................................................ 4-11Formatting Worksheets ................................................................................................................... 4-11Saving Worksheets............................................................................................................................ 4-17Printing Worksheets ......................................................................................................................... 4-19Copying Data in Worksheets .......................................................................................................... 4-20Exporting Data from Worksheets................................................................................................... 4-20Submitting Final Forecasts from Worksheets ............................................................................. 4-21Working with Worksheets in the Navigation List ...................................................................... 4-24

5 Modifying Data in Worksheets

About Modifying Data ...................................................................................................................... 5-2Editing Cells............................................................................................................................... .......... 5-3Running a Statistical Forecast with New Parameters .................................................................. 5-6Copying and Pasting Data................................................................................................................. 5-7Locking Cells ..................................................................................................................................... 5-11Using Comments to Document Forecast Modifications ........................................................... 5-12Recalculating Data ............................................................................................................................ 5-13Resetting Data .................................................................................................................................. 5-15Saving Modifications ....................................................................................................................... 5-15

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6 Using Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

About Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs ................................................................................................ 6-2Creating Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs ............................................................................................ 6-6Selecting Data for Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs ........................................................................... 6-7Arranging and Viewing Data in Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs .................................................. 6-9Formatting Ad Hoc Reports ............................................................................................................ 6-13Formatting Ad Hoc Reports Based on Data Conditions ........................................................... 6-17Formatting Ad Hoc Graphs............................................................................................................. 6-22Saving Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs ............................................................................................. 6-24Printing Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs........................................................................................... 6-25Copying Data from Ad Hoc Reports ............................................................................................. 6-27Exporting Data from Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs .................................................................... 6-28Working with Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs in the Navigation List ....................................... 6-29

7 Using Predefined Reports

About Predefined Reports ................................................................................................................ 7-2Changing Settings for Predefined Reports.................................................................................... 7-5Viewing Data in Predefined Reports ............................................................................................. 7-8Printing Predefined Reports............................................................................................................. 7-9Copying Data from Predefined Reports....................................................................................... 7-11Exporting Data from Predefined Reports ................................................................................... 7-12Types of Predefined Reports .......................................................................................................... 7-13

8 Using Custom Objects

About Custom Measures ................................................................................................................... 8-2Defining Custom Measures .............................................................................................................. 8-2About Custom Aggregates ................................................................................................................ 8-6Defining Custom Aggregates ........................................................................................................... 8-6About Saved Selections ................................................................................................................... 8-10Defining Saved Selections .............................................................................................................. 8-10Working with Custom Objects in the Navigation List .............................................................. 8-15

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9 Selecting Data

About Selecting Data ......................................................................................................................... 9-2Selecting Values From a List ............................................................................................................. 9-3Selecting Values by Level.................................................................................................................. 9-6Selecting Values by Family Relationship ...................................................................................... 9-8Selecting Values by Attribute ......................................................................................................... 9-11Selecting Values that Match a Character String .......................................................................... 9-13Selecting Data by Value Condition ............................................................................................... 9-16Selecting Data that Meets a Measure Condition ........................................................................ 9-19Selecting Top and Bottom Values .................................................................................................. 9-23Selecting Time Values by Range .................................................................................................... 9-25Ordering Selected Values ................................................................................................................ 9-28Working with Saved Selections ..................................................................................................... 9-30

10 Using Folders

About Folders .................................................................................................................................... 10-1Creating and Populating Folders ................................................................................................... 10-3Maintaining Folders ......................................................................................................................... 10-4Working with Folders in the Navigation List.............................................................................. 10-5

11 Using Alerts

About Alerts ....................................................................................................................................... 11-1Defining Alerts.................................................................................................................................. 11-2Working with Alerts in the Navigation List .............................................................................. 11-11Working with Alerts in the Notifications List........................................................................... 11-13

A Forecast Options

Selecting Forecast Method ................................................................................................................ A-1Setting Forecast Levels....................................................................................................................... A-4Specifying an Allocation Rule ......................................................................................................... A-5

Glossary

Index

vii

Send Us Your Comments

Oracle Demand Planning User’s Guide, Release 11 i

Part No. A86654-01

Oracle Corporation welcomes your comments and suggestions on the quality and usefulness of this document. Your input is an important part of the information used for revision.

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Preface

What this manual is aboutThe Oracle Demand Planning User’s Guide describes how to use Oracle Demand Planning.

Intended audienceThis manual is intended for planners and planning managers.

Structure of this documentThe Oracle Demand Planning User’s Guide is structured as follows:

■ Chapter 1 describes Oracle Demand Planning, explains the major activities within a demand planning cycle, and provides summary information about Demand Planning user responsibilities

■ Chapter 2 describes how to access, navigate, and exit the application

■ Chapter 3 describes how to work with forecasts and histories

■ Chapter 4 describes how to use worksheets to manipulate forecast and history data and submit final forecasts to the shared database

■ Chapter 5 describes the techniques you can use to modify forecast and history data

■ Chapter 6 describes how to use ad hoc reports and graphs to view forecast and history data

■ Chapter 7 describes how to use predefined reports

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■ Chapter 8 describes how to define and use custom measures, custom aggregates, and saved selections

■ Chapter 9 describes the tools and techniques that are available for selecting and sorting data

■ Chapter 10 describes how to create and use document folders to organize your work

■ Chapter 11 describes how to define and use alerts

■ An appendix provides details about forecast methods, levels, and allocation rules

■ A glossary provides definitions for statistical terms and terms commonly used within the application

Oracle Demand Planning Documentation

Online HelpDemand Planning online help provides detailed procedural information. You can access help in the following ways:

■ By choosing the Help button on a toolbar

■ By choosing the Help button in a dialog box

Related documentationThis manual is part of a set of documentation, which also includes the following printed documents:

■ Oracle Demand Planning Installation and Configuration Guide — Provides information for an administrator who is responsible for installing and setting up Oracle Demand Planning

■ Oracle Advanced Supply Chain and Oracle Global ATP Server Implementation Manual — Provides information for a system administrator who sets up the Advanced Supply Chain Planning application, including Oracle Demand Planning

■ Oracle Advanced Supply Chain Planning and Oracle Global ATP Server User’s Guide — Provides procedural information for users of the Oracle Advanced Supply Chain Planning application

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■ Oracle Express Server Installation and Configuration Guide for HP 9000 Series HP-UX — Explains how to install and configure Oracle Express Server (hereinafter referred to as Express server) on an HP 9000 Series HP-UX server

■ Oracle Express Server Installation and Configuration Guide for Sun SPARC Solaris — Explains how to install and configure Express server on a Sun SPARC Solaris server

■ Oracle Express Server Installation and Configuration Guide for NT — Explains how to install and configure Express server on an NT server

■ Oracle Express Web Products Installation Guide — Explains how to configure the server-side components of an Express Web Agent or Express Web Publisher installation

Conventions

Text conventionsYou will find the following text conventions in this document.

Convention Usage

Boldface text Indicates menu items, command buttons, options, field names, and hyperlinks.

Bold text is also used for notes and other secondary information in tables (for example, Result).

Fixed-width text Indicates operating system commands. Also indicates examples and anything that you must type exactly as it appears.

Italic text Indicates variables, including variable text. Variable text is used when dialog boxes or their components are unlabeled or have labels that change dynamically based on their current context. The wording of variable text does not exactly match what you see on your screen.

Italic type is also used for emphasis, for new terms, and for titles of documents.

UPPERCASE text Indicates Express commands and objects and acronyms.

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Mouse usageUse the left mouse button unless you are specifically instructed to use the right mouse button.

The term “left mouse button” refers to the dominant button. If you have reconfigured your mouse to reverse the functions of the left and right buttons, then you will need to use the reverse button when you follow the procedures in this manual.

Formats for key combinations and sequencesKey combinations and key sequences appear in the following formats.

Documentation AccessibilityOracle’s goal is to make our products, services, and supporting documentation accessible to the disabled community with good usability. To that end, our documentation includes features that make information available to users of assistive technology. This documentation is available in HTML format, and contains markup to facilitate access by the disabled community. Standards will continue to evolve over time, and Oracle is actively engaged with other market-leading technology vendors to address technical obstacles so that our documentation can be accessible to all of our customers. For additional information, visit the Oracle Accessibility Program web site at http://www.oracle.com/accessibility/.

IF you see the format . . . THEN . . .

Key1+Key2, press and hold down the first key while you press the second key.

Example: “Press Alt+Tab” means to press and hold down the Alt key while you press the Tab key.

Key1, Key2, press and release the keys one after the other.

Example: “Press Alt, F, O” means to press and release the Alt key, press and release the F key, then press and release the O key.

Demand Planning Overview 1-1

1Demand Planning Overview

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes Oracle Demand Planning, explains the major activities in the demand planning cycle, and provides summary information about Demand Planning user responsibilities.

List of topicsThis chapter includes the following topics:

■ About Oracle Demand Planning

■ The Demand Planning System

■ Demand Planning User Roles

About Oracle Demand Planning

What is Oracle Demand Planning?Oracle Demand Planning enables organizations to produce unconstrained forecasts for future demand and to generate tactical, operational, and strategic business plans. Demand Planning captures and processes information from multiple sources and consolidates demand so that it can be summarized by item, product line, region, time, and organization.

As an integrated module within Oracle’s Advanced Planning and Scheduling application, output from Demand Planning is used to drive the supply chain planning process. Demand Planning integrates with Oracle Workflow, and supports control mechanisms based on an event or calendar.

About Oracle Demand Planning

1-2 Oracle Demand Planning User’s Guide

Key features of Oracle Demand PlanningThe following list highlights the features of Oracle Demand Planning:

■ Supports Internet-based collaboration between users in various locations and departments. The collaborative capabilities ensure global visibility and provide tools for adjusting system generated forecasts based on judgement.

■ Incorporates a best-of-breed statistical forecasting engine: Geneva Forecasting™ from Roadmap Technologies. Developed specifically for demand forecasting applications, this engine has multiple forecasting methods (linear and non-linear regression, variations of exponential smoothing), efficient parameter search and outlier detection algorithms, and a rule based system for automatic best fit forecasts based on time and frequency domain analysis and predefined decision rules generated from cross-client studies.

■ A user interface that supports multiple views of the data, rotation, drill down, and aggregation. An Internet-based analytic database, Oracle Express, serves as the back end and provides data manipulation and analytic capabilities at multiple levels within multiple hierarchies. Custom measure and custom aggregate definitions support flexible modeling and analysis.

■ Capabilities for forecast reconciliation at multiple levels such as top-down, bottom-up, and middle-out strategies, and consolidation of forecasts generated by individual planners.

■ Ad hoc reporting and graphing as well as system generated reports. Reports can be created on the fly; updates are automatic; and currency or measure conversions are handled. Data can be exported to a spreadsheet file format.

■ Creates a knowledge base by maintaining planners’ comments and audit trails. Supports reason codes for forecast modifications.

■ Capabilities for modeling events such as product introductions, product cannibalization, and product phaseouts.

■ Provides feedback to planners through performance monitoring, exception reporting, comparative reports, and user-defined alert mechanisms.

The Demand Planning System



Description of planning cycle activities

Data is downloaded to the shared database from the Planning ServerAt the beginning of a forecasting cycle, data is downloaded from the Planning Server to the shared database. The Planning Server is a source of integrated data that can include the following:

■ Forecast data from Sales, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or third party at any aggregate level

■ Historical data at the lowest aggregate level (e.g., SKU)

■ Data from an external source, such as customer data

Demand Planning generates and distributes baseline forecastsThe Demand Planning system generates a statistical forecast for each scenario that is associated with the demand plan. The forecasts are governed by rules that the Demand Planning administrator defines for forecasting levels, allocation method, and forecasting method. This forecast serves as the initial estimate of demand.

Baseline forecast data are distributed to individual planners, based on assignments that the Demand Planning administrator defines. For example, a planner who is responsible for forecasting demand for Brand 1 and Brand 2 in City A, City B, and City C, will see baseline forecasts for these values, while another planner will see baseline forecasts for another data set.

Planners analyze and modify forecastsIndividual planners use worksheets to review and modify the baseline forecast numbers. A planner can adjust the data in a number of ways, select different data values, or change the forecasting parameters. He or she can also copy and paste data. As planners work, they can use ad hoc reports and graphs and predefined reports to visualize data and perform what-if analyses.

Planners submit final forecastsPlanners submit their final forecast values to the shared database. If a demand plan includes multiple scenarios, planners submit a forecast for each scenario.



Planning manager reviews forecastsThe planning manager reviews the numbers that have been submitted to the shared database by individual planners. He or she might make further judgemental adjustments.

Data is uploaded to the Planning ServerFollowing the planning manager’s review, forecast data is uploaded to the Planning Server.

Planning Server publishes forecasts to the source instanceThe forecast data is published from the Planning Server to the source instance. This integrates the final estimate of demand into the transaction system.

Users get feedbackOracle Demand Planning includes a variety of tools that provide feedback and monitoring results at various stages of the demand planning process:

■ Users can generate exception reports based on a variety of parameters

■ Users can run reports to check forecast accuracy or set up alerts that will notify them of specific events

■ Users can compare actual results against forecasts, or compare forecasts for various scenarios against one another

■ Users can refer back to reports, graphs, and worksheets that they have saved in their personal database

Demand Planning uses Express databasesOracle Demand Planning uses OLAP technology, storing data in multi-dimensional Express variables. The database that receives downloads from the Planning Server at the beginning of a planning cycle and uploads forecast information to the Planning Server at the end of the planning cycle is known as the shared Express database. The databases in which individual planners do their forecasting and analysis work are known as personal Express databases.

Demand Planning User Roles


Demand Planning data flowThe following diagram illustrates the Demand Planning data flow. As the planning cycle starts, data moves from the Planning Server to the shared Express database. Based on predefined data assignments, data is distributed from the shared database to planners’ personal databases. As the planning cycle concludes, data moves from users’ personal databases to the shared database. The consolidated forecast is uploaded from the shared database to the Planning Server.


About user rolesOracle Demand Planning supports the following user roles:

■ System administrator

■ Demand Planning administrator

■ Planning manager

■ Planner



System administrator roleThe system administrator is responsible for the overall administration of Demand Planning. He or she performs the following tasks:

■ Sets up Demand Planning users and responsibilities in Oracle Applications.

■ Maintains forms in Oracle Applications that associate Demand Planning responsibilities with specific demand plans and with Demand Planning users.

■ Sets up and maintains the Oracle Application forms that store information about each demand plan, including the scenarios associated with the plan and the location of the plan. Also sets up and maintains the forms that govern data collection and publishing.

Demand Planning administrator roleThe Demand Planning administrator is the individual who is responsible for a demand plan. The Demand Planning administrator performs the following tasks:

■ Works with the system administrator to set up demand plans, Express databases, and data collection programs.

■ Sets parameters for the Demand Planning page, specifies the location of the Express databases, generates predefined reports, and defines data assignments for planners. Also provides the parameters for each baseline forecast including forecast method, forecast level, and allocation method.

■ Manages and tracks planning activities such as downloading data from the Planning Server, generating baseline forecasts and distributing data to planners, collecting data from planners, and uploading final demand plans to the Planning Server.

■ Defines general alerts for exception conditions.

Planning manager roleThe planning manager is responsible for reviewing consolidated forecasts in the shared database. Using personal judgement and business experience, he or she can adjust planners’ final forecast values. The planning manager works directly in the shared database. He or she is the only person who gets a view of the entire data without any restriction or scoping. This role is useful for review by a knowledgeable forecaster, group consensus, or upper management.



Planner roleThe planner is responsible for analyzing and forecasting demand in an assigned data segment. The planner works in his or her personal database, reviewing baseline forecasts and perhaps modifying data in accordance with judgement. When the estimate of demand is complete, the planner submits a forecast for each scenario to the shared database.

Process flow and user rolesThe following illustration shows how demand planning roles relate to the process flow.

The Demand Planning Environment 2-1

2The Demand Planning Environment

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes how to access, navigate, and exit Oracle Demand Planning.


■ Logging Into Demand Planning

■ Demand Planning Page

■ Document Workspace

■ Navigation List

■ Notifications List

■ Activity Log

■ Online Help

■ Exiting Demand Planning

Logging Into Demand Planning


Logging Into Demand Planning

Procedure: Logging inTo log into Oracle Demand Planning, follow these steps:

1. In your Web browser, enter the URL for Oracle Applications. Your system administrator should provide this information.

Result: The Oracle Applications login window appears.

2. Enter your user name and password and choose Connect.

3. If you have multiple user roles, a list of roles appears. Select Demand Plan Manager or Demand Planner.

4. If there is more than one demand plan, a list of plans appears. Choose a plan, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Start Demand Planning.

Result: The Demand Planning page appears.

Login tipsFollowing are some guidelines for logging in:

■ Ensure that Java and JavaScript are enabled for your browser. Also ensure that cookies are enabled.

■ If the system prompts you to download files to your machine for local storage, accept the files. This will enable the browser to load Web files only once.

■ If you encounter errors, try clearing your browser’s cache and restarting the browser.

■ Bookmark your start page for easy access.

■ Maximize your browser window. This ensures that the application will run at full size.

■ Change settings for optimum screen resolution

■ If you will be using a language other than English, ensure that your browser is set to that language. The browser’s language setting determines the language in which the application is displayed.

Note: Sessions have a maximum idle time. Your session will terminate automatically if it is idle for this time period.

Demand Planning Page


Demand Planning Page

Description: Demand Planning pageThe Demand Planning Page is comprised of two frames: the document workspace in the right frame and the navigation list and notifications list in the left frame.

Example: Demand Planning pageThe following illustration shows the Demand Planning page.

Document Workspace


Document Workspace

Types of documentsDemand Planning enables you to work with the following types of documents:

■ Worksheets — Display forecast and history data in tabular format and enable you to modify data and submit final forecasts to the shared database. For information about worksheets, see Chapter 4 and Chapter 5.

■ Ad hoc reports — Display forecast and history data in tabular format. For information about ad hoc reports, see Chapter 6.

■ Ad hoc graphs — Display forecast and history data in graphical format. For information about ad hoc graphs, see Chapter 6.

■ Predefined reports — “Packaged” documents that run predefined analysis. For information about predefined reports, see Chapter 7.

How documents are displayedWhen you open a document or create a new document, it is displayed in the document workspace. You can view a single document, or you can view a worksheet and another type of document at the same time. When you view two documents simultaneously, the worksheet occupies the topmost position.

Customizing the document workspaceYou can adjust the horizontal and vertical aspects of the document workspace on the Demand Planning page.

Adjusting the horizontal workspaceAdjust the horizontal aspect of the document workspace as follows:

■ Use the Minimize button at the top of the navigation list to maximize the horizontal workspace.

The current document or documents will expand horizontally and overlay the navigation list and the Notifications list.

Document Workspace


■ Use the restore button at the top of the navigation list to restore the default width of the workspace.

Adjusting the vertical workspace When a single document is open, that document occupies the entire vertical workspace. When two documents (a worksheet and a report or graph) are open, the documents share the vertical workspace.

Adjust the vertical aspect of a shared document workspace as follows:

■ Use the maximize button at the top of a document to enlarge that document.

The maximized document will overlay the other document.

■ Use the minimize button at the top of an expanded document to minimize that document.

The other document will now overlay the minimized document.

■ Use the restore button at the top of a document to restore the two-document view.

Document Workspace


Example: Two documents in workspaceThe following illustration shows the Demand Planning page. In this example, a worksheet and an ad hoc report share the document workspace. The navigation list and the notifications list are visible.

Navigation List


Example: Single document in expanded workspaceThe following illustration shows the Demand Planning page. In this example, a single document, in this case a worksheet, occupies the entire horizontal and vertical workspace. The navigation list and the notifications list are not visible.

Navigation List

Description: Navigation listThe navigation list, located in the upper left of the Demand Planning page, enables you to work with Demand Planning objects such as documents, document folders, forecasts, histories, custom measures, custom aggregates, saved selections, and alerts.

The navigation list displays objects that you have created and saved. It also displays baseline forecasts and histories, system folders, and predefined reports that have been set up by the Demand Planning administrator.

Navigation List


Example: Navigation listThe following illustration shows a portion of a sample navigation list.

Navigation toolsThe Navigation toolbar appears at the top of the navigation list. The toolbar buttons enable you to perform the following tasks.

Button Name Function

New Create a new document (ad hoc report, ad hoc graph, worksheet), or a new object (personal forecast, personal history, custom measure, custom aggregate, saved selection, personal document folder, alert).

Note: Only planners can create personal forecasts and histories.

Find Search for an object by name. You can search the entire navigation list or you can limit the search to documents, custom measures, forecasts, histories custom aggregates, saved selections, or alerts.

Navigation List


Delete Delete a personal document (ad hoc report, ad hoc graph, worksheet) or object (personal forecast, personal history, custom measure, custom aggregate, saved selection, document folder, alert).

Note: Only planners can delete personal forecasts and histories.

Import Data Import data into a forecast.

Activity Log View the Activity Log for your assignment.

Exit Exit Demand Planning.

Help Access Oracle Demand Planning HTML Help.


Navigation List


Navigation list objectsThe following table illustrates the objects that might appear in your navigation list. The table also lists the commands that are accessible when you right-click an object.

Object Description Right-click Commands

Documents folder New ReportNew GraphNew WorksheetPaste New FolderFind Documents

Personal (user-defined) document folder

RenameDeletePasteFind DocumentsProperties

Personal (user-defined) ad hoc report

OpenRenameDeleteCutCopyPasteProperties

Personal (user-defined) ad hoc graph

OpenRenameDeleteCutCopyPaste Properties

Personal (user-defined) worksheet OpenRenameDeleteCutCopyPasteProperties

Predefined reports folder Find DocumentsProperties

Navigation List


Predefined report (set up by the Demand Planning administrator)

OpenProperties

Custom measures folder New Custom MeasureFind Custom Measures

Personal (user-defined) custom measure

EditRenameDeleteProperties

Custom aggregates folder New Custom AggregateFind Custom Aggregates

Custom aggregates dimension folder

New Custom AggregateFind Custom Aggregates

Personal (user-defined) custom aggregate


Saved selections folder New Saved SelectionFind

Saved selections dimension folder New Saved SelectionFind

Personal (user-defined) saved selection


Alert notifications folder New AlertFind Alerts


Notifications List


Notifications List

Description: Notifications list An alert is an exception condition that generates an e-mail to specified users when the condition has been met. The notifications list displays alerts for your attention.

For more information about alerts, see Chapter 11

Personal (user-defined) alert notification

EditDisable/EnableRunRenameDeleteProperties

Forecasts folder New Forecast (planners only)Find Forecasts

Baseline forecast ViewProperties

User-defined (personal) forecast

Note: Only planners see this object

ViewRename DeleteProperties

Histories folder New History (planners only)Find Histories

History for the baseline forecast ViewProperties

User-defined (personal) history

Note: Only planners see this object

ViewRenameDeleteProperties


Activity Log


Example: Notifications listThe following illustration shows the notifications list. In this example, the list displays a single notification.

Activity Log

About the Activity logThe activity log enables you to view a list of time-stamped activities that are related to your data assignment. The Activity log documents the following events:

■ Logging in and out

■ Recalculating data

■ Saving documents

■ Submitting data

■ Creating a comment

■ Creating a forecast or history

Viewing the activity logTo view the activity log, click the Activity Log button on the navigation toolbar.

Activity Log


Sorting the activity logBy default, activity log events are sorted in ascending order by time. You can modify this to sort activities by user or by comment. You can also change the sort order from ascending to descending:

■ To change the sort type, click the header for the desired sorting column. For example, to sort by Comment, click the word “Comment.”

■ To reverse the sort order, click the column header again.

Example: Activity logThe following illustration shows an activity log. In this example, the log is sorted by time.

Exiting Demand Planning


Online Help

Accessing helpUse the Help button, located on the navigation toolbar, to access the Oracle Demand Planning HTML Help system.

When a document is open, you can also click the Help button on the document toolbar.

Displaying Help for a specific taskEach function includes a Help button. Click this button to view instructions for the task at hand.

Printing HelpYou can use your browser’s print function to print Help files.


Procedure: Exiting Demand PlanningTo exit Demand Planning, click the Close button on the Navigation toolbar.

Alternatively, you can click the browser’s Close button (X), located in the upper right corner of the screen.

What happens when you exit Demand PlanningExiting Demand Planning terminates the application. If you have modified an open document or custom object, you will be prompted to save it.

Using Forecasts and Histories 3-1

3Using Forecasts and Histories

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes how to work with forecasts and histories in Oracle Demand Planning.


■ Baseline Forecasts

■ Personal Forecasts

■ Histories

■ Personal Histories

■ Working with Forecasts and Histories

Baseline Forecasts

Description: Baseline forecastsBaseline forecasts are statistical estimates of demand. There is a baseline forecast for each scenario in the demand plan. If any events such as product introductions and promotions are associated with the scenario in the Planning Server, the baseline forecast includes the event uplift factor.

The history type and history date range for baseline forecasts are set up for each scenario in the Planning Server. The statistical forecasting method, forecast levels, and allocation rule are set up by the Demand Planning Administrator.

Baseline Forecasts


How baseline forecasts display

Baseline forecasts appear in the navigation listBaseline forecasts are displayed in the Forecasts folder in the navigation list. There is one forecast for each scenario in the demand plan.

Baseline forecast measures appear in the measure selection listWhen you select data for reports, graphs, and worksheets, you choose measures from a selection list. A baseline forecast generates the following measures for each scenario:

■ Baseline Forecast: Scenarionumber, Quantity — Editable version of the baseline forecast for quantity. If events have been associated with the scenario in the Planning Server, the measure is equal to Scenarionumber, Event Quantity. If events have not been associated with the scenario, the measure is equal to Scenarionumber, Statistical Quantity. Note that if you edit the measure, the event uplift is eliminated.

■ Baseline Forecast: Scenarionumber, Amount — Editable version of the baseline forecast for quantity times price. If events have been associated with the scenario in the Planning Server, the measure is equal to Scenarionumber, Event Amount. If events have not been associated with the scenario, the measure is equal to Scenarionumber, Statistical Amount. Note that if you edit the measure, the event uplift is eliminated.

■ Scenarionumber, Statistical Quantity — Non-editable version of the baseline forecast for quantity. Generated from history using statistical time series methods and a selected forecast level followed by allocation and aggregation.

■ Scenarionumber, Statistical Amount — Non-editable version of the baseline forecast for quantity times price. Generated from history using statistical time series methods and a selected forecast level followed by allocation and aggregation..

Baseline Forecasts


Informational measures for baseline forecast appear in the measure selection listA baseline forecast generates the following informational measures for each scenario:

■ Scenarionumber, Forecast Method — Non-editable text measure that displays the method used to generate the baseline forecast.

■ Scenarionumber, Forecast Parameters — Non-editable text measure that displays the parameter values used to generate the baseline forecast.

■ Scenarionumber, MAD — Non-editable measure that quantifies Mean Absolute Deviation for the baseline forecast at the forecast level.

■ Scenarionumber, MAPE — Non-editable measure that quantifies Mean Absolute Percentage Error for the baseline forecast at the forecast level.

■ Scenarionumber, RMSE — Non-editable measure that quantifies Root Mean Squared Error for the baseline forecast at the forecast level.

Event measures might appear in the measure selection listIf events such as product introductions, product cannibalizations, and product phaseouts have been defined and associated with a scenario in the Planning Server, the baseline forecast generates the following measures:

■ Scenarionumber, Event Quantity — Non-editable measure that applies the event uplift factor to statistical quantity.

■ Scenarionumber, Event Amount — Non-editable measure that applies the event uplift factor to statistical amount (quantity times price).

Dependent demand measures might appear in the measure selection listIf dependent demand has been enabled in the Planning Server, the baseline forecast generates the following measures:

■ Scenarionumber, Dependent Demand — Non-editable measure that quanitifies dependent demand for quantity based on the planning Bill of Materials (BOM).

■ Scenarionumber, Total Demand — Non-editable measure that totals dependent demand and baseline quantity. Based on both independent demand (demand as an end item) and dependent demand based on the planning Bill of Materials (BOM).

■ Scenarionumber, Other Dependent Demand — Non-editable measure that quantifies dependent demand for products that are not in your assignment.

Personal Forecasts


Personal Forecasts

Description: Personal forecastsPersonal forecasts (also referred to as forecast variants) are user-defined objects that you can create to experiment with various data modifications. You can create a personal forecast by copying an existing forecast. You can also create a personal forecast by generating a new forecast using a forecast method of your choice. You can base a new forecast on a booking history, a shipping history, or a personal history.

Note: Only planners can create personal forecasts. Planning managers cannot perform this function.

Procedure: Creating a personal forecast by copying a forecastTo copy a forecast, follow these steps:

1. On the Navigation toolbar, click the New button

and choose New Forecast from the popup menu.

Alternatively, you can right-click Forecasts in the navigation list and choose New Forecast from the popup menu.

Result: A dialog box appears, prompting you to specify whether you want to copy an existing forecast or create a new forecast.

2. Choose Copy Forecast.

Result: The Copy Forecast dialog box appears.

3. In the Copy Forecast dialog box, enter a name for the forecast (up to 70 characters), and select the forecast to copy from.

4. Choose OK to copy the forecast.

Personal Forecasts


Procedure: Creating a personal forecast by generating a new forecastTo generate a new forecast, follow these steps:


and choose New Forecast from the popup menu.

Alternatively, you can right-click Forecasts in the navigation list and choose New Forecast from the popup menu.

Result: A dialog box appears, prompting you to specify whether you want to copy an existing forecast or create a new forecast.

2. Choose Create Forecast.

Result: The Create Forecast dialog box appears. There are tabs for Forecast Properties, Forecast Method, Forecast Levels, and Allocation Rule.

3. Choose the Forecast Properties tab and proceed as follows:

a. In the Name box, enter a name for the new forecast (up to 70 characters).

b. In the Scenario box, select the scenario for which you are creating the forecast.

Note: If the forecast has only a single scenario, you cannot select a scenario.

c. The History box displays the booking or shipping history that was used to generate the baseline forecast. You can accept this history, or choose an alternate history.

Note: You can select a personal history. You will not be able to select a reference variable.

d. The From and To boxes display the historical time range that was used to generate the baseline forecast. You can accept the historical time period, or enter a starting time and an ending time that is a subset of the time range for the baseline forecast.

Personal Forecasts


4. Choose the Forecast Method tab to specify a forecasting method. The Method box displays the method used to generate the baseline forecast.

You can accept this method, or select an alternate method. If the method that you select requires parameter values, you can accept the default values or enter new values.

5. Choose the Forecast Levels tab to specify the levels at which the forecast should be generated for each dimension. The tab displays the levels at which the baseline forecast was generated.

You can accept the defaults, or select alternate levels as follows:

a. Click in the Level column for the dimension level that you want to change.

b. Select an alternate level.

c. Repeat the previous steps until your level selections are complete.

Note: If you change the default time level, then the forecast range values on the Forecast Properties tab will change accordingly.

6. Choose the Allocation Rule tab to specify an allocation rule. The tab displays the allocation rule that was used to generate the baseline forecast.

You can accept the default, or select an alternate allocation rule. If you select Allocate based on historical weights, you can accept the default value for number of periods, or choose a new value.

7. Choose OK on any tab to create the forecast.

Note: For information on forecast methods, forecast levels, and allocation rules see Appendix A.

What happens when you create a personal forecast?

Personal forecasts appear in the navigation listPersonal forecasts are displayed in the Forecasts folder in the navigation list.

The following illustration shows an open Forecasts folder in the navigation list. In this example, one baseline forecast (Baseline Forecast: Scenario 1) and two personal

Personal Forecasts


forecasts (Optimistic Forecast and Pessimistic Forecast) are displayed. Note that the original forecast and the personal variants have slightly different icons.

Personal forecast measures appear in the measure selection listWhen you select data for reports, graphs, and worksheets, you choose measures from a selection list. Creating a personal forecast adds, at minimum, two forecast measures to the list of available measures: one for quantity and one for amount (quantity times price). If dependent demand has been enabled in the Planning Server, you will see additional measures related to dependent demand. If events have been defined and associated with the scenario in the Planning Server, you will see additional measures related to events.

In the following example, the personal “Optimistic” forecast adds four measures to the list of available measures: Optimistic Forecast Quantity, Optimistic Forecast Amount, Optimistic Forecast Dependent Demand, and Optimistic Forecast Total

Personal Forecasts


Demand. The dependent demand measures indicate that dependent demand has been enabled in the Planning Server.

Importing data into personal forecastsAn import feature enables you “read” external data into a personal forecast. For example, you might use this feature to import a customer forecast.

General requirements for import fileAn import file must meet the following general requirements:

■ Data for each dimension must be consistent in terms of level. For example, time values must all be in days, or all in weeks, or all in months. You cannot import some time values in days and others in weeks or months.

■ Data must be within the time range of the target forecast.

Personal Forecasts


■ Data must have a consistent unit of measure (currency or amount) and must not be a negative number.

■ Data must have a display format that is consistent with the language setting for the browser.

Format requirements for import fileThe first record of an import file is the template record. The template record defines the format for all of the records that follow. The required format for the template record is as follows:

■ delimiter

■ space

■ delimiter

■ first dimension name

■ delimiter

■ second dimension name

■ delimiter

■ third dimension name

■ delimiter (if the data model has four dimensions)

■ fourth dimension name (if the data model has four dimensions)

■ end delimiter

Format requirements for all records after the template record are as follows:

■ value of the first dimension

■ delimiter

■ value of the second dimension

■ delimiter

■ value of the third dimension

■ delimiter

■ value of the fourth dimension (if the data model has four dimensions)

■ delimiter (if the data model has four dimensions)

Personal Forecasts


■ quantity or amount value

■ delimiter (if optional comment is included)

■ optional comment (not supported in this release)

Example: Import fileFollowing is an excerpt from a sample import file with four dimensions.

:: ::Time::Product::Organization::Geography31-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10430-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10529-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10628-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10727-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10826-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10925-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10024-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10123-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10222-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10321-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10420-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10519-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10618-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10717-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10816-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10915-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10014-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10113-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10212-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10311-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10410-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10509-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10608-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10707-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10806-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10905-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10004-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10103-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10202-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::10301-MAR-2000::CM25287::Boston Manufacturing::Vision-Boston::104

Personal Histories


Histories

Description: HistoriesHistories are the input data that has been used to generate the baseline forecasts. For example, Booking History: Date Booked and Shipping History: Date Shipped are histories.

Histories might also include reference variables such as Sales Forecast or Manufacturing Forecast.

How histories display

Histories appear in the navigation listIn the navigation list, histories are displayed in the Histories folder.

History measures appear in the measure selection listWhen you select data for reports, graphs, and worksheets, you choose measures from a selection list. In the Planning Server, a history for the baseline forecast is associated with either booking measures for quantity and amount (price times quantity) or shipping measures for quantity and amount (price times quantity). For example, if booking input is associated with a scenario, you would see the following history measures:

■ Booking History: Date Booked, Quantity

■ Booking History: Date Booked, Amount

If reference variables such as Manufacturing Forecast and Sales Forecast have been associated with the scenario, you will also see quantity measures for these variables.

Personal Histories

Description: Personal historiesPersonal histories are copies of baseline histories that you can create to experiment with new versions of history data for simulation and what-if analyses. You can base

Personal Histories


a personal history on a booking history, a shipping history, or on another personal history.

Note: Only planners can create personal histories. Planning managers cannot perform this function.

Procedure: Creating a personal historyTo create a personal history, follow these steps:


and choose New History from the popup menu.

Alternatively, you can right-click Histories in the navigation list and choose New History from the popup menu.

Result: The New History dialog box appears.

2. In the New History dialog box, enter a name for the history (up to 70 characters) and select a history on which to base the new history.

Note: You can choose a booking history, a shipping history, or another personal history. You will not be able to choose a reference variable such as Manufacturing Forecast.

3. Choose OK to create the history.

What happens when you create a personal history?

Personal histories appear in the navigation listIn the navigation list, personal histories are displayed in the Histories folder.

The following illustration shows an open Histories folder. In this example, one history for the baseline forecast (Booking History: Date Booked) and one personal

Personal Histories


history (Modified History) are displayed. Note that the original history and the personal variant have slightly different icons.

Personal history measures appear in the measure selection listWhen you select data for reports, graphs, and worksheets, you choose measures from a selection list. Creating a personal history adds a quantity measure for the history to the list of available measure selections.

Working with Forecasts and Histories


In the following example, creating a personal “Modified” history adds one history measure (Modified History, Quantity) to the list of available measures.


Viewing and modifying forecast and history data in worksheetsYou use worksheets to adjust editable forecast and history measures and submit final forecasts to the shared database.

Editable forecast measuresIn a worksheet, you can modify data for the following forecast measures:

■ Baseline Forecast, Quantity

■ Baseline Forecast, Amount



■ Personal Forecast (user-defined name), Quantity

■ Personal Forecast (user-defined name), Amount

If display formats are turned on for a worksheet, cells that contain data for these measures are pale gray in color.

Editable history measuresIn a worksheet, you can modify personal histories that you have copied from a booking or shipping history or from another personal history. If display formats are turned on for the worksheet, cells that contain data for these measures are pale gray in color.

When working with personal histories, you can edit a single cell at a time. You cannot use block edit tools or the paste function.

Non-editable forecast measuresIn a worksheet, the following forecast measures are read-only. You can view these measures, but you will not be able to edit their data:

■ Statistical Quantity — Copy of the baseline forecast for quantity. Generated from history using statistical time series methods and a selected forecast level followed by allocation and aggregation.

■ Statistical Amount — Copy of the baseline forecast for quantity times price. Generated from history using statistical time series methods and a selected forecast level followed by allocation and aggregation.

■ Event Quantity — Statistical quantity with event uplift factor applied.

■ Event Amount — Statistical quantity times price with event uplift factor applied.

■ Dependent Demand — Demand for dependent items based on the planning Bill of Materials (BOM).

■ Total Demand — Demand for items based on both independent demand (demand as an end item) and dependent demand, based on the planning Bill of Materials (BOM).

■ Other Dependent Demand — Dependent demand for products that are not in your assignment.

If display formats are turned on for the worksheet, cells that contain data for these non-editable measures are dark gray in color.



Non-editable history measuresIn a worksheet, all history measures that are not derived from a personal history are non-editable.

If display formats are turned on for the worksheet, cells that contain these non-editable measures are dark gray in color.

Non-editable informational measuresIn a worksheet, all informational measures are read-only and cannot be modified. These non-editable measures are as follows:

■ Forecast Method

■ Forecast Parameters

■ MAD

■ MAPE

■ RMSE

If display formats are turned on for a worksheet, cells that contain these non-editable measures are dark gray in color.

Related informationFor more information about using worksheets, see Chapter 4 and Chapter 5.

Viewing and analyzing forecast and history data in reports and graphsYou use ad hoc reports and graphs and predefined reports to display and analyze history and forecast data. For more information, see Chapter 6 and Chapter 7.

Working with forecasts and histories in the navigation listWithin the navigation list, you can create a personal forecast or history. You can also work with forecasts and histories as follows:

■ Search for a forecast or history

■ View information for a forecast or history

■ Delete a personal forecast or history (this function is only available to planners)



■ Rename a personal forecast or history (this function is only available to planners)

■ View the object properties of a forecast or history

Procedure: Searching for a forecast or historyTo search for a forecast or history in the navigation list, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the appropriate folder (Forecasts or History) in the navigation list and choose the Find option (Find Forecast or Find History) from the popup menu.

2. Enter a name or name fragment.

The search is case insensitive and will be limited to the selected folder.

Procedure: Viewing information for a forecast or historyTo view information about a forecast or history, double-click the object in the navigation list.

Alternatively, you can right-click the object and choose View from the popup menu.

For a forecast, the following information is displayed in a tabbed dialog box:

■ Forecast properties

■ Name

■ Scenario

■ If the forecast is a personal copy, the name of the forecast from which it was copied

■ Name of history on which the forecast is based

■ Historical time range on which the forecast is based

■ Forecast method and parameters

■ Forecast levels for all dimensions used by the forecast measure

■ Allocation rule

For a history, the following information is displayed:

■ Name

■ If the history is a personal copy, the name of the history from which it was copied



Procedure: Renaming a personal forecast or historyTo rename a personal forecast or history, right-click the object in the navigation list and choose Rename from the popup menu. Then type the new name.

Procedure: Deleting a personal forecast or historyTo delete a personal forecast or history, click the object in the navigation list and click the Delete button on the Navigation toolbar.

Alternatively, you can right-click the object in the navigation list and choose Delete from the popup menu.

In either case, the system will ask you to confirm the deletion.

Important: Before you delete a forecast or history, ensure that there are no saved reports, graphs, or alerts that reference it. Failure to do so can cause warning and errors to occur when you work with reports, graphs, or worksheets that contain these objects.

Procedure: Viewing properties for a forecast or historyTo view the object properties of a forecast or history, right-click the object in the navigation list and choose Properties from the popup menu.

The following information is displayed:

■ Name

■ Created

■ Modified

■ Class

Using Worksheets 4-1

4Using Worksheets

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes how to use worksheets in Oracle Demand Planning.


■ About Worksheets

■ Creating Worksheets

■ Selecting Data for Worksheets

■ Arranging and Viewing Data in Worksheets

■ Using Worksheets to Modify Data

■ Formatting Worksheets

■ Saving Worksheets

■ Printing Worksheets

■ Copying Data in Worksheets

■ Exporting Data from Worksheets

■ Submitting Final Forecasts from Worksheets

■ Working with Worksheets in the Navigation List

About Worksheets


About Worksheets

Description: WorksheetsWorksheets are documents that enable you to view and modify data, save your changes, and submit final forecasts to the shared database.You populate a worksheet with forecast and history measures and other dimension values. You can then modify editable values and submit your modifications to the shared database.

Example: WorksheetThe following illustration shows a sample worksheet.

Opening a worksheetWorksheets are displayed as objects in the navigation list, located in the left frame of your Web browser. Some worksheets might appear in individual folders, while others appear in the main Documents folder.

About Worksheets


To open a worksheet, double-click the document in the navigation list. Alternatively, you can right-click the document in the navigation list and choose Open from the popup menu.

Note: To search for a worksheet, right-click the main Documents folder or a specific document folder, choose Find Documents, and enter a name or name fragment. The search is case insensitive and will be limited to the selected folder.

Using the Document toolbar to work with worksheetsThe Document toolbar appears at the top of an open worksheet. The buttons enable you to perform the following functions:


Select Data Select values from a list and access various data selection tools. Also sort selections.

Apply Saved Selection

Replace current values in the worksheet with a saved selection of values.

Change Layout Change the layout of the worksheet.

Export Export data and labels from the worksheet to a comma delimited (.csv) or tab delimited (.txt) format.

Save As Save the worksheet and its data values.

Reset Data Reset the data in the worksheet to a previous status.

About Worksheets


Submit Data Submit forecasts to the shared database.

Note: Only planners see this function.

Copy to Clipboard

Copy selected data to the Windows clipboard or to a specified forecast or product.

Paste Paste data into a worksheet.

Format Document

Specify title, subtitle, and footnote text for the worksheet. Also select formats for data, rows, columns, and page labels.

Modify Selected Data

Use a variety of techniques to change data values in selected worksheet cells. You can also enter comments regarding changes and protect cells from future modifications.

Recalculate Recalculate the data in the worksheet.

Print Print the worksheet.

Help Display Oracle Demand Planning Help.


Creating Worksheets


Closing a worksheetTo close a worksheet, click its close button, located in the upper right corner.

If you have modified the worksheet, you will be prompted to specify whether you want to save the document.

Creating Worksheets

When to create a worksheetCreate a worksheet when you want to display and edit data. You can base a worksheet on the default worksheet or on any saved document.

The data, layout, and formatting of the worksheet initially reflect the document on which the worksheet is based. You can then customize the worksheet so that it displays exactly the data that you want to work with. You can also select layout and format options.

Procedure: Creating a worksheetTo create a worksheet, follow these steps:


and choose New Worksheet.

Alternatively, you can right-click Documents in the navigation list and choose New Worksheet from the popup menu.

Result: The New Worksheet dialog box appears.

2. If you have previously saved a document, choose one of the following:

■ Use default — Creates a worksheet that is based on the default worksheet

■ Based on — Creates a worksheet that is based on a selected document

Selecting Data for Worksheets


Note: If there are no saved documents, you do not have these options. The new worksheet will automatically be based on the default worksheet. For information about setting the default, see “About saving worksheets” on page 4-17.

3. Choose OK.

Result: The worksheet is displayed in the workspace. A generic name, such as “Document 1” appears above the document body.


What data elements can you select?You can specify the data elements that you want to include in a worksheet. You select measures and a set of dimension values for each dimension.

Dimension value and measure selections are saved with the document.

Measure selectionsA measure represents a data variable which is a placeholder for storing data values for all levels of all dimensions. You can select baseline forecast and history measures, as well as custom measures that you have defined. As a planner you can also select measures for personal forecasts and histories.

Dimension value selectionsA dimension is a database object that organizes and indexes the data, similar to a key in a relational database. For example, if you have data with values for various time periods, then the data has a Time dimension; that is, it is organized by time. Dimension values are the elements that make up a dimension. For example, a Time dimension might include dimension values for years, quarters, months, and weeks.

You can select any or all of the values that are available to you within a dimension, including custom aggregates that you have defined.



Data selection tools and techniquesUse the Select Data button on the Document toolbar to select values from a list, access tools that enable you select values by specific criteria, and sort your selections.

For information about specific data selection tools and techniques, see Chapter 9.

Shortcut: Define saved selectionsAs you select data, you can create saved selections of values and use them to replace the current values in an open worksheet.

For information about creating saved selections, see the following topics:

■ “Defining Saved Selections” on page 8-10

■ “Working with Saved Selections” on page 9-30

Procedure: Applying a saved selection to a worksheetTo apply a saved selection to a worksheet, follow these steps:

1. With the worksheet open in the workspace, click the Apply Saved Selection button on the Document toolbar.

Result: A list of dimensions for which one or more saved selections have been defined appears.

2. Select a dimension.

Result: The Apply Saved Selection dialog box appears. The Available box lists the saved selections for the dimension that you chose.

Arranging and Viewing Data in Worksheets


3. Choose a saved selection from the list.

4. Choose OK to apply the saved selection.

Result: The dimension values in the document change to reflect the saved selection.


Changing the worksheet layoutYou can rearrange the dimensions on the page of a worksheet to view your data in a different way. You can use the Change Layout button on the Document toolbar. Alternatively, you can change the layout by dragging and dropping row, column, and page selectors.

The layout is saved with the worksheet.

Using the Change Layout button to change the layout of a worksheetWith the document open in the workspace, click the Change Layout button on the Document toolbar.

This opens the Change Layout dialog box, where you can change the position of one or more dimensions. You can exchange one dimension with another, position a dimension before or after another dimension, or move a dimension to the row, column, or page edge of the worksheet.

Using drag and drop to change the layout of a worksheetYou can use the row, column, and page selectors to drag and drop dimensions to new locations in a worksheet. These selectors are located beside the row, column, and page labels and appear similar to a stoplight, as shown following.



If you drag a row, column, or page selector and drop it on another, or drag it to a new location, the dimension moves with the selector.

Following are some tips for dragging and dropping dimensions:

■ If you drag a dimension near another dimension and the dimension turns gray, this indicates that the two dimensions will exchange (swap) positions

■ If you drag a dimension and a black bar appears, this indicates that the dimension will be placed on the page edge

If expected rows do not displayRows that contain only NA or zero values are suppressed in the worksheet. It is therefore possible that a row that you expect to see might not appear. For example, assume that you position Time on the row edge of a worksheet, and select three Time values: October, November, and December. If there is no data for December, the worksheet will include rows for October and November, but no row for December.

Drilling through levels of data in a worksheetYou can view data at various levels by drilling within aggregate dimension values. For example, if a worksheet displays a geography that includes lower level values, you can “drill down” and expand the display to show component geographies. You can then “drill up” to re-aggregate the display.

You can drill a dimension value that is in the row or column position. A drill icon appears to the left of the dimension value name. The icon shape changes, depending on whether you can expand or collapse the value.

Drill status is saved with the worksheet.

Paging through a worksheetWorksheet data is displayed one page at a time. You can use the page control to page through a worksheet and display a page other that the one that is currently in



view. For example, the current page might show data for Total Product, but you can use the page control to select another product from the list and see its data.

Adjusting columns and rows in a worksheet You can change the size of rows and columns in a worksheet so that the information is easier to read. Row and column sizing is saved with the worksheet.

Procedure: Using drag and drop to adjust columns and rowsWith the worksheet open in the workspace, position the cursor on the border of a row or column label. When the cursor changes to a double arrow, click and move the border.

Procedure: Using Format options to adjust columns and rowsWith the document open in the workspace, click the Format Document tool on the Document toolbar.

Result: The Format Document dialog box appears.

Use the Rows tab to specify row sizing and the Columns tab to specify column sizing.

For more information about row and column sizing, see “Procedure: Formatting worksheet rows” on page 4-13 and “Procedure: Formatting worksheet columns” on page 4-13.

Formatting Worksheets


Using Worksheets to Modify Data

What data can you modify?You can use a worksheet to modify data for editable (read/write) baseline forecast measures. If your role is planner, you can also modify data for personal forecast measures and perform limited adjustments to data for personal histories.

For information about forecast and history measures, see Chapter 3. For information about modifying data, see Chapter 5.

Recommendation: Copy the original baseline forecastYou have the ability to directly modify the data values in a baseline forecast. However, once you save the worksheet, you will not be able to retrieve the original values in an editable format. For this reason, you might want to use a copy of the baseline forecast when you initially modify data. Alternatively, you could create a copy of the baseline and then work directly in the original.

Display formats denote data modificationsSpecial color, font, and background displays enable you to quickly identify editable cells, non-editable cells, and cells that have been modified as a result of editing, increasing, decreasing, filling, reforecasting, or pasting. There are also display formats that enable you to identify cells that have been commented or locked. Format settings, specific to each worksheet, enable you to turn the various display formats off and on.

For information about the types of display formats and how to turn them on and off within a worksheet, see “Procedure: Setting worksheet display formats” on page 4-15 and “Note: Turning off display formats” on page 4-16.


Worksheet format optionsWorksheet format options are as follows:

■ Data — Formats the data values in the body of the worksheet

■ Rows — Formats row label text and row size



■ Columns — Formats column label text and column size

■ Pages — Formats page label text

■ Display — Indicates whether predefined font and color formats will be displayed for editable cells, non-editable cells, modified cells, locked cells, and commented cells

■ Titles — Indicates whether a title, subtitle, and footnote will be displayed and provides the text for each element

Format selections are saved with the worksheet.

Procedure: Formatting worksheet dataTo format the data in the body of a worksheet, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, click the Format Document button on the Document toolbar.


2. Select the Data tab.

3. Choose one or more data format options:

■ Font properties — Select font name and size

■ Alignment — Specify the alignment for numeric values

4. Choose OK to apply your selections.

Result: The document is redisplayed. The data in the body of the worksheet has the specified formats.



Procedure: Formatting worksheet rowsTo format the rows in a worksheet, follow these steps:



2. Select the Rows tab.

3. Choose one or more row format options:

■ Font properties — Select font name and size

■ Alignment — Specify the alignment for row label text

■ Display Options — Specify whether to indent rows by hierarchical level and the number of indent characters to use

■ Row Sizing — Select Autosizing by Label, Equal Sizing, or None


Result: The worksheet is redisplayed. The rows have the specified formats.

Procedure: Formatting worksheet columnsTo format the columns in a worksheet, follow these steps:



2. Select the Columns tab.



3. Choose one or more column format options:

■ Font Properties — Select font name and size

■ Alignment — Specify the alignment for column label text

■ Column Sizing — Select an autosizing option, Equal Widths by Character, or None


Result: The document is redisplayed. The columns have the specified formats.

Note: Applying autosizing to worksheet rows or columnsIf you have resized worksheet rows or columns, but want to quickly return to the default autosize settings, click the Format Document button on the Document toolbar and choose an autosize option. Alternatively you can right-click in the body of the worksheet and select an autosize option from the popup menu.

Autosize options are as follows:

■ Autosize Now — Applies default autosizing to rows or columns. Does not override manual resizing (drag and drop).

■ Autosize All Now — Applies default autosizing to rows or columns. Overrides manual resizing (drag and drop).

Note: If both rows and columns have custom settings, autosize options will not be available.

Formatting worksheet page labelsTo format the page labels in a worksheet, follow these steps:



2. Select the Pages tab.



3. Choose one or more page label formats:

■ Font Properties — Select font name and size

■ Alignment — Specify the alignment for page label text


Result: The document is redisplayed. The page labels have the specified formats.

Procedure: Setting worksheet display formats To set display formats in a worksheet, follow these steps:



2. Select the Display tab.

3. Check the display options that you want to view in this worksheet, and clear those that you do not want. Options are as follows:

■ Locked Cells — Specifies whether cells that have been locked will have a special display format. When this option is on, locked cells will be displayed on a red background.

■ Commented Cells — Specifies whether cells that contain comments will have a special display format. When this option is on, commented cells will be displayed in a bold font.

■ Data Change Flags — Specifies whether cells that contain modified data will have a special display format. When this option is on, data in cells that have been edited, pasted to, increased, decreased, or filled will be displayed in a blue font.

■ Background Colors — Specifies whether non-editable (read-only) and editable cells will have special display formats. When this option is on, data in non-editable cells will be displayed on a dark gray background; data in editable cells will be displayed on a pale gray background.



4. Choose OK to apply the current selections.

Result: The worksheet is redisplayed with the specified formats. If multiple formats overlap (for example, a cell is both locked and commented), one format takes precedence.

Note: Turning off display formatsUsually, you will want to have display formats turned on so that you can easily identify the status of various worksheet cells. However, if you have made many adjustments, your view of the data might become obscured. For example, if almost all of the cells in a worksheet are displayed in blue as a result of modifications, blue will lose its meaning as an indicator of change. When this happens, you might want to turn off the Data Change Flags (the format display option that denotes how changed data is displayed). This will remove display formats from cells that have been edited, filled, increased, decreased, or pasted into.

Note: Turning off a display format does not affect any modifications that you have made; it merely changes your view of the data.

Procedure: Specifying worksheet titles subtitles, and footnotesTo specify a title, subtitle, or footnote for a worksheet, follow these steps:



2. Select the Titles tab.

3. Choose a text element (Title, Subtitle, or Footnote) and proceed as follows:

a. Choose Show to display the specified element in the current document.

b. In the text box, enter the text for the element (up to 498 characters).

c. Select font name, font size, and alignment for the text.

Saving Worksheets


4. Repeat the previous step for each text element that you want to include.


Result: The document is redisplayed with the specified text.

Saving Worksheets

About saving worksheetsWhen you save a worksheet, the system performs the following functions:

■ Recalculates the data.

■ Saves the data.

■ Saves the worksheet with the current data selections, formatting, layout and level of detail. If cells have been modified, locked, or commented, these edits are also saved.

If you are a planning manager, saving a worksheet also commits the data in the worksheet to the shared database. For more information, see “Submitting Final Forecasts from Worksheets” on page 4-21.

Save optionsYou have the following options when you save a worksheet:

■ You can save the document. The saved worksheet appears as an object within the main Documents folder in the navigation list.

■ You can save the document in a folder that you have previously created. The saved worksheet appears within the specified folder in the navigation list.

■ You can save the worksheet as the default for worksheets. When you create a new worksheet based on the default, the document will have the dimension values, layout, formats, and other characteristics of the default.

Saving Worksheets


Procedure: Saving a worksheetTo save a worksheet, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, click the Save As button on the Document toolbar.

The Save As dialog box appears. If you are saving a new document, a generic name, such as “Document 1,” appears in the Save Document As box. If you are saving an existing document, its name appears in the Save Document As box.

2. Specify the name for the document that you are saving, as follows:

■ If you are saving a new document, type a name for it in the Save Document As box.

■ If you are saving an existing document under a new name, type that name in the Save Document As box.

■ If you are saving an existing document under its current name, do nothing.

3. In the Into Folder box, select the folder into which you want to save the document.

Note: To save the document into the main Documents folder, select None in the Into Folder box.

4. If you want to save the document as your default document, so that its structure will appear whenever you create a new worksheet, select the Save As Default option.

5. Click OK.

The Save As dialog box closes. The document that you saved is again visible in the workspace.

New worksheets appear in the navigation listA newly saved worksheet is added to the documents in the navigation list, If you saved the document in a specific folder, it appears in that folder; if you did not specify a folder, the document appears in the main Documents folder.

Printing Worksheets


Printing Worksheets

About printing worksheetsThe following print selections are available for worksheets:

■ You can set Windows printer properties. For example, you can specify page size, orientation, and graphic resolution.

■ You can specify the pages to print. You can choose to print the current page or all pages.

■ You can specify the number of copies to print.

■ You can specify print order as follows:

■ Across then down — Prints as many rows and columns as will fit on a physical page, then moves across the columns (until all are printed) and then down the rows (until all are printed).

■ Down then across — Prints as many rows and columns as will fit on a physical page, then moves down the rows (until all are printed) and then across the columns (until all are printed).

■ You can set specifications for the printed page. For example, you can specify header text, footer text, and margins. You can also specify whether the printout will repeat row, column, and page labels on every page.

■ You can preview the printed document.

Note: Printing all pagesIf you choose to print all pages, the system prints all data for all dimension values that are in the page position in the worksheet. Depending on the number of dimensions that are in status in the page position, printing all pages might result in many pages of output. If you are printing a worksheet for the first time, you might want to limit output to the current page.

Copying Data in Worksheets


Procedure: Printing a worksheetTo print a worksheet, with the worksheet open in the workspace click the Print button on the Document toolbar.

This opens the Print dialog box, where you can specify Windows printer options. When you choose OK, another Print dialog box appears. Use this dialog box to specify the print range, the print order, and the page setup. You can also preview the page.

Note: If you see a dialog requesting additional privileges, choose Grant.

Copying Data in Worksheets

About copying data in worksheetsYou can copy data from contiguous cells in a worksheet to the Windows clipboard. You can also perform special copy operations such as copying to a forecast or product. For information about copying data, see “Copying and Pasting Data” on page 5-7.

Copy optionsYou can copy data that includes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols.Or, you can copy unformatted data, which does not include these elements. You can also opt to copy the data with or without dimension labels.

Exporting Data from Worksheets

About exporting data from worksheetsYou can export dimension labels and data values from an open worksheet to a file format that can be used in a spreadsheet.

Note: If a worksheet contains many pages of data, you might have difficulty opening the exported file in certain applications. To avoid this situation, modify the data selections to reduce the number of values before exporting the document.

Submitting Final Forecasts from Worksheets


Procedure: Exporting dataTo export data from a worksheet, follow these steps:

1. With the worksheet open in the workspace, click the Export button on the Document toolbar.

Result: The Export dialog box appears.

2. Specify the pages to export: Current or All n pages.

3. Select the export format:

■ Comma delimited (*.csv) — Exports the data in Comma Separated Value format, in which labels and data values are separated by commas

■ Tab delimited (*.txt) — Exports the data in text file format, in which labels and data values are separated by tabs

4. Choose OK.

Result: You are prompted for an action.

5. Do one of the following:

■ To save the file to disk, choose Save file, enter a file path, and choose OK.

■ To open the file in the application that is associated with the export format, select Open this file from its current location and choose OK. A file in .csv format will open in Excel; an export file in .txt format will open in Notepad.

Note: Depending on how your browser and file type associations have been set up, you might only be able to save the file.


If your role is plannerAs a planner, you use the worksheet to submit one forecast for each scenario to the shared database. You can submit the baseline forecast or any personal forecast that you have created. Submitting forecasts marks the data for inclusion in the shared



database. When the administrator runs the process to collect data from planners, the data in the submitted forecasts goes to the shared database.

If you submit the wrong forecast, or if you discover that a forecast that you submitted does not include the correct values, you can submit forecasts again. Submissions are valid up to the time when forecasts from all planners are consolidated in the shared database.

If your role is planning managerAs a planning manager, you save data directly in the shared database. When you review planners’ consolidated forecasts and make changes, saving the data immediately commits it to the shared database.

If you save the wrong values, you can save data again. New submissions are valid until data from the shared database is uploaded to the Planning Server.

What data is submitted?When you submit a forecast, you are submitting all data for all dimensions in the forecast. For example, suppose that you change data for baseline quantity for a single month. When the forecast is submitted, you are not simply submitting data for that month; you are submitting quantity and amount for all time periods, all geographies, all locations, and all products.

Procedure for planners: Submitting forecasts to the shared databaseTo submit forecasts to the shared database, follow these steps:

1. Create a new worksheet or open a saved worksheet.

Note: It does not matter which worksheet you use or which data values the worksheet includes. You will only be using a tool on the worksheet’s Document toolbar to select forecasts for submission.

2. On the Document toolbar, click the Submit button.

Result: The Submit Data dialog box appears. There is a separate selection box for each scenario in the demand plan.



3. Select a forecast to submit for a scenario as follows:

a. Click the Scenario list box.

Result: A list of forecasts is displayed. The list includes the read/write versions of the baseline forecast as well as any personal variants that you have created.

b. Choose a forecast from the list.

4. Repeat Step 3 for each scenario in the demand plan.

5. Choose OK to submit the forecasts.

Example: Planner submitting forecasts to the shared databaseIn the following illustration, the forecast is being submitted to the shared database.

Working with Worksheets in the Navigation List



Navigation list functions for worksheetsWithin the navigation list, you can open a worksheet and create a new worksheet. You can also perform the following functions:

■ Delete a worksheet

■ Rename a worksheet

■ View the object properties of a worksheet

You can also move or copy a worksheet. For information about copying and moving documents, see “Maintaining Folders” on page 10-4.

Procedure: Deleting a worksheetTo delete a worksheet, click the worksheet in the navigation list, and click the Delete button on the Navigation toolbar.

Alternatively, you can right-click the document and choose Delete from the popup menu.

In either case, you will be prompted to confirm the deletion.

Procedure: Renaming a worksheetTo rename a worksheet, click the worksheet in the navigation list and choose Rename from the popup menu. Then type the new name.

Note: If the worksheet is in more than one folder, it will be renamed in all folders.

Procedure: Viewing worksheet properties To view the object properties for a worksheet, right-click the document in the navigation list and choose Properties from the popup menu.



The following information appears:

■ Name

■ Created

■ Modified

■ Class

Modifying Data in Worksheets 5-1

5Modifying Data in Worksheets

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes the techniques that you can use to modify forecast and history data in an Oracle Demand Planning worksheet.


■ About Modifying Data

■ Editing Cells

■ Running a Statistical Forecast with New Parameters

■ Copying and Pasting Data

■ Locking Cells

■ Using Comments to Document Forecast Modifications

■ Recalculating Data

■ Resetting Data

■ Saving Modifications

About Modifying Data


About Modifying Data

Use worksheets to modify dataYou use worksheets to modify data for editable baseline forecast measures. If your role is planner, you can also modify data for personal forecast measures and personal history measures.

For information about forecast and history measures, see Chapter 3.

Important: Difference between modifying forecast and history dataWhen you modify editable forecast data, you have access to the full range of editing functions. For example, you can edit individual cells, copy and paste data, and use a block edit tool to increase data, decrease data, and fill data in the selected cells. These modifications force data recalculation. Additionally, you can import data into the forecast.

When you edit a personal history, you can manually edit data one cell at a time. Modifications do not force data recalculation.

Considerations for modifying data

Cells must be editableYou cannot modify data in non-editable (read-only) cells. For example, you will not be able to modify values for a baseline history or a statistical forecast. If you have turned on format display options, non-editable cells have a dark gray background. Editable cells have a pale gray background.

Cells must be unlockedYou cannot modify values in worksheet cells that you have previously locked. If you have turned on display options, locked cells have a red background. For more information about locking cells, see “About locking cells” on page 5-11.

Cells must not be NACells that contain NA values have no arithmetic value. If you edit an NA cell, further NAs will result.

Editing Cells


Display formats indicate edit statusDisplay formats enable you to identify non-editable cells, editable cells, cells that have been modified, as well as cells that have been locked or commented. A display format setting that is specific to each worksheet enables you to turn the color and font indicators off and on. When all indicators are turned on, data is displayed as follows:

■ Non-editable (read-only) cells — dark gray background

■ Editable cells — pale gray background

■ Modified cells — blue font

■ Locked cells — red background

■ Commented cells — bold font

Usually, you will want to have display formats turned on to highlight your modifications. However, there might be circumstances in which you want to turn off one or more formats. For more information on working with display formats, see “Procedure: Setting worksheet display formats” on page 4-15 and “Note: Turning off display formats” on page 4-16.

Editing Cells

Cell edit optionsYou can edit the value in a single cell that contains data for an editable forecast measure or a personal history. You can also use block edit tools to increase data values, decrease data values, or fill data values in cells that contain data for an editable forecast measure.

Requirements for editing data on the cell level are as follows:

■ Cells must be editable. If the Data Change Flags format display option is turned on, editable cells are pale gray in color.

■ Cells that you increase, decrease, or fill must be related to a forecast measure. You cannot increase data, decrease data, or fill data in cells that contain data for a personal history measure.

■ Cells that you increase, decrease, or fill must be at the same level.

Note: Edits remain in effect while the worksheet is open. In order to retain the edits, you must save the worksheet.

Editing Cells


Procedure: Editing a single cellTo edit the value in a single cell, click the cell to select it and type in the new value.

Result: The cell displays the new value. If the Data Change Flags format display option is turned on, the cell text turns blue.

Procedure: Increasing data for a forecast measureTo increase data for a forecast measure, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that contain values that you want to increase.

2. Click the right mouse button or click the Modify Selected Data button on the Document toolbar.

3. Choose Increase from the menu.

Result: The Modify Data dialog box appears.

4. In the Increase by box, enter the value by which you want to increase the data.

5. If the increase value is a percentage, select Percent.

6. Choose OK to apply the modification.

Result: The data in the cell or cells is increased as specified. If the Data Change Flags format display option is turned on, the cell text turns blue.

Procedure: Decreasing data for a forecast measureTo decrease data for a forecast measure, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that contain the data that you want to decrease.

Editing Cells


2. Click the right mouse button or click the Modify Selected Data button on the Document toolbar.

3. Choose Decrease from the menu.


4. In the Decrease by box, enter the amount or percentage by which you want to decrease the data.

Note: You cannot enter an amount that will return a value less than zero.

5. If the decrease value is a percentage, select Percent.

6. Choose OK to apply your modification.

Result: The data in the cell or cells is decreased as specified. If the Data Change Flags format display option is turned on, the cell text turns blue.

Procedure: Filling data for a forecast measureTo fill data for a forecast measure, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that you want to fill.

2. Click the right mouse button, or click the Modify Selected Data button on the Document toolbar.

3. Choose Fill from the menu.


4. In the Fill with box, enter the value with which you want to fill the cell.

5. Choose OK to apply the modification.

Result: The cell or cells are filled as specified. If the Data Change Flags format display option is turned on, the cell text turns blue.

Running a Statistical Forecast with New Parameters


Running a Statistical Forecast with New Parameters

About running a statistical forecast with new parametersYou can run a statistical forecast for the data in one or more cells using user-defined forecast parameters. You can specify a different statistical forecasting method, a different time period, or both a different forecasting method and time period.

Note: Running the forecast removes event upliftIf events have been associated with a scenario in the Planning Server, running a new statistical forecast eliminates the event uplift that was applied when the baseline forecast was generated. You can use block edit tools (increase, decrease, and fill) or manual cell edits to reapply the event factors.

Procedure: Running a statistical forecast with new parametersTo run a statistical forecast with new parameters, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that you want to forecast.


3. Choose Statistical Forecast from the menu.

Result: The Reforecast Measure dialog box appears.

4. In the Forecast Method tab, proceed as follows:

a. In the Method box, select a forecast method. For more information about available forecast methods, see Appendix A.

b. If you see fields for additional information, provide the statistical parameters for the method. For example, for the single exponential smoothing method, you are prompted to provide values for Alpha Max, Alpha Min, and Alpha Step.

Copying and Pasting Data


c. Do one of the following:

* To run the forecast for the same time period as the original forecast, choose OK.

* To run the forecast for a subset of the time period for the original forecast, choose the Time Range tab.

5. If you selected the Time Range tab, proceed as follows:

a. In the Time level box, select a time level.

b. In the Start date box, select a start date.

c. In the End date box, select an end date.

Note: The time range defined by the start and end dates must be less than or equal to or less than the time range for the statistical forecast.

d. In the History box, select the history for on which to base the forecast.

e. Choose OK to run the forecast.


About copying and pasting dataYou can copy and paste data as follows:

■ You can copy data to the Windows clipboard. You can choose to copy data that has been stripped of special formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols, or you can include these formats. You can also specify that the copy include row and column labels.

■ You can paste data into worksheet cells. Requirements are as follows:

■ The target region must be editable.

■ The target region must relate to a forecast measure. You cannot paste data for a personal history measure.

■ The target region must be at a single level. For example, you can paste into cells that contain data for Massachusetts and Rhode Island, but not into cells that contain data for Massachusetts and Boston.

■ The target region must have the same unit of measure (quantity or amount) as the copied region.



■ You can copy data from one forecast to another editable forecast

■ You can copy data from one product to another product

Note: Data that has been copied to a forecast or product, or pasted into a worksheet from the Windows clipboard is in effect while the worksheet is open. In order to retain the data, you must save the worksheet.

Difference between pasting values and copying to a forecast or productPasting values replaces the values in the target cells with new values. The target cells maintain their current allocation percentages.

Copying to a forecast or product replaces the values in the target forecast or product with new values. In addition, the process applies the allocation percentages from the source forecast or product to the target.

Procedure: Copying data to the Windows clipboardTo copy data from one or more cells in a worksheet to the Windows clipboard, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that you want to copy.

2. Click the Copy button on the Document toolbar.

Alternatively, you can click the right mouse button and view a popup menu.

3. Choose a copy option:

■ Copy Data to Clipboard — Copies the data but excludes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols.

■ Copy Special — Displays a submenu from which you can select one of the following:

* Copy Data with Labels — Copies the data but excludes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols. Also copies the row and column labels associated with the data.

* Copy Number Formatted Data — Copies the data and includes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols.



* Copy Number Formatted Data with Labels — Copies the data and includes formats such as such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols. Also copies the row and column labels associated with the data.

* Copy Row Labels — Copies the row labels that are associated with the selected cells. Does not copy the actual data.

* Copy Column Labels — Copies the column labels that are associated with the selected cells. Does not copy the actual data.

4. If you see a dialog requesting additional privileges, choose Grant.

Result: The data is copied to the Windows clipboard.

Procedure: Pasting data from the Windows clipboardTo paste data from the Windows clipboard into a worksheet cell or cells, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell that occupies the upper left corner of the range into which you want to paste data.

Alternatively, you can select a specific range of cells into which you want to paste data.

Note: If you select a range of cells, the range must exactly match the range of cells that was copied to the clipboard. If the paste range does not match the copy range, Demand Planning will not paste the data into the worksheet.

2. Click the Paste button on the Document toolbar.

Alternatively, you can click the right mouse button and choose Paste from the popup menu.

Result: Data is pasted into the selected cells. If the Data Change Flags display format option is turned on, the cell text turns blue.



Procedure: Copying data to a forecastTo copy data to a forecast, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that you want to copy.

2. Choose the Copy To Forecast button on the Document toolbar.

Alternatively, you can select the cell or cells, click the right mouse button, and choose Copy To Forecast from the popup menu.

Result: A list of read/write forecasts appears.

3. Select a forecast and choose OK.

Procedure: Copying data to a productTo copy data to a product, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that you want to copy and click the Copy button on the Document toolbar.

Alternatively, you can select the cell or cells, click the right mouse button, and choose Copy To Product from the popup menu.

2. Select To Product from the popup menu.

A list of available products appears.

3. Select a product and choose OK.

Locking Cells


Locking Cells

About locking cellsYou can lock one or more cells so that their data values do not change when data is recalculated. Locking a cell protects the value in the cell as well as the values in all cells that are its children. For example, locking a cell for Massachusetts also protects the data for Boston. Recalculation ignores locked cells and their children and proportionately spreads data to other values.

You can remove cell protection by unlocking a cell that has been locked.

Note: The locked (or unlocked) status of a cell remains in effect while the worksheet is open. In order to retain the status, you must save the worksheet.

Procedure: Locking a cellTo lock a cell or cells, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that contain the data that you want to protect.


3. Choose Lock Cell from the menu.

Result: If the Locked Cells display format option is turned on, the background color of the locked cell turns red.

Using Comments to Document Forecast Modifications


Procedure: Unlocking a cellTo unlock a cell or cells, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that you want to unlock.


3. Choose Unlock Cell from the menu.

Result: If the cell background was red, the red background is removed.

Using Comments to Document Forecast Modifications

About commentsAs you modify data, you can document adjustments to a forecast by entering one or more comments. Comments are free text that you associate with predefined comment reason code. You can associate a comment with a single cell or with multiple cells.

You can delete a comment immediately after you enter it, but you cannot delete a comment once you have entered another comment or exited the dialog box. However, if you have not yet saved the worksheet, you can use the Reset Data function, which will remove the comment, along with other changes that has been made.

Note: Comments remain in effect while the worksheet is open. In order to retain a comment, you must save the worksheet.

Recalculating Data


Procedure: Entering a commentTo enter a comment, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, select the cell or cells for which you want to enter a comment.


3. Choose Comments from the menu.

Result: The Comments dialog box appears.

4. In the Reason box, select a reason code for the comment.

5. In the New Comment box, enter text for the comment. You can enter up to 300 characters.

6. Choose Add to add the comment to the list of comments.

7. To enter another comment, repeat Steps 4 through 6. You can use the same reason code or you can select an alternate code.

8. Choose OK to return to the worksheet.

Result: If the display format option for commented cells is turned on, the cell text becomes bold. If the cell is locked and has a red background, the text becomes white.

Recalculating Data

About recalculating dataRecalculating data computes the values of cells in a worksheet. Recalculation is triggered by the following events:

■ Changing levels

■ Copying or modifying data

Resetting Data


■ Changing the current page

■ Saving the worksheet

Usually, recalculation occurs in the background. However, if you attempt to edit data across levels, you will be prompted to recalculate.

You can also recalculate data manually. To do this, click the Recalculate button on the Document toolbar.

What happens when data is recalculated?When data is recalculated following a change in a value at the lowest level, the data is aggregated up through all parent nodes. For example, if Boston is at the lowest level and you increase a data value for Boston and recalculate the data, Eastern Massachusetts, and Massachusetts will reflect the increase.

When data is recalculated following a change at a higher level, data is allocated down to the lower levels based on the allocation rule specified for the forecast and then aggregated upward. For example, if you increase a data value for Eastern Massachusetts and then recalculate the data, Boston and other values that are children of Eastern Massachusetts as well as all parent nodes will reflect the increase.

If a value for quantity is changed, the system also recalculates the related amount, based on pricing information obtained from the Planning Server. Similarly, if a value for amount is changed, the system recalculates the related quantity.

Recalculation ignores locked cells and their children and proportionately spreads data to other values.

Resetting Data

Reset data optionsIf you have made changes to data in a worksheet and you decide not to retain these changes, you can reset the data. You can roll back the values to the most recent modification. Alternatively, you can roll back the values to the last save action. Note that you cannot reset data that you have already saved.

Saving Modifications


Procedure: Resetting data To reset data in the current worksheet, follow these steps:

1. Click the Reset Data button on the Document toolbar.

2. Choose a reset option:

■ Reset Data to Last Recalculation — Resets data to its status prior to the most recent modification. For example, if your last action was to modify the value in a single cell, the data in this cell will revert to its previous value.

■ Reset Data to Last Save — Resets data to the last time the data was saved, regardless of the number of modifications that have been made.


To save modifications, save the worksheetWhen you save a worksheet, the system performs the following functions:

■ Recalculates the data

■ Saves the data

■ Saves the worksheet with the current data selections, formatting, layout, and level of detail

If your role is planning manager, saving a worksheet also commits data to the shared database. For more information, see “Submitting Final Forecasts from Worksheets” on page 4-21.



Procedure: Saving modificationsWith the worksheet open in the workspace, click the Save As button on the Document toolbar.

For more information about save options, see “Saving Worksheets” on page 4-17.

Using Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs 6-1

6Using Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes how to use ad hoc reports and graphs to view data in Oracle Demand Planning.


■ About Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

■ Creating Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

■ Selecting Data for Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

■ Arranging and Viewing Data in Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

■ Formatting Ad Hoc Reports

■ Formatting Ad Hoc Reports Based on Data Conditions

■ Formatting Ad Hoc Graphs

■ Saving Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

■ Printing Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

■ Copying Data from Ad Hoc Reports

■ Exporting Data from Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

■ Working with Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs in the Navigation List

About Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs



Description: Ad hoc reportsAd hoc reports display forecast and history data in tabular format. You can create an ad hoc report to analyze an issue on the fly while you are working with a worksheet. You can also save an ad hoc report and run it on a regular basis.

Example: Ad hoc reportThe following illustration shows an ad hoc report.



Description: Ad hoc graphsAd hoc graphs display multi-dimensional data in graphical format. You can create an ad hoc graph to analyze an issue on the fly while you are working with a worksheet. You can also save an ad hoc graph and run it on a regular basis.

You can use graphs to accomplish the following:

■ Show trends and emphasize the degree or rate of change

■ Quickly compare data associated with different dimension values

■ Show part-to whole relationships

■ Show the relationship between two measures

Types of graphs The following list describes the types of graphs that are available.

Graph Type Graph Subtypes Description

Bar ■ Clustered

■ Clustered Dual-Y

■ Stacked

Compares data associated with different dimension values

Line ■ Absolute

■ Absolute Dual-Y

■ Stacked

■ Stacked Dual-Y

■ Percentage

Shows trends over time and emphasizes rates of change

Area ■ Absolute

■ Stacked

■ Percentage

Shows trends and emphasizes the degrees of change

3D None Isometric presentation of an area stacked graph, representing the same type of data, but from a different perspective

Single Pie None Shows part-to-whole relationships

Scatter Dual-Y Shows relationships between two measures



Example: Ad hoc graphThe following example shows an ad hoc graph.

Opening an ad hoc report or graphAd hoc reports and graphs are displayed as objects in the navigation list, located in the left frame of your Web browser. Some reports and graphs might appear in individual folders, while others appear in the main Documents folder.

To open an ad hoc report or graph, double-click the document name in the navigation list. Alternatively, you can right-click the document in the navigation list and choose Open from the popup menu.



Tip: To search for a report or graph, right-click the main Documents folder or a specific document folder, choose Find Documents, and enter a name or name fragment. The search is case insensitive and will be limited to the selected folder.

Using the Document toolbar to work with ad hoc reports and graphsThe Document toolbar appears at the top of an open ad hoc report or graph. The toolbar buttons enable you to perform the following tasks:


Select Data Select values from a list and access various data selection tools. Also sort selections.

Apply Saved Selection

Replace the current values in the document with a saved selection of values.

Change Layout Change the layout of the document.

Change Document Type

Change an ad hoc report to a graph or an ad hoc graph to a report. For a graph, you can also choose the graph type.

Export Export data and labels from the document to a comma delimited (.csv) or tab delimited (.txt) file.

Save As Save the document.

Copy to Clipboard

Copy selected data to the Windows clipboard.

Creating Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs


Closing an ad hoc report or graphTo close an ad hoc report or graph, click its close button, located in the upper right corner.

If you have modified the report or graph, you will be prompted to specify whether you want to save the document.

Creating Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

Options for creating ad hoc reports and graphsYou can base an ad hoc report or graph on the default report or graph document. Alternatively, you can use any saved document as the starting point for a new ad hoc report or graph.

The data, layout, and formatting of the report or graph initially reflects the document on which the report or graph is based. You can then customize the document so that it displays exactly the data that you want to work with. You can also select layout and format options.

Format Document

Specify title, subtitle, and footnote text for the document. For an ad hoc report, specify formats for data, rows, columns, and page labels. For an ad hoc graph, specify formats for tick labels.

Color Coding For an ad hoc report, define and apply color coding formats based on data conditions.

Print Print the document.



Selecting Data for Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs


Procedure: Creating an ad hoc report or graphTo create an ad hoc report or graph, follow these steps:


and choose New Report or New Graph.

Alternatively, you can right-click Documents in the navigation list and choose New Report or New Graph from the popup menu.

Result: The New Report or New Graph dialog box appears.

2. If you have previously saved a document, you can choose one of the following:

■ Use default — Creates an ad hoc report or graph that is based on the default report or graph

■ Based on — Creates an ad hoc report or graph that is based on a selected document

Note: If there are no saved documents, you do not have these options. The ad hoc report or graph will automatically be based on the default report or graph. For information about setting the default, see “About saving ad hoc reports and graphs” on page 6-24.

3. Choose OK.

Result: The ad hoc report or graph is displayed in the workspace. A generic name, such as “Document 1,” appears above the body of the document.


What data elements can you select?You specify the slice of data that you want to include in an ad hoc report or graph. In the context of an ad hoc report or graph, a data slice is defined by one or more measures and a set of dimension values.

Dimension value and measure selections are saved with the document.



Measure selectionsA measure represents a data variable which is a placeholder for storing data values for all levels of all dimensions. You can select baseline forecast and history measures, as well as custom measures that you have defined. If your role is planner, you can also select measures for personal forecasts and histories.

Dimension value selectionsA dimension is a database object that organizes and indexes the data, similar to a key in a relational database. For example, if you have data with values for various time periods, then the data has a Time dimension; that is, it is organized by time.

Dimension values are the elements that make up a dimension. For example, a Time dimension might include values for years, quarters, months, and weeks.

You can select any or all of the values that are available within a dimension, including custom aggregates that you have defined.

Data Selection Tools and TechniquesYou use the Select Data button on the Document toolbar to choose a dimension and access tools that enable you to select data values from a list, choose values that meet specific criteria, and sort your selections.

For more information about data selection tools and techniques, see Chapter 9.

Shortcut: Using saved selectionsYou can create saved selections of values and use them to replace the current values in an open report or graph.

For information about creating saved selections, see the following topics:

■ “Defining Saved Selections” on page 8-10

■ “Working with Saved Selections” on page 9-30

Arranging and Viewing Data in Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs


Procedure: Applying a saved selection to an ad hoc report or graphTo apply a saved set of values to an ad hoc report, graph, or worksheet follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, click the Apply Saved Selection button on the Document toolbar.

Result: A list of dimensions for which one or more saved selections have been defined appears.

2. Select a dimension.

Result: The Apply Saved Selection dialog box appears. The Available box lists the saved selections for the dimension that you chose.

3. Choose a saved selection from the list.

4. Choose OK to apply the saved selection.

Result: The dimension values in the document change to reflect the saved selection.


Changing the document layoutYou can rearrange the dimensions on the page of an ad hoc report or graph to view your data in a different way. You can use the Change Layout button on the Document toolbar. For a report, you can also change the layout by dragging and dropping row, column, and page selectors.

The layout is saved with the document.



Using the Change Layout button to change the layout of an ad hoc report or graphWith the document open in the workspace, click the Change Layout button on the Document toolbar.

This opens the Change Layout dialog box, where you can change the position of one or more dimensions as follows:

■ In an ad hoc report, you can exchange one dimension with another, position a dimension before or after another dimension, or move a dimension to the row, column, or page edge

■ In an ad hoc graph, you can rotate a specific dimension, the page edge, the group (which corresponds to the X-axis), or the series (which corresponds to the legend)

Using drag and drop to change the layout of an ad hoc reportYou can use the row, column, and page selectors to drag and drop dimensions to new locations in an ad hoc report. These selectors are located beside the row, column, and page labels and appear similar to a stoplight, as shown following.

If you drag a row, column, or page selector and drop it on another, or drag it to a new location, the dimension moves with the selector.

Following are some tips for dragging and dropping dimensions:

■ If you drag a dimension near another dimension and the dimension turns gray, this indicates that the two dimensions will exchange (swap) positions

■ If you drag a dimension and a black bar appears, this indicates that the dimension will be placed on the page edge



Drilling through levels of data in an ad hoc report or graphYou can view data at various levels in an ad hoc report or graph by drilling within aggregate dimension values. For example, if the document displays a geography that includes lower level values, you can “drill down” and expand the display to show component geographies. You can then “drill up” to re-aggregate the display.

In a report, you can drill a dimension value that is in the row or column position if a drill icon appears to the left of the dimension value name. The icon shape changes, depending on whether you can expand or collapse the value.

In a graph, you can drill a dimension value that is on the X or Y axis if a plus (+) or minus (-) symbol and the words “Drill down (or up) from dimension value name” appears when you sweep the cursor over the value.

Drill status is saved with the document.

Changing the document typeYou can change an ad hoc report to a graph, or an ad hoc graph to a report. You can also change the type of graph. The document type selection is saved with the document.

Procedure: Changing a report to a graph or a graph to a reportWith the document open in the workspace, click the Change View Type button on the Document toolbar.

This opens the Change View Type dialog box, where you can select an alternate format.

Procedure: Changing the type of graphWith the ad hoc graph open in the workspace, click the Change View Type button on the Document toolbar.



This opens the Change View Type dialog box, where you can select an alternate graph type. For information about graph types, see “Types of graphs” on page 6-3.

Paging through an ad hoc report or graphAd hoc report or graph data is displayed one page at a time. You can use the page control to display a page other that the one that is currently in view. For example, the current page might show data for Total Product, but you can select another product from the list to see its data.

Adjusting columns and rows in an ad hoc report You can change the size of rows and columns in an ad hoc report so that the information is easier to read. Row and column sizing is saved with the report.

Procedure: Using drag and drop to adjust columns and rowsWith the document open in the workspace, position the cursor on the border of a row or column label. When the cursor changes to a double arrow, click and move the border.

Procedure: Using Format options to adjust columns and rowsWith the document open in the workspace, click the Format Document tool on the Document toolbar.


Use the Rows tab to specify row sizing and the Columns tab to specify column sizing.

Formatting Ad Hoc Reports


For more information about row and column sizing, see “Procedure: Formatting ad hoc report rows” on page 6-14 and “Procedure: Formatting ad hoc report columns” on page 6-15.


Ad hoc report format optionsYou can format the following elements of an ad hoc report:

■ Data

■ Rows

■ Columns

■ Pages

■ Titles (includes title, subtitle, and footnote)

Another format option, color coding, enables you to define format conditions that apply when the data values for a measure meet criteria that you specify. For more information, see “Formatting Ad Hoc Reports Based on Data Conditions” on page 6-17.

Format selections are saved with the report.

Procedure: Formatting ad hoc report dataTo format the data in the body of an ad hoc report, follow these steps:



2. Select the Data tab.



3. Choose one or more data format options:

■ Font properties — Select font name, size, color, bold/italic, background color

■ Alignment — Specify the alignment for numeric values

■ Display Options

* Specify whether to show all rows, or hide rows with zero values, NA values, or both NA and zero values

* Specify whether to view or hide horizontal and vertical gridlines


Result: The document is redisplayed with the specified formats.

Procedure: Formatting ad hoc report rowsTo format the rows in an ad hoc report, follow these steps:



2. Select the Rows tab.

3. Choose one or more row format options:

■ Font properties — Select font name and size, color, bold/italic, background color

■ Alignment — Specify the alignment for row label text

■ Display Options — Specify whether to indent rows by hierarchical level and the number of indent characters to use

■ Row Sizing — Select Autosizing by Label, Equal Sizing, or None





Procedure: Formatting ad hoc report columnsTo format the columns in an ad hoc report, follow these steps:



2. Select the Columns tab.

3. Choose one or more column format options:

■ Font Properties — Select font name, size, color, bold/italic, background color

■ Alignment — Specify the alignment for column label text

■ Column Sizing — Select an autosizing option, Equal Widths by Average Character, or None



Note: Applying autosizing to report rows or columnsIf you have resized report rows or columns, but want to quickly return to the default autosize settings, click the Format Document button on the Document toolbar and choose an autosize option. Alternatively, you can right-click in the body of the worksheet and select an autosize option from the popup menu.

Autosize options are as follows:

■ Autosize Now — Applies default autosizing to rows or columns. Does not override manual resizing (drag and drop).

■ Autosize All Now — Applies default autosizing to rows or columns. Overrides manual resizing (drag and drop).

Note: If both rows and columns have custom settings, autosize options will not be available.



Procedure: Formatting ad hoc report page labelsTo format the page labels in an ad hoc report, follow these steps:



2. Select the Pages tab.

3. Choose one or more page format options:

■ Font Properties — Select font name, size, color, bold/italic, background color

■ Alignment — Specify the alignment for page label text



Procedure: Specifying ad hoc report title, subtitle, and footnoteTo specify a title, subtitle and footnote for an ad hoc report, follow these steps:






b. In the text box, enter the text for the element (498 characters maximum).

c. Select font properties (name, size, color, bold/italic, background color), and the alignment for the text.

Formatting Ad Hoc Reports Based on Data Conditions


4. Repeat Step 3 for each text element that you want to include.


Result: The document is redisplayed with the specified text.


Specifying format rules based on data conditionsYou can create conditional format rules that will apply to an ad hoc report when data values for a measure meet specified criteria. This is referred to as color coding.

A color coding rule is composed of the following information:

■ One or more conditions that the data must meet in order to be displayed with the selected formats.

■ A set of formatting options that specify how the data that meets the conditions will be displayed.

Color coding rules are saved with the ad hoc report. When you open the report, data that meet the criteria will display with the specified color formats.

Types of color coding conditionsUsing color coding rules, you can implement conditions such as the following:

■ When data values for a measure meet a specified condition, the data will display in a specified format. For example, you might define a rule that applies a green background to cells in which the value for Booking History, Date Booked Quantity is greater than or equal to 100,000.

■ When data values for a measure relate to another measure in a specified way, the data will display in a specified format. For example, you might define a rule that applies a red background to cells in which the value for Baseline Forecast: Scenario 1, Quantity for Geography is greater than Booking History: Date Booked, Quantity by 10%.

You can also combine two conditions within a single rule and specify whether the data must meet either condition or both conditions. For example, you might define a rule that applies a green background to cells in which the value for Booking History, Date Booked Quantity is greater than or equal to 100,000 and Baseline Forecast: Scenario 1, Quantity for Geography is greater than Booking History: Date Booked, Quantity by 10%.



Color coding format optionsYou can specify the following format options when you define a color coding rule:

■ Stoplight formatting — Stoplight formatting is a special type of color coding that highlights trends without showing values. When you apply stoplight formatting, data cells that meet the data conditions appear as solid blocks of color. The actual value for a cell becomes visible only when you select it.

■ Font — You can specify font name, font size, and indicate whether the font is regular, bold or italic. If you selected stoplight formatting, font options are not available.

■ Color — You can specify the font color. If you selected stoplight formatting, font color options are not available.

■ Background color — You can specify the background color for the cell. If you selected stoplight formatting, the label for this option is “Cell Color.”

You can also specify that a rule use default formats for font or color. The default formats are the formats that have been set up in data formatting, as described in “Procedure: Formatting ad hoc report data” on page 6-13. If no formats have been specifically set, the formats in the document on which the document is based determine the defaults.

Using multiple conditions and rulesYou can define one or two conditions for each rule and associate each measure in a report with a maximum of four rules. If the format associated with one rule conflicts with the format associated with another rule, the format that is associated with the most recently defined rule will take precedence.

Tip: Using value ranges rather than absolute values can help to avoid conflicting rules.

Procedure: Defining a color coding ruleTo define a color coding rule for an ad hoc report, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, click the Color Coding button on the Document toolbar.



Result: If this is the first color coding rule for this report, the Color Coding Wizard starts up. If the report has at least one color coding rule, the Color Coding dialog box appears, from which you can view the existing rules and choose Add to define a new rule.

2. In the Color Coding Wizard -- Specify Measure dialog box, select the measure to which the color coding rule will apply. Choose Use Stoplight Formatting to apply stoplight formatting.

For information about stoplight formatting, see “Color coding format options” on page 6-18.

3. Choose Next to continue.

4. In the Color Coding Wizard -- Specify Data Condition dialog box, complete the Select by box as follows:

■ Choose value to compare the measure with a numeric value.

■ Choose measure to compare the measure with another measure.

For more information, see “Types of color coding conditions” on page 6-17.

5. If you selected value in Step 4, proceed as follows:

a. In the where box, select a measure on which to base the value condition. You can select the default measure, or you can select an alternate measure.

b. In the is box, select an operator that specifies how data values in the selected measure must compare to the value in the value box.

c. In the value box, specify a numerical value that the values in the measure will be compared to.

6. If you selected measure in Step 4, proceed as follows:

a. In the where measure box, select the first of the two measures that you will compare. You can select the default measure, or you can select an alternate measure.

b. In the is box, choose the operator that specifies how the data values in the first measure must compare to the data values in the second measure.

c. In the measure box, specify the second measure to use in the comparison. You can select the default measure, or you can select an alternate measure.

d. You can specify a percentage or numeric value to include in the condition. Select percent if the value is a percent.



7. When the condition definition is complete, do one of the following:

■ Choose Next to continue.

■ Choose Add a Second Data Condition to define a second condition for this rule.

8. To add a second data condition, define the condition in the Color Coding Wizard -- Specify Additional Data Condition dialog box. Then choose one of the following options:

■ Apply when both first and second condition are met

■ Apply when either first or second condition is met


10. In the Color Coding Wizard -- Specify Appearance dialog box, specify the formats in which data that meets the condition or conditions will display. You can choose font size, font style, font color, and background color or you can select Default to use default formats for any element.

Note: If you selected Stoplight Formatting in Step 2, you can only choose the cell color.


12. In the Color Coding Wizard -- Specify Name dialog box, review the summary description of the data conditions. You can also enter a name for the rule.

Tip: You might want to use a name that describes the condition or conditions.

13. Choose Finish to apply the rule.

Result: The Color Coding dialog box appears. It includes information regarding the appearance, description, and measure for the rule.

14. Choose OK.

Result: The document is redisplayed. If there are cells that meet a condition or conditions for a color coding rule, the data in these cells is formatted as specified.



Working with saved color coding rulesYou can modify or delete a color coding rule that has been associated with a saved ad hoc report. To do this, open the document, and click the Color Coding button on the Document toolbar. This opens the Color Coding dialog box, where you can select a rule and choose Modify or Delete.

Choosing Modify brings up the Color Coding Wizard, which you can use to redefine data conditions or format selections.

Example: Color coded reportThe following illustration shows a color-coded report. Data cells that meet the user-defined condition (in this case, “Baseline Forecast: Scenario 1, Quantity greater than or equal to 200,000”) are displayed with user-specified formatting.

Formatting Ad Hoc Graphs


Example: Color coded report with stoplight formattingThe following illustration shows a color-coded report with stoplight formatting. Data cells that meet the conditions are displayed as solid blocks of color.


Graph format optionsYou can format the following ad hoc graph elements:

■ Titles — Indicates whether a title, subtitle, and footnote will be displayed and provides the text for each element

■ Tick Labels — Sets the position and display of X-axis tick labels

Format selections are saved with the graph.



Procedure: Specifying ad hoc graph title, subtitle, and footnoteTo specify title, subtitle and footnote for an ad hoc graph, follow these steps:






b. In the text box, enter the text for the element (498 characters maximum).

c. Select font properties (name, size, color, bold/italic, background color), and the alignment for the text.

4. Repeat Step 3 for each text element that you want to include.


Result: The document is redisplayed with the specified elements.

Procedure: Formatting graph tick labelsTo format tick labels on the X-axis in an ad hoc graph, follow these steps:



2. Select the Tick Labels tab.

3. To offset every other label for readability, choose Staggered.

Saving Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs


4. If you want to skip some tick labels, select one of the following options in the Skip Mode box:

■ Automatic — Skips tick labels using a default interval that is set up the system

■ Manual — Skips tick labels using interval settings that you provide

If you do not want to skip any tick labels, choose None.

5. If you chose Manual in the previous step, in the Skip Amount box specify the number of tick labels that should be skipped.


Saving Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

About saving ad hoc reports and graphsSaving an ad hoc report or graph saves the current measure and dimension value selections, formatting, and layout.

You have the following options when you save an ad hoc report or graph:

■ You can save the document. The saved report or graph appears as an object within the main Documents folder in the navigation list.

■ You can save the document in a folder that you have previously created. The saved report or graph appears within the specified folder in the navigation list. For information about folders, see Chapter 10.

■ You can save the document as the default for that document type. When you create a new report or graph based on the default, the document will have the dimension values, layout, formats, and other characteristics of the default.

Procedure: Saving an ad hoc report or graphTo save an ad hoc report or graph, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, click the Save As button on the Document toolbar.

Printing Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs


The Save As dialog box appears. If you are saving a new document, a generic name, such as “Document 1,” appears in the Save Document As box. If you are saving an existing document, its name appears in the Save Document As box.

2. Specify the name for the document that you are saving, as follows:

■ If you are saving a new document, type a name for it in the Save Document As box.

■ If you are saving an existing document under a new name, type that name in the Save Document As box.

■ If you are saving an existing document under its current name, do nothing.

3. In the Into Folder box, select the folder into which you want to save the document.

Note: To save the document into the main Documents folder, select None in the Into Folder box.

4. If you want to save the document as your default document, so that its structure will appear whenever you create a new document of that type, select the Save As Default option.

5. Choose OK.

Result: The Save As dialog box closes. The document that you saved is again visible in the workspace.

New ad hoc reports and graphs appear in the navigation listA newly saved report or graph is added to the documents in the navigation list, If you saved the document in a specific folder, it appears in that folder; if you did not specify a folder, the document appears in the main Documents folder.


About printing ad hoc reports and graphsThe following print selections are available for ad hoc reports and graphs:


■ You can specify the pages to print. You can choose to print all pages or the current page.



■ You can specify the number of copies to print.

■ For a graph, you can specify whether the graph scales to fit the page or prints at normal size.

■ For a report, you can specify print order as follows:





Note: Printing all pagesIf you choose to print all pages, the system prints all data for all dimension values that are in the page position in the report or graph. Depending on the number of dimensions that are in status in the page position, printing all pages might result in many pages of output. If you are printing a report or graph for the first time, you might want to limit output to the current page.

Procedure: Printing an ad hoc report or graphTo print an ad hoc report or graph, click the Print button on the Document toolbar.

This opens the Print dialog box, where you can specify Windows printer options. When you choose OK, another Print dialog box appears. Use this dialog box to specify the print range, the page setup, the print order (for a report), and the scale (for a graph). You can also preview the page.


Copying Data from Ad Hoc Reports


Copying Data from Ad Hoc Reports

About copying data from ad hoc reportsYou can copy data from contiguous cells in an ad hoc report to the Windows clipboard. You can choose to copy data that has been stripped of special formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols or you can include these elements. You can also copy row and column labels.

Procedure: Copying ad hoc report data To copy data from an ad hoc report, follow these steps:

1. With the report open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that you want to copy.

You can select cells by using row and column selectors. You can also select cells by selecting a cell as a starting point, dragging the mouse pointer, and then releasing the mouse button at the end of the block.

Note: You cannot select cells that are not contiguous.

2. Click the Copy to Clipboard button on the Document toolbar.

Alternatively, you can click the right mouse button and view a popup menu. menu.


■ Copy — Copies the data but excludes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols.

■ Copy Special — Presents a submenu from which you can select one of the following:

* Copy Data with Labels — Copies the data but excludes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols. Also copies row and column labels associated with the selection.

* Copy Number Formatted Data — Copies the data and includes formats thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols.

Exporting Data from Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs


* Copy Number Formatted Data with Labels — Copies the data and includes formats thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols. Also copies the row and column labels associated with the selection.

* Copy Row Labels — Copies the row labels that are associated with the selected data. Does not copy the actual data.

* Copy Column Labels — Copies the column labels that are associated with the selected data. Does not copy the actual data.

4. If you see a dialog requesting additional privileges, choose Grant.

Result: The data is copied to the Windows clipboard.

Exporting Data from Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs

About exporting data from ad hoc reports and graphsYou can export dimension labels and data values from an open ad hoc report or graph to a file format that can be used in a spreadsheet.

Note: If a document contains many pages of data, you might have difficulty opening the exported file in certain applications. To avoid this situation, modify the data selections to reduce the number of values before exporting the document.

Procedure: Exporting data from an ad hoc report or graphTo export data from an ad hoc report or graph, follow these steps:

1. With the report or graph open in the workspace, click the Export button on the Document toolbar.


Working with Ad Hoc Reports and Graphs in the Navigation List






4. Choose OK to export the data.







Navigation list functions for ad hoc reports and graphsWithin the navigation list, you can open and create ad hoc reports and graphs. You can also work with ad hoc reports and graphs as follows:

■ Delete an ad hoc report or graph

■ Rename an ad hoc report or graph

■ View the object properties of an ad hoc report or graph

You can also move or copy an ad hoc report or graph within the navigation list. For information about copying and moving documents, see “Maintaining Folders” on page 10-4.



Procedure: Deleting an ad hoc report or graphTo delete an ad hoc report or graph, click the document in the navigation list and click the Delete button on the Navigation toolbar.

Alternatively, you can right-click the document and choose Delete from the popup menu.

In either case you will be prompted to confirm the deletion.

Note: If the document is in more than one folder, it will be deleted only from the specified folder.

Procedure: Renaming an ad hoc report or graphTo rename an ad hoc report or graph, right-click the document in the navigation list and choose Rename from the popup menu. Then type the new name.

Note: If the document is in more than one folder, it will be renamed in all folders.

Procedure: Viewing the properties of an ad hoc report or graphTo view the object properties for an ad hoc report or graph, right-click the document in the navigation list and choose Properties from the popup menu.


■ Name

■ Created

■ Modified

■ Class

Using Predefined Reports 7-1

7Using Predefined Reports

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes how to use the predefined reports that are included in Oracle Demand Planning.


■ About Predefined Reports

■ Changing Settings for Predefined Reports

■ Viewing Data in Predefined Reports

■ Printing Predefined Reports

■ Copying Data from Predefined Reports

■ Exporting Data from Predefined Reports

■ Types of Predefined Reports

About Predefined Reports



Description: Predefined reportsPredefined reports are documents that enable you to conduct defined business analyses along specific dimensions. A special document, the Forecast Accuracy Report, enables you to evaluate the accuracy of your forecasts.

Comparison: Predefined reports and ad hoc reports and graphsThe following table compares predefined reports to ad hoc reports and graphs.

Predefined reports Ad hoc reports and graphs

The Demand Planning administrator determines which documents will be available. All planners and planning managers have access to the same set of documents.

Users can define their own documents.

The focus of each document is predetermined, but users can change certain default settings.

Users can determine document focus and content.

Users cannot apply formatting and cannot make layout changes.

Users can specify page layout and formatting.

Users can change most reports to graphs and graphs to reports.

Users can change reports to graphs and graphs to reports. Users can also select the graph type.

Users cannot save documents. Users can save documents.



Example: Predefined reportThe following example shows a predefined exception report: 80/20 Product Rule.



Opening a predefined reportPredefined reports are selected and set up by the Demand Planning administrator. The documents are grouped into folders, which appear in the navigation list below the folders that you create to store your personal documents. If there are no user-defined folders, the folders for predefined reports appear below individual documents.

You might see the following folders for predefined reports in your navigation list:

■ Comparison

■ Distribution

■ Exception

■ Forecast

■ Growth

■ Quota

■ Ranking

■ Review

■ Trend

To open a predefined report, double click its folder. Then double-click the document. Alternatively, you can right-click the document and choose Open from the popup menu.

Tip: To search for a predefined report, right-click the main Documents folder or a specific document folder, choose Find Documents, and enter a name or name fragment. The search is case insensitive and will be limited to the selected folder.

Changing Settings for Predefined Reports


Using the Document toolbar to work with predefined reportsThe Document toolbar appears at the top of an open predefined report. The toolbar buttons enable you to perform the following tasks:

Closing a predefined reportTo close a predefined report or graph, click its close button, located in the upper right corner.


About the settings scriptThe data that is displayed when you open a predefined report is determined by the current values in the document’s settings script. The settings script is a full sentence that describes the analysis that will be performed. Settings that can be changed are displayed in colored hypertext.


Export Export data and labels from the document to a comma delimited (*.csv) or tab delimited *.txt) file.

Copy to Clipboard

Copy selected data to the Windows clipboard.

Print Print the document.




Accessing the settings scriptTo view the settings script, click the Settings link at the top of the document or scroll to the Display Settings area at the bottom of the document.

Example: Settings scriptThe following illustration shows a settings script. You can change the value for each underlined element.

About modifying settingsYou can modify a setting by specifying or selecting alternate values for it. Depending on what a particular setting is and how it is used in a predefined report, you can select either a single alternate value or a set of alternate values.

Display settings can be modified in two ways:

■ Modify setting for the current document — When you change one or more values in a settings script and run the script, your change applies only while the document is open in the workspace. The next time that you open the document, the settings script reverts to its default values.

■ Permanently modify settings — You can modify the default selections associated with one or more display settings and save your settings. When you alter settings in this way, the new values that you choose replace the previous default selections for the settings, and the new defaults are used from then on in every predefined report in which the settings appear.

Note: Review documents are an exception to this rule. The settings for display settings in a review document are unique to that document type.



Procedure: Modifying settings for a predefined reportTo modify settings in a predefined report, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, click the Settings link or scroll to the bottom of the document.

Result: The Display Settings area is visible.

2. Click the hypertext link for the setting that you want to change and do one of the following:

■ To select a single value, choose it in the single value selection list.

■ To select custom values, choose Custom Selection. This opens the Select Data dialog box where you can choose a single value or multiple values.

■ To use a previously saved selection of values, choose the saved selection.

■ To use a predefined list of key values, choose Key Dimension List, where Dimension is the name of a dimension, such as Product.

3. Repeat Step 2 for each setting that you want to change.

4. Choose Run to apply the new selections and redisplay the current document based on your changes.

Procedure: Permanently modifying settingsTo permanently modify default settings for all predefined reports, follow these steps:

1. Change one or more settings as described in “Procedure: Modifying settings for a predefined report” on page 7-7.

2. Select the Save these settings as default option.

3. Choose Run to apply the new selections and redisplay the current document based on your changes.

Viewing Data in Predefined Reports


Viewing Data in Predefined Reports

Changing the type of view for a predefined reportTo change a predefined report to a graph or a graph to a report, follow these steps:

1. With the predefined report open in the workspace, click Settings or scroll to the bottom of the document.

Result: The Display Settings area is visible.

2. In the Display Settings area, click the current view type.

Result: The setting toggles to the alternate view type. For example, if you click Report, the setting toggles to Graph.

3. Choose Run to apply the setting and redisplay the current document based on the change.

Your choices persist only while the document is open in the workspace. The next time that you run the document, the view reverts to the default report view.

Paging through data in a predefined reportData in a predefined report is displayed one page at a time. You can use the page controls at the top of a document to display a page other that the one that is currently in view. For example, the current page might show data for Total Product, but you can select another product from the list to see its data.

Your page selection persists only while the document is open in the workspace. The next time that you run the document, the page reverts to the default page.

Drilling through levels of data in a predefined reportYou can view data at various levels by drilling within aggregate dimension values. For example, if the document displays a Geography dimension value that includes

Printing Predefined Reports


lower level values, you can “drill down” and expand the display to show component geographies. You can then “drill up” to re-aggregate the display.

In a report, you can drill on an dimension value that is in the row or column position if a drill icon appears to the left of the dimension value name. The icon shape changes, depending on whether you can expand or collapse the value.

In a graph, you can drill on a dimension value that is on the X or Y axis if a plus (+) or minus (-) symbol and the words “Drill down (or up) from dimension value name” appears when you sweep the cursor over the value.

Your choices persist only while the document is open in the workspace. The next time that you run the document, the view reverts to the default view.

Adjusting columns and rows in a predefined reportYou can use drag and drop to change the size of rows and columns in a predefined report.

With the report open in the workspace, position the cursor on the border of a row or column label. When the cursor changes to a double arrow, click and move the border.

Row and column sizing persists only while the document is open in the workspace. The next time that you run the document, the view reverts to the default.


About printing predefined reportsThe following print selections are available for predefined reports:


■ You can specify which pages to print. You can choose to print all pages or the current page.

Note: When you print a review, only the graph portion prints.

■ You can specify the number of copies.



■ For a report view, you can specify print order as follows:



■ For a graph view, you can specify how the graph is scaled during printing.



Note: Printing all pagesIf you choose to print all pages, the system prints all data for all dimension values that are in the page position in the report or graph. Depending on the number of dimensions that are in status in the page position, printing all pages might result in many pages of output. If you are printing a report or graph for the first time, you might want to limit output to the current page.

Procedure: Printing a predefined report With the document open in the workspace, click the Print button on the Document toolbar.

This opens the Print dialog box, where you can specify Windows printer options. When you choose OK, another Print dialog box appears. You use this dialog box to specify the print range, the page setup, and the scale if you are printing a graph. You can also preview the page.


Copying Data from Predefined Reports


Copying Data from Predefined Reports

Copy optionsYou can copy data from contiguous cells in a predefined report to the Windows clipboard. You can choose to copy data that has been stripped of special formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols or you can include these elements. You can also copy row and column labels.

Procedure: Copying data from a predefined reportTo copy data from a predefined report, follows these steps:

1. With the report view open in the workspace, select the cell or cells that you want to copy.

You can select cells by using row and column selectors. You can also select cells by selecting a cell as a starting point, dragging the mouse pointer, and then releasing the mouse button at the end of the block.

Note: You cannot copy cells that are not contiguous.

2. Click the Copy button on the Document toolbar.

Alternatively, you can click the right mouse button and select a copy option from the popup menu.


■ Copy — Copies the data but excludes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols.

■ Copy Special — Presents a submenu from which you can select one of the following:

* Copy Data with Labels — Copies the data but excludes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols. Also copies row and column labels.

* Copy Number Formatted Data — Copies the data and includes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols.

Exporting Data from Predefined Reports


* Copy Number Formatted Data with Labels — Copies the data and includes formats such as thousands separators, currency symbols, and percent symbols. Also copies the labels.

* Copy Row Labels — Copies the row labels that are associated with the selected data. Does not copy the actual data.

* Copy Column Labels — Copies the column labels that are associated with the selected data. Does not copy the actual data.

Exporting Data from Predefined Reports

About exporting data from predefined reportsYou can export dimension labels and data values from an open predefined report to a file format that can be used in a spreadsheet.

Note: If a document contains many pages of data, you might have difficulty opening the exported file in certain applications. To avoid this situation, modify the data selections to reduce the number of values before exporting the document.

Procedure: Exporting dataTo export data from a predefined report, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, click the Export button on the Document toolbar.






Types of Predefined Reports


4. Choose OK.







What documents are available?The Demand Planning administrator determines which predefined reports will be available to users, and specifies the analysis dimensions for each document. The following sections describe all reports; however, the documents that you see might be a subset of this list.

Comparison documentsComparison documents compare products, geographies, and so forth, to highlight patterns, exceptions, and comparative performance. Comparison document subtypes are as follows:

■ Comparison

■ Comparison to Aggregate

■ Mix Comparison

■ Year-to-Year Comparison

Comparison The Comparison document compares two dimension values for specified time periods. The comparison is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows difference and percentage difference.



Comparison to AggregateThe Comparison to Aggregate document compares a dimension value to its aggregate for specified time periods. The comparison is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows percentage share.

Mix ComparisonThe Mix Comparison document shows share of total for specified dimension values within a time period. Share of total is based on a specified measure.

Year-to-year ComparisonThe Year-to-Year Comparison document compares the performance of a dimension value between a specified time period and the same time period in the previous year. Performance is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows difference and percentage difference.

Distribution documentsDistribution documents demonstrate how distribution affects performance. Distribution document subtypes are as follows:

■ Currently Selling

■ Increasing/Decreasing Sales

■ New Sales

■ Not Selling

Currently Selling The Currently Selling document quantifies activity for specified dimension values within specified time periods. Activity is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows totals for the time periods.

Increasing/Decreasing SalesThe Increasing/Decreasing Sales document identifies dimension values for which activity has increased or decreased by a specified percentage between two time periods. Activity is based on average values for a specified measure. The analysis shows difference and percentage difference.



New SalesThe New Sales document identifies dimension values that show activity in a specified time period, but did not show activity in a previous time period. Activity is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows the percentage of total for each dimension value.

Not Selling The Not Selling document identifies dimension values that show no activity in a specified time period, but did show activity in a previous time period. Activity is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows the activity for each time period and the totals.

Exception documentsException documents isolate and highlight dimension values, such as products or geographies, in which performance differs from a specified norm. Exception document subtypes are as follows:

■ 80/20 Rule

■ Sales Above/Below Last Year

■ Sales Above/Below Threshold

80/20 RuleThe 80/20 Rule document ranks dimension values that provided a specified percentage of increased or decreased activity within specified time periods. Activity is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows cumulative percentage.

Sales Above/Below Last Year The Sales Above/Below Last Year document identifies dimension values that show a specified percentage of increased or decreased activity between a specified time period and the same time period in the previous year. Activity is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows difference and percentage difference.

Above/Below Threshold The Above/Below Threshold document identifies activity that is above or below a specified value threshold for specified time periods. Activity is based on a specified measure.



Forecast documentsThere is one Forecast document: Forecast Accuracy. The Forecast Accuracy report quantifies the difference between projections and actuals for a specified measure within specified time periods. The analysis shows error and error percentage.

Growth documentsThere is one Growth document: Growth. The Growth document shows the difference in a dimension value’s performance between two time periods. Performance is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows amount change and percentage change.

Quota documentsQuota documents compare the performance of dimension values such as products or geographies to a target. Quota document subtypes are as follows:

■ Above/Below Quota

■ Quota Performance

Above/Below QuotaThe Above/Below Quota document identifies dimension values for which performance is higher or lower than a target during a specified time period. Performance is determined by comparing a specified measure (the base measure) to another measure (the comparison measure). The analysis shows difference and percentage difference.

Quota PerformanceThe Quota Performance document compares the performance of specified dimension values to a target for a specified time period. Performance is determined by comparing a specified measure (the base measure) to another measure (the comparison measure). The analysis shows the percentage of target obtained.

Ranking documentsRanking documents rank dimension values such as products and geographies in terms of a specified performance measure. Ranking document subtypes are as follows:

■ Ranking



■ Top/Bottom Ranking

RankingThe Ranking document ranks dimension values in terms of performance during specified time periods. Performance is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows the share of total.

Top/Bottom RankingThe Top/Bottom Ranking document ranks a specified number of top or bottom dimension values for two time periods in terms of performance. Performance is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows difference and percentage difference.

Review documentsReview documents present graphical and descriptive overviews of account and quota related information for dimension values such as products and geographies. Review document subtypes are as follows:

■ Account Review

■ Quota Review

Account ReviewThe Account Review document presents a tabular and graphical analysis that compares the activity for a specified dimension value between two time periods. Activity is based on a specified measure.

Quota ReviewThe Quota Review document presents a tabular and graphical analysis that compares the activity for a specified dimension value within a time period to a target. Activity is based on a specified measure (the base measure), which is compared to another measure (the comparison measure).

Trend documentsTrend documents present performance trends over time for dimension values such as products and geographies. Trend document subtypes are as follows:

■ Cumulative Sales Trend document



■ Moving Average/Total document

■ Trend

Cumulative Sales Trend documentThe Cumulative Sales Trend document quantifies activity for specified dimension values in terms of cumulative totals for the current year and the previous year. Activity is based on a specified measure. The analysis shows difference and percentage difference.

Moving Average/Total documentThe Moving Average/Total document shows totals and moving averages for specified dimension values over a series of time periods. The averages and totals are based on a specified measure.

Trend documentThe Trend document shows performance trends within a specified time range for specified dimension values. Performance is based on a specified measure.

Using Custom Objects 8-1

8Using Custom Objects

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes how to work with custom measures, custom aggregates, and saved selections in Oracle Demand Planning.


■ About Custom Measures

■ Defining Custom Measures

■ About Custom Aggregates

■ Defining Custom Aggregates

■ About Saved Selections

■ Defining Saved Selections

■ Working with Custom Objects in the Navigation List

About Custom Measures


About Custom Measures

Description: Custom measuresA custom measure is a formula that is based on one or more existing measures. You can use a custom measure in reports, graphs, and criteria definitions, just as you would use a base measure.

When to use custom measuresCustom measures can be useful when you are defining exception conditions for ad hoc documents or alert notifications. You can also use custom measures to create what-if analyses. For example, you might define a custom measure that weights the baseline forecast by a certain percentage or applies a mulplicative factor to a third party’s forecast and adds it to another forecast or number.

Defining Custom Measures

Types of custom measuresThe following list describes the types of custom measures that you can define:

■ Change — A time measure that shows changes from period to period or year to year.

■ Fiscal-Year-to-Date — A time measure that sums up a measure’s values through the current period of the fiscal year.

■ Lag — A time measure that displays the value of a measure for a previous time period.

■ Lead — A time measure that displays the value of a measure for a future time period.

■ Moving Average — A time measure that averages data over time.

■ Moving Maximum — A time measure that finds the maximum value for a measure for a specified number of time periods prior to the current time period.

■ Moving Minimum — A time measure that finds the minimum value for a measure for the three time periods prior to the current time period.

■ Moving Total — A time measure that sums the values of a measure from period to period or from year to year.



■ Percent Change — A time measure that calculates change in a measure’s value from period to period or from year to year.

■ Year-to-Date — A time measure that sums up a measure’s values through the current period of the calendar year.

■ Difference — An arithmetic measure that subtracts one measure from another.

■ Multiplication — An arithmetic measure that multiplies one or more measures and a numeric literal.

■ Ratio — An arithmetic measure that divides one measure by another.

■ Sum — An arithmetic measure that adds two measures and a numeric literal.

■ Index — An measure that calculates the ratio of a measure for a certain dimension value to the same measure in a comparison or reference dimension.

■ Nested — A measure that performs simple nested formula calculations. These formulas take the form (A ? B) ? (C ? D), where you can replace each letter with a measure and each question mark with an arithmetic operator. Demand Planning ignores any letter or operator that you do not replace.

■ Share — A measure, calculated as a percentage, that compares a measure’s value for a product to the same measure’s value for a specified share reference point, such as a category or another product.

■ Variance — A measure that calculates the difference between the value of the measure for one dimension value and the value of the same measure for another dimension value.

Additional calculations for custom measuresYou can specify additional calculations for a custom measure. You do this by adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing the calculation for the measure by a numeric constant.

Number formats for custom measuresNumber formats determine how data for a custom measure is displayed. You can specify the following format attributes for a custom measure:

■ Number of decimal places

■ How positive and negative values appear

■ Whether to use the thousands separator



■ Whether to display leading zeros

■ Whether to apply currency or percentage symbols, the symbols to use, and how positive and negative currency and percentage values display

Procedure: Defining a custom measureTo define a custom measure, follow these steps:

1. On the Navigation toolbar, click the New button,

and choose New Custom Measure from the popup menu.

Alternatively, you can right-click the Custom Measures folder in the navigation list and choose New Custom Measure from the popup menu.

Result: The New Custom Measure dialog box appears.

2. In the name boxes, enter a long name (up to 70 characters) and a short name (up to 16 characters) for the custom measure.

3. In the Type box, select the measure type. For more information, see “Types of custom measures” on page 8-2.

Result: The components of the Definition box change depending on the type of measure that you chose.

4. Complete the other fields in the Definition box. The information that you provide depends on the measure type. For example, if you are defining a difference measure, you select the base measure and the measure to subtract.

5. To specify an additional calculation to include in the definition, in the Additional Calculations box, enter a number and select an operator. To specify that calculated values be positive, check Absolute Value.

6. To specify format attributes for the data associated with this custom measure, choose Format. This opens the Format Number dialog box, where you can select format options as described in “Number formats for custom measures” on page 8-3. Choose OK to return to the New Custom Measure dialog box.

7. Choose OK to save the custom measure.



Example: Custom measure definitionIn the following example, the user defines a measure that multiplies a forecastby 2%.

What happens when you save a custom measure?A saved custom measure is added to the value selection list for the Measure dimension. You can choose it when you select data. The custom measure also appears within the Custom Measures folder in the navigation list.

About Custom Aggregates


About Custom Aggregates

Description: Custom aggregatesA custom aggregate is a single dimension value that combines multiple values from a dimension into a single value. You can use a custom aggregate in reports, graphs, and criteria definitions, just as you would use a standard dimension value.

When to use custom aggregatesA custom aggregate is useful when you want to view and manipulate a group of values as an entity. For example, you might define custom aggregates for the following:

■ Key accounts in a geographic region

■ High-end products

■ A non-standard time period, such as the first three weeks in September

Defining Custom Aggregates

Aggregate members can be additive or subtractiveWhen you define a custom aggregate, you select the individual values that will comprise the aggregate. These values are referred to as the members of the aggregate. You can also specify how a member will be handled within the aggregate.

For example, you might define a custom aggregate that combines the values for five products into a single value. You might also define an aggregate that aggregates the values of four products and subtracts the value of a fifth product. This would be useful if you were creating a what-if simulation and want to see the effect that phasing out one of the products would have on your key value drivers.

Year ago and prior period for time aggregatesWhen you define a custom aggregate for the Time dimension, you have the option to create one or two additional custom aggregates:

■ Year Ago — Creates a custom aggregate for the same time period in the previous year. For example, if you define a custom aggregate whose members are two months (November and December) of the current year, choosing Year



Ago will also define a custom aggregate for November and December of the previous year.

■ Prior Period — Creates a custom aggregate for the previous time segments. For example, if you define a custom aggregate whose members are two months (November and December) of the current year, choosing Prior Period will also define a custom aggregate for September and October of the current year.

Note: Time aggregates for Year Ago or Prior Period require positive member values. If you try to include a subtractive value in the aggregate definition, the system will create the custom aggregate, but will not create Year Ago or Prior Period aggregates.

Caution regarding custom aggregatesOracle Corporation recommends that you do not create a custom aggregate that includes products that have different base units of measure. For example, if a custom aggregate definition combines one product for which the base measure is ounces and another product for which the base measure is pounds, results may not be as expected.

Procedure: Defining a custom aggregateTo define a custom aggregate, follow these steps:


and choose New Custom Aggregate from the popup menu.

Alternatively, you can right-click the Custom Aggregates folder in the navigation list and choose New Custom Aggregate from the popup menu.

Result: The New Custom Aggregate dialog box appears.

2. In the dimension box, select the dimension for the custom aggregate.

3. In the name boxes, enter a long name (up to 70 characters) and a short name (up to 16 characters) for the custom aggregate.



4. Click the Selector button to access the Select Data dialog box and select the values that will comprise the custom aggregate.

You can select individual values, or you can use the buttons on the data selection toolbar to select values by specific criteria. You can also sort the values.

For more information about selecting and sorting values, see Chapter 9.

5. When your selections are complete, choose OK to return to the New Custom Aggregate dialog box.

Result: The Values list displays the values that you chose. A plus sign (+) next to each value indicates that the value is additive.

6. To subtract a value from the aggregate, click the plus sign next to that value.

Result: A minus sign (-) appears next to the value, indicating that it is subtractive.

7. If this is a Time aggregate, you can choose Year Ago, Prior Period, or both Year Ago and Prior Period to define custom aggregates for prior time periods.

For more information, see “Year ago and prior period for time aggregates” on page 8-6.

8. Choose OK to save the custom aggregate.



Example: Custom aggregate definitionIn the following example, the user creates a custom aggregate, High End Products, that includes three values in the Product dimension. The plus sign (+) indicates that the values will be added.

What happens when you save a custom aggregate?A saved custom aggregate is added to the dimension value selection list for the dimension. You can choose it when you select data. The custom aggregate also appears within the Custom Aggregates folder for the dimension in the navigation list. For example, if you define a custom aggregate that combines several geography values, it will be displayed in the Geography folder within the Custom Aggregates folder in the navigation list.

Note: Year Ago and Prior Period custom aggregates are available when you select dimension values for a document. However, objects for these derived aggregates do not appear in the navigation list.

About Saved Selections


Custom aggregates are independent of any hierarchy. If you are selecting values from a specific hierarchy, custom aggregates will not be available.

About Saved Selections

Definition: Saved selectionA saved selection is a set of dimension values that you select once, save, and reuse in reports, graphs, and worksheets.

Using saved selectionsSaved selections are useful when you want to quickly retrieve a group of values without repeating the steps that you followed to select them. Selections that are saved as steps (for example, “the top ten products based on Booking History Date Booked, Quantity in geographies x, y, and z during the previous quarter”) also provide the ability to dynamically update your analyses. Once you define a saved selection, you can replace the dimension values in an open report, graph, or predefined report with the saved selection.

Defining Saved Selections

Members or steps?When you define a saved selection, you have two options — you can save the members of the selection, or you can save the selection steps.

■ Saving members saves the actual dimension values. A member selection is always comprised of the same values, regardless of when the selection is applied.

■ Saving steps saves the steps that you followed to select the dimension values, rather than the actual values. Saved steps are re-evaluated each time the selection is applied.

Note: If you use the drag and drop method or a right-click function to sort values for the selection, then you will not be able to save steps.



When to save membersSave a selection as members when you want to look at the same dimension values on an ongoing basis. For example, you might save members to review information for New York, Washington, and Boston on a regular basis.

When to save stepsSave a selection as steps when you anticipate applying the same criteria repeatedly over a long period of time, but expect the values that comprise the selection to change. For example, you might save steps to review information for “the top three” cities.

Methods for defining a saved selectionYou can define a saved selection directly from the navigation list, or you can define it on-the-fly as you select data for a document.

Procedure: Defining a saved selection from the navigation listTo define a saved selection from the navigation list, follow these steps:

1. On the Navigation toolbar, click the New button.

and choose New Saved Selection from the popup menu.

Alternatively, you can right-click the Saved Selections folder in the navigation list or the Saved Selections folder for a specific dimension. Then choose New Saved Selection from the menu.

Result: The New Saved Selection dialog box appears. If you clicked the Saved Selections folder, the New Saved Selections dialog box displays a default dimension, which you can change. If you clicked a Saved Selections folder for a specific dimension, the Saved Selections dialog box displays the selected dimension.

2. In the Name box, enter a name for the saved selection (up to 70 characters).



3. Click the Selector button to access the Select Data dialog box. In the Select Data dialog box, choose the values that will comprise the saved selection.

You can select individual values, or you can use the buttons on the data selection toolbar to select values by specific criteria. You can also sort the values.

For more information about the tools and techniques for selecting and sorting dimension values, see Chapter 9.

4. When your value selections are complete, choose OK to return to the New Saved Selection dialog box.

Result: The Selections box displays the values that you chose.

5. Choose the option that specifies how you want the values to be saved:

■ Save steps — Saves the steps that you followed to select the values

■ Save members — Saves the actual dimension values

For information about these options, see “Members or steps?” on page 8-10.

Note: If you used the drag and drop method or a right-click function to sort values for the selection, then you will not be able to save steps.

6. In the Description box, you can enter text to identify the saved selection.

7. Choose OK to save the selection.

Procedure: Defining a saved selection from within a document To define a saved selection from within a document, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, click the Select Data button on the Document toolbar.

2. From the drop-down list, select a dimension.

Result: The Select Data dialog box appears, displaying values for the dimension.



3. Choose the values that will comprise the saved selection. You can select individual values, or you can use the buttons on the toolbar to select values by specific criteria. You can also sort the values.

For more information about selecting and sorting dimension values, see Chapter 9.

4. When the Selected box includes the values that you want to include in the saved selection, click the Save Current Selection button on the toolbar.

Result: The Save a Selection for Dimension dialog box appears.

5. In the Save a Selection for Dimension dialog box, enter information for the saved selection as follows:

a. In the Save current selection as box, enter a name for the saved selection.

b. In the Description box, enter optional text to describe the components of the saved selection.

c. In the Options area, choose the option for the saved selection:

* Save steps — Saves the steps that you followed to select the values

* Save members — Saves the actual dimension values

For more information, see “Members or steps?” on page 8-10.

Note: If you used the drag and drop method or a right-click function to sort values for the selection, you will not be able to save steps.

d. Choose OK to save the selection.

Example: Saved selection definitionThe following illustration shows the New Saved Selection dialog box, which appears when you define a saved selection from the navigation list. The example shows a selection of product values that will be saved as steps. The user has



provided a descriptive name and has entered optional text that further describes the saved selection.

What happens when you save a selection?The saved selection is displayed as a object in the Saved Selections folder for the dimension in the navigation list. For example, if you define a saved selection of geography values, it will be displayed in the Geography folder within the Saved Selections folder.

You can apply a saved selection when you choose dimension values for ad hoc graphs, ad hoc reports, or worksheets. You can also choose a saved selection when you change the settings script for predefined reports.

Working with Custom Objects in the Navigation List


For information about applying saved selections to documents, see the following topics:

■ “Procedure: Applying a saved selection to a worksheet” on page 4-7

■ “Procedure: Applying a saved selection to an ad hoc report or graph” on page 6-9

■ “Procedure: Modifying settings for a predefined report” on page 7-7


Navigation list functions for custom objectsWithin the navigation list, you can create a new custom measure, custom aggregate, or saved selection. You can also work with custom measures, custom aggregates, and saved selections as follows:

■ Search for an object

■ Modify an object’s definition

■ Delete an object

■ Rename an object

■ View object properties

Searching for a custom objectTo search for a custom measure, custom aggregate, or saved selection in the navigation list, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the appropriate folder in the navigation list and choose the Find option from the popup menu.

2. Enter a name or name fragment.

The search is case insensitive and will be limited to the selected folder.

Note: Custom aggregates and saved selections are categorized by dimension. You can search the dimension folders as well as the main folders.



Procedure: Modifying a custom object definitionTo modify the definition of a custom measure, custom aggregate, or saved selection, follow these steps:

1. Double-click the object in the navigation list. Alternatively, you can right-click the object and choose Edit from the popup menu.

Result: A dialog box appears, showing the object’s name and definition.

Tip: To search for an object, right-click the appropriate folder or dimension subfolder in the navigation list, choose Find, and enter a name or name fragment. The search is case insensitive and will be limited to the selected folder.

2. You can change the object’s name and make new selections.

3. Choose OK to save your changes.

Procedure: Deleting a custom objectTo delete a custom measure, custom aggregate, or saved selection, click the object in the navigation list and choose the Delete button on the toolbar.

Alternatively, you can right-click the object and choose Delete from the popup menu.


Important: Before you delete a custom object, ensure that there are no saved reports, graphs, forecasts, or alerts that reference it. Failure to do so can cause warning and errors to occur when you work with reports, graphs, or worksheets that contain these objects.



Procedure: Renaming a custom objectTo rename a custom measure, custom aggregate, or saved selection, right-click the object in the navigation list, choose Rename from the popup menu, and enter the new name.

Procedure: Viewing object propertiesTo view the object properties of a custom measure, custom aggregate, or saved selection, right-click the object in the navigation list and choose Properties from the popup menu.


■ Name

■ Created

■ Modified

■ Class

Selecting Data 9-1

9Selecting Data

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes how to select data in Oracle Demand Planning.

List of topicsThis chapter includes the following topics

■ About Selecting Data

■ Selecting Values From a List

■ Selecting Values by Level

■ Selecting Values by Family Relationship

■ Selecting Values by Attribute

■ Selecting Values that Match a Character String

■ Selecting Data by Value Condition

■ Selecting Data that Meets a Measure Condition

■ Selecting Top and Bottom Values

■ Selecting Time Values by Range

■ Ordering Selected Values

■ Working with Saved Selections

About Selecting Data


About Selecting Data

OverviewOracle Demand Planning offers a number of techniques for selecting data for ad hoc reports, ad hoc graphs, worksheets, and custom aggregates. You can choose values from a list, use a tool to establish selection criteria, or use a combination of list and tool selection.

Data selection toolsThe Data Selection toolbar appears at the top of the Select Data dialog box. The toolbar buttons enable you to perform the following tasks:

Button Description Function

Save Current Selection

Saves selected values as a custom saved selection

Choose Values by Level

Select values at a specified level in a hierarchy

Choose Values by Family

Select values based on a specified family relationship

Choose Values by Attribute

Select values that share a specified attribute

Choose Matching Values

Select values that match a specified character string

Choose Values Meeting Value condition

Select values based on the way in which values for a measure compare with a specified value or range of values

Selecting Values From a List

Selecting Data 9-3


About selecting values from a listWhen you select data for documents and custom aggregates, you can choose a dimension and select one or more values from a list of member values for that dimension.

Procedure: Selecting values from a listTo select values from a list, follow these steps:


■ If you are working in an open document, click the Select Data button on the Document toolbar and choose a dimension from the popup menu.

■ If you are working within a custom aggregate or saved selection definition, choose a dimension in the Dimension box and click the Selector button.

Result: The Select Data dialog box appears. The dimension that you chose appears in the Select values for box.

Choose Values Meeting Measure Condition

Select values based on the way in which values for one measure compare with the values for another measure

Choose Top/ Bottom Values

Select the largest and smallest values for a measure

Choose Values by Range

For the Time dimension, select values by time range

Sort Sort selected values

Button Description Function



2. If the current dimension includes one or more hierarchies, in the Organize by box, you can select the hierarchy that you want to work with.

Result: The values in the Available box might change depending on which hierarchy you choose.

3. Move values between the Available and Selected boxes until the Selected box contains the dimension values that you want.

For information about searching for values, expanding the value list, and adding values to and removing values from the Selected box, see “Techniques for selecting values from a list” on page 9-4.

4. You can order values in the Selected box according to how you want your selections to appear.

For more information, see “Ordering Selected Values” on page 9-28.

5. Choose OK.

Result: If you are selecting values for a document, the values that you chose appear in the document. If you are selecting values for a custom aggregate, the values are displayed in the Members list.

Techniques for selecting values from a list

Searching for values in the Available boxYou can use the Find button to search for a value by name. The Find button is located under the Available box. It resembles a pair of binoculars.

If you have selected a hierarchy in the Organize by box, the system will search only within that hierarchy. If you have not selected a hierarchy, the system will search the values in all hierarchies.

Expanding and collapsing values in the Available boxYou can view dimension values at various levels by expanding and collapsing aggregate dimension values. For example, if the list displays a geography that includes lower level values, you can expand the list to show component geographies. You can subsequently collapse the list to reaggregate the display.

An aggregate value is preceded by a plus sign (+), indicating that it can be expanded. An expanded value is preceded by a minus sign (-), indicating that it can be collapsed. Click the plus sign to expand a value. Click the minus sign to collapse a value. You can also use the Expand All and Collapse All buttons to expand or


Selecting Data 9-5

collapse all values. These buttons are located under the Available box, next to the Find button. The Expand All and Collapse All buttons resemble large plus and minus symbols.

Adding values to the Selected boxYou can add one or more values in the Available box to the Selected box as follows:

■ To add a single value, double-click the value

or

Highlight the value and click the single arrow button that points to the Selected box.

■ To add multiple nonsequential values, press and hold the Ctrl key, click each value that you want to add, and then click the single arrow button that points to the Selected box.

■ To add multiple sequential values, select the first value that you want to add, press and hold the Shift key, select the last value that you want to add, and then click the single arrow button that points to the Selected box. You can also select the values by clicking and dragging the mouse over the values.

■ To add all values, click the double arrow button that points to the Selected box.

Removing values from the Selected boxYou can remove values from the Selected box as follows:

■ To remove a single value, double-click the value

or

Highlight the value and click the single arrow button that points to the Available box.

■ To remove multiple nonsequential values, press and hold the Ctrl key, click each value that you want to remove, and then click the single arrow button that points to the Available box.

■ To remove multiple sequential values, select the first value that you want to remove, press and hold the Shift key, select the last value that you want to remove, and then click the single arrow button that points to the Available box.

Selecting Values by Level


■ To remove all values, click the double arrow button that points to the Available box.

You can also choose the values that you want to remove, right-click and choose Remove from the popup menu.

Example: Selecting values from a listThe following illustration shows the Select Data dialog box. In the example, the user selects five geography values. The selected values appear in the Selected box.


About selecting values by levelWhen you are working with a hierarchical dimension, you can limit selections to values at a particular level of the hierarchy. For example, in a Geography dimension you might select values at the Customer level.


Selecting Data 9-7

Procedure: Selecting values by level To select values by level, follow these steps:





2. In the Organize by box, select the hierarchy that you want to work with.


3. Click the Choose Values By Level button on the toolbar.

Result: The Choose Values By Level dialog box appears for the dimension that you chose in Step 1.

4. In the Action box, specify how you want the new values to affect the values in the Selected box of the Select Data dialog box:

■ To replace any values that are already in the Selected box with just the values that you specify in this dialog box, choose Select.

■ To add the new values that you specify in this dialog box to any values that are already in the Selected box, choose Add.

■ To retain only the values already in the Selected box that match the values that you specify in this dialog box, choose Keep.

■ To remove the values that you specify in this dialog box from the values that are already in the Selected box, choose Remove.

5. In the Level box, select one or more levels.

6. You can choose Preview to preview the values that will be selected as a result of your choices.

Selecting Values by Family Relationship


7. Choose OK.

Result: The Select Data dialog box reappears. The values that you chose are displayed in the Selected box.



Example: Selecting values by levelThe following illustration shows the Choose Values By Level dialog box. In the example, the user selects geography values at the Region and District levels.


About selecting values by family relationshipWhen you are working with a hierarchical dimension, you can select values according to their familial relationship with other values in the hierarchy. For example, in a Geography dimension you might select children of Massachusetts.


Selecting Data 9-9

Procedure: Selecting values by familyTo select values by family relationship, follow these steps:





2. In the Organize by box, select the hierarchy that you want to work with.


3. Click the Choose Values By Family button on the toolbar.

Result: The Choose Values By Family dialog box appears for the dimension that you chose in Step 1.

4. In the Action box, specify how you want the new values to affect the values in the Selected box of the Select Data dialog box, as follows:





5. In the family box, select the value whose family members you want to choose.

You can accept the default value or click the Ellipsis button to access a dialog box where you can select an alternate value.



6. In the relationship box, select one or more relationships that will determine how the selected values are related to the value you chose in the previous step.


8. Choose OK.




Example: Selecting values by familyThe following illustration shows the Choose Values By Family dialog box. In the example, the user selects Descendants as the relationship for selecting values.

Selecting Values by Attribute

Selecting Data 9-11


About selecting values by attributeIf your database includes attributes for dimension values, you can select values based on an attribute that all of the values have in common. For example, in a Product dimension you might select deodorant products where the form attribute is “roll-on.”

Procedure: Selecting values by attributeTo select values by attribute, follow these steps:





2. If the current dimension includes one or more hierarchies, in the Organize by box you can select the hierarchy that you want to work with.


3. Click the Choose Values By Attribute button on the toolbar.

Result: The Choose Values By Attribute dialog box appears for the dimension that you chose in Step 1.



4. In the Action box, specify how you want the new values that you are selecting to affect the values in the Selected box of the Select Data dialog box, as follows:





5. If you selected a hierarchy in the Organize by box, the Level box contains levels for that hierarchy. Select one or more levels at which you want to choose values.

6. In the where box, select an attribute.

7. In the is box, select one or more values for the attribute.


9. Choose OK.




Selecting Values that Match a Character String

Selecting Data 9-13

Example: Selecting values by attributeThe following illustration shows the Choose Values By Attribute dialog box. In the example, the user chooses Audio Division as the attribute for selecting product values.


About selecting values that match a character stringYou can select dimension values that contain, begin with, end with, or exactly match a specific character string. For example, in a Product dimension you might select products that contain the characters “mini.”



Procedure: Selecting values that match a character stringTo select values that match a specific character string, follow these steps:







3. Click the Choose Matching Values button on the toolbar.

Result: The Choose Matching Values dialog box appears for the dimension that you chose in Step 1.







Selecting Data 9-15

5. If you selected a hierarchy in the Organize by box, the Level box contains levels for that hierarchy. Select one or more levels at which you want to choose values.

6. In the match type box, specify how the values must match the characters that you will specify. You can choose contain, start with, end with, or match exactly.

7. In the characters box, enter the character string or word that you want to match. If the values must also match the case that you have specified in the characters box, select Match case.


9. Choose OK.

Result: The Select Data dialog box reappears. The values that match your specifications are displayed in the Selected box.



Selecting Data by Value Condition


Example: Selecting values that match a character stringThe following illustration shows the Choose Matching Values dialog box. In the example, user specifies “mini” as the character string to match for selecting product values.


About selecting data by value conditionYou can select dimension values that relate to a numeric value in a specific way. For example, in a Geography dimension you might select geographies where Booking History: Date Booked, Quantity for a selected product and time period exceeds a specified value.


Selecting Data 9-17

Procedure: Selecting data by value conditionTo select values that meet a value condition, follow these steps:





2. If the current dimension includes one or more hierarchies, in the Organize by box, you can select the hierarchy that you want to work with.


3. Click the Choose Values Meeting Value Condition button on the toolbar.

Result: The Choose Values Meeting Value Condition dialog box appears for the dimension that you chose in Step 1.






5. If you selected a hierarchy in the Organize by box, the list box contains levels for that hierarchy. Select the level at which you want to choose values.



6. In the measure box, select the measure on which to base the condition.

You can accept the default measure that appears in the box, or click the Ellipsis button to access a dialog box where you can select an alternate measure.

7. In the operator box, choose the operator that specifies how the data values for the measure that you selected in Step 6 must relate to a value.

8. In the value box, enter a numerical value to which the values in the measure will be compared. If you chose the between or outside operator, you must specify two values.

9. The Dimensions box displays default qualifying dimension values for the comparison.

You can accept the default values that appear in the box, or click the Dimension Values button to access a dialog box where you can select alternate values for one or more dimensions.

10. To exclude zero values from the values that you are selecting, choose Exclude zero values.


12. Choose OK.




Example: Selecting values that meet a value conditionThe following illustration shows the Choose Values Meeting Value Condition dialog box. In this example, the user selects geographies where Booking History: Date

Selecting Data that Meets a Measure Condition

Selecting Data 9-19

Booked, Quantity is greater than 300,000 for desktop cases in Quarter 2, 2000 for all organizations.


About selecting data that meets a measure conditionYou can select values based on the way in which the values in one measure compare with the values in another measure. For example, in a Geography dimension you might select geographies where Sales Forecast, Quantity is 10% greater than Booking History: Date Booked, Quantity for a specified product and time period.



Procedure: Selecting values that meet a measure conditionFollow these steps to select values that meet a measure condition:





2. If the current dimension includes one or more hierarchies, you can select a hierarchy in the Organize by box.


3. Click the Choose Values Meeting Measure Condition button on the toolbar.

Result: The Choose Values Meeting Measure Condition dialog box appears for the dimension that you selected in Step 1.






5. If you selected a hierarchy in the Organize by box, the Level box contains levels for that hierarchy. Select the level at which you want to choose values.


Selecting Data 9-21

6. In the first measure box, select the measure on which to base the condition.


7. In the where box, choose an operator that specifies how the data values in the measure that you selected in Step 6 must relate to a comparison measure. You can choose one of the following:

■ less than

■ greater than

■ within

■ not within

8. In the Comparison box, select the measure whose values will be compared to those of the measure in the measure box.


9. To include an additive or subtractive number or percent in the comparison, proceed as follows:

a. If you choose less than or greater than in Step 7, select plus or minus. If you chose within or not within in Step 7, plus or minus is the only selection.

b. In the value box, enter the value to be added or subtracted when the measure values are compared. If the value is a percentage, choose percent.

10. The Dimensions box displays default qualifying dimension values for the comparison.


11. To exclude zero values from the values that you are selecting, choose Exclude zero values.




13. Choose OK.




Example: Selecting values that meet a measure conditionThe following illustration shows the Choose Values Meeting Measure Condition dialog box. In this example, the user selects geographies where Revised Forecast, Quantity is greater than Baseline Forecast, Quantity plus 10% in Q2 2000 for desktop cases in all organizations.

Selecting Top and Bottom Values

Selecting Data 9-23


About selecting top and bottom valuesYou can specify a number or percentage of values that you want to select from the top, bottom, or top and bottom values for a measure. For example, in a Product dimension you might select the top ten products based on Booking History: Date Booked, Quantity for a specified geography and time period.

Procedure: Selecting top and bottom valuesTo select top and bottom values, follow these steps:







3. Click the Choose Top/Bottom Values button on the toolbar.

Result: The Select Top/Bottom Values dialog box appears for the dimension that you chose in Step 1.








5. If you selected a hierarchy in the Organize by box, the Level box contains a list of levels for that hierarchy. Select the level at which you want to choose values.

6. In the measure box, specify the measure for which you want to select values.


7. To include top values in your selection, in the top box, enter the number or percentage of top values to select. To indicate that the value that you entered is a percentage, choose percent.

8. To include bottom values in your selection, in the bottom box specify the number or percentage of bottom values to select. To indicate that the value that you entered is a percentage, choose percent.

9. The Dimensions box displays default qualifying dimension values for the top/bottom selections.


10. To exclude missing values from the values that you are selecting, choose Exclude missing values. To exclude zero values, choose Exclude zero values.


12. Choose OK.




Selecting Time Values by Range

Selecting Data 9-25

Example: Selecting top and bottom valuesThe following illustration shows the Choose Top/Bottom Values dialog box. In the example, the user selects the top 10% of geographies based on Booking History Date Booked, Quantity for desktop cases in Q2 2000 for all organizations.


About selecting Time values by rangeWhen selecting values for the time dimension, you can specify a time range within which to limit value selections. For example, you might choose time values from January 2001 through June 2001 at the month level.



Procedure: Selecting values by time rangeTo select time values by range, follow these steps:




Result: The Select Data dialog box appears. Time appears in the Select values for box.

2. In the Organize by box you can select the time hierarchy that you want to work with.


3. Click the Choose Values by Range button on the toolbar.

Result: The Choose Time By Range dialog box appears.







Selecting Data 9-27

5. In the Interval box, choose one of the following:

■ A range of — Selects all time values between and including a starting value and an ending value

■ The latest — Specifies a particular number of dimension values at the end of a level

6. If you selected A range of in Step 5, proceed as follows:

a. In the Level box, select the level at which you want to select time values.

b. In the from box, specify the beginning of the range.

You can accept the default value or click the Ellipsis button to access a dialog box, where you can select an alternate value.

c. In the to box, specify the end of the range. Alternatively, you can choose to latest value to extend the range to the latest time period at the level you specified in the Level box.

You can accept the default value or click the Ellipsis button to access a dialog box, where you can select an alternate value.

7. If you selected The latest in Step 5, proceed as follows:

a. In the value box, enter the number of time periods for which you want to select the latest values.

b. In the Level box, select the time level at which you want to select the latest values.


9. Choose OK.




Ordering Selected Values


Example: Selecting time values by rangeThe following illustration shows the Choose Time By Range dialog box. In the example, the user selects a range of time values at the month level.


Options for ordering valuesOnce you have selected values, you can arrange them in the Selected box in the order in which you want them to appear in a document. You can use the following techniques to order values:

■ Use the Sort tool on the Data Selection toolbar to specify sorting criteria

■ Drag and drop values to specific positions

■ Use right-click functions to change the relative position of a value or values

Note: Do not use drag and drop or a right-click function if you want to save the steps for a saved selection.


Selecting Data 9-29

Procedure: Using the Sort tool to sort selected valuesTo use the Sort tool to sort values in the Selected box, follow these steps:

1. Click the Sort button on the Data Selection toolbar.

2. Select a sort option. Depending on the dimension and whether you selected a hierarchy when you chose the values, the following options are available:

■ name — Sorts values in alphabetical order by name. You can choose A to Z or Z to A.

■ data value — Sorts values numerically based on a specified measure and the qualifying dimension values for that measure. You can choose high to low or low to high.

■ hierarchy — Sorts values based on hierarchy. Values are grouped by family. You can choose top to bottom or bottom to top.

■ level — Sorts values based on level. All values at a given level are displayed. You can choose top to bottom or bottom to top.

■ time — Sorts time values by time period. You can choose earliest to latest or latest to earliest.

3. You can choose Preview to preview the results of the sort.

4. Choose OK.

Result: The Select Data dialog box reappears. The values are sorted according to your specifications.

Procedure: Using drag and drop to order valuesTo use drag and drop to order values in the Selected box, click one or more values and drag them to a new position. As you move the selection, a black bar appears to help you identify the current position. When the black bar is under the desired location, release the selection.

Working with Saved Selections


Procedure: Using right-click functions to order values To use a right-click function to order values in the Selected box, follow these steps:

1. In the Selected box, right-click a value whose position you want to change.

Result: A popup menu appears, listing available options for changing the position of the value. The options may vary depending on the current position of the selected value.

2. Choose the option that specifies how you want to position the value:

■ To place the selected value first in the list, choose Move to top.

■ To place the selected value last in the list, choose Move to bottom

■ To place the selected value below another value in the list, choose Move below, choose the target value, and then choose OK.

You can also choose Remove to remove the selected value from the selected list.


About saved selectionsA saved selection is a set of dimension values that you save to use again in other documents. Saved selections are useful when you want to quickly retrieve a group of values without repeating the steps that you followed to select them. Selections that are saved as steps (for example, “the top ten products based on Booking History Date Booked, Quantity in geographies x, y, and z during the previous quarter”) also provide the ability to dynamically update your analyses.

Once you define a saved selection, you can replace the dimension values in an open ad hoc report, ad hoc graph, worksheet, or predefined report with the saved selection.


Selecting Data 9-31

Procedure: Saving a selection of valuesTo select values and save them as a saved selection, follow these steps:

1. With the document open in the workspace, click the Select Data button on the Document toolbar.

2. From the drop-down list, select a dimension.

Result: The Select Data dialog box appears, displaying values for the dimension.

3. Select the values that will comprise the saved selection. You can select individual values, or you can use the buttons on the toolbar to select and sort values by specific criteria.

4. When the Selected box includes the values that you want, click the Save Current Selection button on the toolbar.

Result: The Save a Selection for Dimension dialog box appears.

5. In the Save a Selection for Dimension dialog box, enter information for the saved selection as follows:

a. In the Save current selection as box, enter a name for the saved selection.

b. In the Description box, you can enter text that describes the components of the saved selection.



c. In the Options area, choose the option for the saved selection:

* Save steps — Saves the steps that you followed to select the values criteria

* Save members — Saves the actual dimension values

For more information, see “Members or steps?” on page 8-10.

Note: If you used the drag and drop method or a right-click function to sort values for the selection, you will not be able to save steps.

d. Choose OK to save the selection.

Saved selections: Related informationFor more information about saved selections, see the following topics:

■ “Procedure: Applying a saved selection to a worksheet” on page 4-7

■ “Procedure: Applying a saved selection to an ad hoc report or graph” on page 6-9

■ “Procedure: Modifying settings for a predefined report” on page 7-7

■ “About Saved Selections” on page 8-10

Using Folders 10-1

10Using Folders

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes how to work with document folders in Oracle Demand Planning.


■ About Folders

■ Creating and Populating Folders

■ Maintaining Folders

■ Working with Folders in the Navigation List

About Folders

Personal folders organize your documentsFolders are personal objects that you can create to organize your ad hoc reports, ad hoc graphs, and worksheets. You can populate folders with saved documents. You can also delete documents from folders, copy documents to folders, and move documents between folders.

About Folders


Difference between personal folders and system foldersThe folders that you create to manage your documents are referred to as personal folders. You can create, populate, rename, and delete these folders as needed.

In contrast, system folders for custom aggregates, and custom measures are static — you cannot create new folders, delete existing folders, or manually modify the contents of a folder.

The shared folders for predefined reports are also static — you cannot create new folders, delete existing folders, or change folder content.

How personal documents and folders are storedDocuments are stored independently of folders in the database. You can copy the same document to more than one folder. You can also delete a document from one folder while it remains in another folder. Although a document can exist in more than one folder; it cannot exist in a personal folder and the main Documents folder.

Example: Personal folderIn the following illustration, Hard Drive Forecasts and Monitor Forecasts are personal folders. Note the difference between the icons for these folders and the icons for the system folders for predefined reports (Comparison, Distribution, and so forth).

Creating and Populating Folders

Using Folders 10-3

Creating and Populating Folders

Procedure: Creating a folderTo create a new folder, follow these steps:


and choose New Folder from the popup menu.

Alternatively, you can right-click Documents in the navigation list and choose New Folder from the popup menu.

Result: The Create Folder dialog box is displayed.

2. Enter a name for the folder and choose OK.

Procedure: Adding a document to a folderWhen you save an ad hoc report, ad hoc graph, or worksheet, you have the option to add it to a folder that you have previously created. You specify the folder in the Save As dialog box, as shown in the following example.

Maintaining Folders


If you choose (None), the document will be saved in the main Documents folder.

Maintaining Folders

Moving documents between foldersYou can move documents between personal folders in the navigation list. You can also move documents between the main Documents folder and personal folders.

You can use the following methods to move documents between folders in the navigation list:

■ Drag and drop — Select one or more documents, drag the selection to the new location, and release the mouse

■ Popup menu commands — Right-click one or more documents, choose Cut, navigate to the new location, and then choose Paste

■ Keyboard shortcuts — Select one or more documents, press Ctrl+x, navigate to the new location, and press Ctrl+v

Copying documents to foldersYou can copy documents to personal folders in the navigation list. However, you cannot copy documents to or from the main Documents folder.

The following methods are available for copying documents in the navigation list:

■ Drag and drop — Press the Ctrl key and click one or more documents, drag the selection to the new location, and release the mouse

■ Popup menu commands — Right-click one or more documents, choose Copy, navigate to the new location, and then choose Paste

■ Keyboard shortcuts — Select one or more documents, press Ctrl+c, navigate to the new location, and press Ctrl+v

Deleting documents from foldersYou can delete a document from a folder. If there is a copy of the document in another folder, that version will not be removed.

Working with Folders in the Navigation List

Using Folders 10-5

To delete a document from a folder, open the folder in the navigation list, select the object, and click the Delete button on the Navigation toolbar.

Alternatively, you can right-click the document in the navigation list and choose Delete from the popup menu.

In either case, the system will prompt you to confirm the deletion.

Changing the order of documents in a folderYou can change the order of documents in a personal folder by dragging a document from its current position to a new position. Proceed as follows:

1. Open the folder.

2. Select one or more documents.

3. Drag the selection to the new location in the folder. As you move the object or objects, a black bar appears to help you identify the new position.

4. When the black bar is below the desired position, release the selection.

Note: You cannot change the order of documents in the main Documents folder.


Navigation list functions for foldersWithin the navigation list, you can work with folders as follows:

■ Delete a personal folder, including the documents that it contains

■ Rename a personal folder

■ View the object properties of a folder



Procedure: Deleting a folderTo delete a folder, click the folder in the navigation list and click the Delete button on the Navigation toolbar.

Alternatively, you can right-click the object in the navigation list and choose Delete from the popup menu.


Note: When you delete a folder, all of the documents that it contains will also be deleted. If there is a version of a document in another folder, that version will not be deleted.

Procedure: Renaming a folder To rename a folder, right-click the object in the navigation list and choose Rename from the popup menu. Then type the new name.

Procedure: Viewing folder propertiesTo view the object properties for a folder, right-click the folder in the navigation list and choose Properties from the popup menu.


■ Name

■ Created

■ Modified

■ Class

Using Alerts 11-1

11Using Alerts

Chapter summaryThis chapter describes how to work with alerts in Oracle Demand Planning.


■ About Alerts

■ Defining Alerts

■ Working with Alerts in the Navigation List

■ Working with Alerts in the Notifications List

About Alerts

Definition: AlertAn alert is an exception condition that generates an e-mail message to specified users when the condition has been met. The exception condition compares the values of one measure to another measure or to a numerical value.

Who creates alertsAs a planner, you might create an alert to warn yourself when a product or group of products have unacceptable margins for a specified time period. As a planning manager or administrator, you might create an alert to warn yourself and other planners when a baseline forecast consistently over- or under-predicts actuals.

Defining Alerts


You might also receive alerts that have been created by other users. For example, if your role is planner, you might receive an alert that has been defined by the planning manager.

Defining Alerts

About alertsYou create an alert by defining the exception criteria that will trigger the alert. You also specify when the alert will run.

You can select one of the following as the basis for the exception:

■ Value — Sets up a comparison between a measure and a numeric value or range of values. For example, you might use the Value option to alert yourself or other users when a forecast error measure (a custom measure defined as forecast less actuals) is less than or greater than some number.

■ Measure — Sets up a comparison between two measures. For example, you might use the Measure option to alert yourself or other users when the current statistical forecast for a specified future time period exceeds the customer forecast by a specified percentage.

Procedure: Defining an alert based on a value exceptionTo define an alert that compares a measure with a numeric value or range of values, follow these steps:


and choose New Alert from the popup menu.

Alternatively, you can right-click the Alerts folder in the navigation list and choose New Alert from the popup menu.

Result: The Alert Wizard - Exception dialog box appears.

2. In the Alert Wizard - Exception dialog box, define value exception criteria as follows:

a. In the Select box, choose the exception dimension for the condition.

Defining Alerts

Using Alerts 11-3

b. In the within box, click the arrow to display the hierarchies for the dimension. Select a hierarchy and then select a level within the hierarchy.

c. In the condition box, select Value.

d. In the measure box, select the measure on which to base the exception condition.

You can accept the default measure or click the Ellipsis button to access the Select a Measure dialog box, where you can select an alternate measure.

e. In the operator box, select the operator that identifies how data values will compare to a specified value. You can select one of the following terms:

* less than

* less than or equal to

* equal to

* not equal to

* greater than or equal to

* greater than

* between

* outside

f. Complete the value box (or boxes) as follows:

* If the operator is other than between or outside, enter a number that is to be compared to the values of the selected measure.

* If the operator is between or outside, enter the top and bottom of the value range that is to be compared to the values of the selected measure.


Result: The Alert Wizard - Dimension Selections dialog box appears.

4. The Alert Wizard - Dimensions Selections dialog box displays dimension value selections that further define the exception condition. You can accept the defaults, or make new selections. Proceed as follows:

a. Choose a dimension and click the Selector button.

Result: The Select Data dialog box appears, displaying the current values that are selected for the dimension.

Defining Alerts


b. Move values between the Available and Selected boxes until the Selected box contains the dimension values that you want. Choose OK to return to the Alert Wizard - Dimensions Selections dialog box.

For more information about selecting values, see Chapter 9.

c. Repeat Steps a and b for each dimension for which you want to change the current selection.

Note: For the exception dimension, you can refine the selection by removing values.


Result: The Alert Wizard - Notification Type and Content dialog box appears.

6. In the Alert Wizard - Notification Type and Content dialog box, proceed as follows:

a. In the Available box, select the users who will receive e-mail containing the alert notification when the exception condition has been met. The Selected box displays your choices.

b. In the Priority box, specify a priority: Low or High.

c. The Subject box displays default text. This is the text that will be displayed in the Notifications list and the navigation list. You can enter new text, up to 70 characters in length.

d. The Message box displays default text. This is the text that will appear at the top of the e-mail notification. You can edit the text.

e. Specify how you want the e-mail message to display:

* Select HTML Report to display the e-mail message as a report.

* Clear HTML Report to limit the e-mail to the text that you entered in the Message box.


Result: The Alert Wizard - Set Execution Times dialog box appears.

8. Specify when to execute the exception conditions (run the alert):

■ To execute the exception conditions now, choose Immediately.

■ To execute the exception conditions each time that the database is updated, choose On Database Update.

Defining Alerts

Using Alerts 11-5

■ To execute the exception conditions now and each time that the database is updated, choose both Immediately and On Database Update.

Note: You can opt not to specify an execution option. Instead, you can manually run the alert on an ad hoc basis, as described in “Procedure: Manually running an alert” on page 11-11.

9. Choose Finish.

Example: Alert definition based on value exceptionIn the following example, the user defines a value exception condition that will be met when Booking History: Date Booked, Quantity for the specified products is greater than 200,000.

Defining Alerts


Procedure: Defining an alert based on a measure exceptionTo define an exception condition that compares the values for one measure to the values for another measure, follow these steps:


and choose New Alert from the popup menu.

Alternatively, you can right-click the Alerts folder in the navigation list and choose New Alert from the popup menu.

Result: The Alert Wizard - Exception dialog box appears.

2. In the Select box of the Alert Wizard - Exception dialog box, define the exception condition for the alert as follows:

a. In the Select box, choose the exception dimension.

b. In the within box, click the arrow to display the hierarchies for the dimension. Select a hierarchy and then select a level within the hierarchy.

c. In the condition box, select Measure.

d. In the first measure box, select the measure on which to base the exception condition.

You can accept the default measure or click the Ellipsis button to access the Select a Measure dialog box, where you can select an alternate measure.

e. In the operator box, select the operator that identifies how the measure that you chose in Step d will relate to a comparison measure. You can select one of the following terms:

* less than

* greater than

* within

* not within

f. In the measure box, select a comparison measure.

You can accept the default value or click the Ellipsis button to access the Select a Measure dialog box, where you can select an alternate measure.

Defining Alerts

Using Alerts 11-7

g. You can specify a numeric or percentage value to consider when comparing the measures. To do this, proceed as follows:

* If the operator is less than or greater than choose plus or minus. If the operator is within or not within, plus or minus is the only selection.

* In the value box, enter a numeric value.

* If the value is a percentage, choose percent.


Result: The Alert Wizard - Dimension Selections dialog box appears.

4. The Alert Wizard - Dimensions Selections dialog box displays dimension value selections that further define the exception condition. You can accept the defaults, or make new selections. Proceed as follows:

a. Choose a dimension and click the Selector button.

Result: The Select Data dialog box appears, displaying the current values that are selected for the dimension.

b. Move values between the Available and Selected boxes until the Selected box contains the dimension values that you want. Choose OK to return to the Alert Wizard - Dimensions Selections dialog box.

For more information about selecting values, see Chapter 9.

c. Repeat Steps a and b for each dimension for which you want to change the current selection.

Note: For the exception dimension, refine the selection by removing values.


Result: The Alert Wizard - Notification Type and Content dialog box appears.

6. In the Alert Wizard - Notification Type and Content dialog box, proceed as follows:

a. In the Available box, select the users who will receive e-mail containing the alert when the exception condition has been met. The Selected box displays your choices.

b. In the Priority box, specify a priority: Low or High.

Defining Alerts


c. The Subject box displays default text. This is the text that will be displayed in the Notifications list and the navigation list. You can enter new text, up to 70 characters in length.

d. The Message box displays default text. This is the text that will appear at the top of the e-mail notification. You can edit the text.

e. Specify how you want the e-mail message to display:

* Select HTML Report to display the e-mail message as a report

* Clear HTML Report to limit the e-mail to the message text.


Result: The Alert Wizard - Set Execution Times dialog box appears.

8. Specify when to execute the exception conditions (run the alert):

■ To execute the exception conditions now, choose Immediately.

■ To execute the exception conditions each time that the database is updated, choose On Database Update.

■ To execute the exception conditions now and each time that the database is updated, choose both Immediately and On Database Update.

Note: You can opt not to specify an execution option. Instead, you can manually run the alert on an ad hoc basis, as described in “Procedure: Manually running an alert” on page 11-11.

9. Choose Finish.

Defining Alerts

Using Alerts 11-9

Example: Alert based on measure exceptionIn the following example, the user defines a measure exception condition that will be met when Revised Forecast, Quantity is greater than Baseline Forecast, Quantity plus 10% for specified products.

What happens when you define an alert?When you define an alert, it is displayed in the Alerts folder in the navigation list. The Alerts folder includes all of your alerts, whether or not the exception conditions have been met.

As part of the alert definition, you specify when to execute the exception conditions. When you run the alert and the condition is met, an alert notification is displayed in the Notifications list.

Defining Alerts


Example: Display of alert and alert notificationsThe following illustration shows how alerts and alert notifications appear in the user interface. In this example, the user has defined two alerts, both of which appear in the Alerts folder in the navigation list. The exception condition for one of the alerts, “Geography Under Forecast” has been met, thereby generating a display in the Notifications list.

Working with Alerts in the Navigation List

Using Alerts 11-11


Navigation list functions for alertsWithin the navigation list, you can define an alert. You can also work with alerts as follows:

■ View or modify the alert definition

■ Delete an alert

■ Rename an alert

■ View the object properties of an alert

■ Manually run the alert

Note: As an alternative to deleting an alert, you can temporarily disable it. You can also enable any alert that has been disabled.

Procedure: Viewing or Modifying the definition for an alertTo view or modify the definition for an alert, double-click the alert in the navigation list. Alternatively, you can right-click the alert and choose Edit from the popup menu.

Both methods start the Alert Wizard. To modify the definition, use the wizard to make your changes and then choose Finish.

Tip: To search for an alert, right-click the Alerts folder in the navigation list and choose Find Alerts from the popup menu. Then enter a name or name fragment.

Procedure: Disabling or enabling an alertTo disable an alert, right-click the alert name in the navigation list and choose Disable from the popup menu.

To enable an alert that has been disabled, right-click the alert in the navigation list and choose Enable from the popup menu.

Procedure: Manually running an alert To manually run an alert, right-click the object in the navigation list and choose Run from the popup menu.

Note: In order to run, the alert must be enabled.



Procedure: Renaming an alertTo rename an alert, right-click the object in the navigation list, choose Rename from the popup menu, and enter the new name.

Procedure: Deleting an alertTo delete an alert, click the object in the navigation list and choose the Delete button on the toolbar.

Alternatively, you can right-click the object and choose Delete from the popup menu.


Procedure: Viewing alert propertiesTo view the object properties of an alert, right-click the object in the navigation list and choose Properties from the popup menu.


■ Description

■ Active

■ Priority

■ Exception Dimension

■ Class

■ Execute

Working with Alerts in the Notifications List

Using Alerts 11-13


Notification list functionsIn the Notifications list you can open an alert notification, delete an alert notification, and view alert notification properties.

Procedure: Opening an alert notificationTo open an alert notification, double-click the object in the Notifications list. Alternatively, you can right-click it and choose View from the popup menu. An exception report will be displayed, which you can print.

Procedure: Deleting an alert notificationTo delete an alert notification, right-click the object in the Notifications list and choose Delete from the popup menu.

Procedure: Viewing alert notification propertiesTo view the object properties for an alert notification, right-click the object in the Notifications list and choose Properties from the popup menu.


■ Description

■ Priority

■ Class

Forecast Options A-1

A Forecast Options

Appendix summaryThis appendix provides information about forecast options.

List of topicsThis appendix includes the following topics:

■ Selecting Forecast Method

■ Setting Forecast Levels

■ Specifying an Allocation Rule

Selecting Forecast Method

Forecast method options Oracle Demand Planning offers an Automatic forecast method whereby the forecasting engine determines the best statistical forecasting method to use based on the historical performance of each algorithm and the application of decision rules.

You can also choose one of the following methods:

■ Linear regression

■ Polynomial regression

■ Exponential fit

■ Logarithmic fit

■ Asymptotic fit


A-2 Oracle Demand Planning User’s Guide

■ Exponential Asymptotic fit

■ Single Exponential Smoothing

■ Double Exponential Smoothing

■ Holt Winters

For definitions of these methods, see the glossary.

Parameters for statistical forecasting methodsWhen you select a forecasting method other than Automatic, you might be prompted to enter values for one or more parameters.

AlphaAlpha is used by the three forecasting methods of the exponential smoothing family: single, double, and Holt-Winters. This is the “level,” or baseline, parameter.

Alpha parameters are as follows:

BetaBeta is used by two forecasting methods of the exponential smoothing type: double and Holt-Winters. It is referred to as the “trend” parameter because it controls the estimate of the trend.

Name Description Range and Default value

Alpha Max Decimal Maximum value of Alpha 0.0 through 1.0. The default is 0.3

Alpha Min Decimal Minimum value of Alpha 0.0 through 1.0. The default is 0.1

Alpha Step Decimal Value of the interval that Express uses when it determines the value of Alpha

0.05 through 0.2, as long as the value evenly divides the difference between Alpha Max and Alpha Min. The default is 0.1



Beta parameters are as follows:

Cyclical decayCyclical decay is a parameter for linear and nonlinear regression that is useful if the length of the history is large and some cyclical component has been identified. The parameter value indicates how seriously deviations from baseline activity are considered: a higher value implies slower decay while a lower value implies faster decay for cyclical components. The range for this parameter is 0.2 to 1.0. Since the algorithm searches for the best value of the parameter within the specified range, the recommendation is to leave the default values. Note that for less history (e.g., less than about 1.5 to 2 years) and in the absence of cyclical activity, this parameter might not have any effect on the calculated forecasts.

Cyclical decay parameters are as follows:


Beta Max Decimal Maximum value of Beta 0.0 through 1.0. The default is 0.3

Beta Min Decimal Minimum value of Beta 0.0 through 1.0. The default is 0.1

Beta Step Decimal Value of the interval that Express uses when it determines the value of Beta

0.05 through 0.2, as long as the value evenly divides the difference between Beta Max and Beta Min. The default is 0.1


Cycdecay Max Decimal Maximum value of Cyclical Decay

0.2 through 1.0, as long as the difference between Cycdecay Min and Cycdecay Max is evenly divided by 0.4. The default is 1.0.

Cycdecay Min Decimal Minimum value of Cyclical Decay

0.2 through 1.0, as long as the difference between Cycdecay Min and Cycdecay Max is evenly divided by 0.4. The default is 0.2

Setting Forecast Levels


GammaGamma is used by Holt-Winters, a forecasting method in the exponential smoothing family. This is the seasonal parameter.

Gamma parameters are as follows:

Setting Forecast Levels

Forecast level optionsYou can set the level for each dimension at which the forecast will be generated. Setting the level determines the granularity of the forecast.

Guidelines for setting forecast levels Setting the forecast level is ultimately related to your individual business needs and processes. Note that if you set levels too low (e.g., at the leaf node), variations in the data might be large, causing decreased accuracy. Inaccuracies might be magnified at aggregate levels. If you set levels too high, the aggregated forecasts might pick up localized trends and misallocate them. For example, if demand only increases for one product in a family and forecasts are generated only at the family level, the results could show that all products in the family have higher demand.


Gamma Max Decimal Maximum value of Gamma 0.0 through 1.0. The default is 0.3

Gamma Min Decimal Minimum value of Gamma 0.0 through 1.0. The default is 0.1

Gamma Step Decimal Value of the interval that Express uses when it determines the value of Gamma

0.05 through 0.202, as long as the value evenly divides the difference between Gamma Max and Gamma Min. The default is 0.1

Specifying an Allocation Rule



About allocation rule optionsThe allocation rule specifies the algorithm that is used to distribute data downward and upward through hierarchies when forecasts are adjusted or combined.

You can choose from among the following allocation rules:

■ Allocate based on forecasted weights aggregated from the lowest level

■ Allocate based on a forecast at each level

■ Allocate based on historical weights for the last n periods (where n is a user-specified number of time periods)

Allocation based on forecasted weights aggregated from the lowest levelForecasts are generated at two levels: the level specified and the lowest level or leaf node. The system uses the leaf level forecasts to allocate the results generated at the specified level. Forecasts for intermediate levels (between specified and leaf) are obtained by rolling up the results of the leaf nodes after allocation. Forecasts for higher than the specified level are achieved through rollup.

Allocation based on a forecast at each levelWhen allocation is based on forecasting at each level, the system starts at the specified forecast level, goes down one level at a time, and uses the results of the forecast on the level below to allocate the results on the level above. This process continues until the lowest level is reached. Forecasts for higher than the specified level are achieved through rollup. This method is often the most accurate, but might involve substantial processing time.

Allocation based on historical weights for the last n periodsWhen allocation is based on historical weights, the system uses the results from the user-specified number of historical time periods to determine weights for allocating data to the lower aggregate levels along each dimension. If there is no data for the specified periods, the system uses the whole history. Forecasts at higher levels are achieved through rollup. This method is the fastest, but may not adequately account for trends.

Glossary-1

Glossary

ABC classification

See pareto analysis.

absolute error

Magnitude of forecast errors, actual less forecast values, without regard to sign.

across

The column position in a Demand Planning report or worksheet. Columns go across the page.See also column.

activity log

Demand Planning feature that enables planners to view a record of system activities that are related to the process of generating forecasts.

ad hoc analysis

The process of analyzing data using a report or graph for which you specify the dimensions, dimension values, and layout. While viewing an ad hoc analysis, you can drill up or down on aggregate values. See also graph, report.

adjustment

In Demand Planning, refers to the manual modification of forecast values to account for outliers or incorrect measurements. You can adjust a single value or a range of values. You can enter comments regarding the adjustments.

Glossary-2

aggregate

Predefined grouping of values along a hierarchy, or a user-defined grouping of values. For example, a predefined aggregate for Geography might total territories by city, state, region, and country. A user-defined aggregate for Geography might combine values for three cities that are of interest to the user.See also aggregation, custom aggregate.

aggregate forecast

For a forecast variable such as demand, adding the contributions of child levels to obtain a single forecast value for the parent level.

aggregation

In Demand Planning, the consolidation of data for child dimension values into parent values. Data is often collected at the lowest level of detail and is aggregated into higher level totals for analysis. For example, units sold in various cities might be aggregated into total units sold for all cities in a region. The aggregation rule might be “sum,” in which case the values are added, or there might be an alternate aggregation rule such as “average.”

aggregation level

In Demand Planning, the position in a dimension hierarchy at which data can be viewed or manipulated. For example, aggregation levels for a Geography dimension might include City, County, State, Region, and so forth.

alert

In Demand Planning, a set of exception conditions that generates a notification to specified individuals when the conditions are met.

allocation

In Demand Planning, the process of changing child nodes values based on the change in the parent node, according to an algorithm. The algorithm might assign fixed, often equal, weights to each child, with the weights summing to unity.

Alpha

A parameter used by the three forecasting methods of the exponential smoothing family: single, double, and Holt-Winters. This is the “level,” or baseline, parameter.See also exponential smoothing.

anomalies

Outliers and other non-standard patterns in historical data.

Glossary-3

APS

Acronym for Advanced Planning and Scheduling, a suite of Oracle products that includes Advanced Supply Chain Planning, Global ATP (Available to Promise Server), Demand Planning, and Manufacturing Scheduling.

assignment

In Demand Planning, the task of providing information and data from the database or from a demand plan. The Demand Planning administrator specifies assignments for demand planners and demand planning managers.

asymptotic fit

A forecasting method of the nonlinear regression type in which a linear relation ( ) is fitted to a transformation of the original data, where and

. This results in the development of an asymptotic model: .See also nonlinear regression.

auto-correlation

A number between -1 and +1 that signifies the correlation between a given data and its own lagged values, where 0 implies no identifiable relation, -1 implies perfect negative correlation, and +1 reflects perfect positive correlation.

automatic

See best fit forecast.

baseline forecast

A statistical forecast that uses historical data and the best fit statistical model. Baseline forecasts for each scenario are generated in the Planning Server.

best fit forecast

The best performing method of the statistical forecasting models, based on historical data.

Beta

Parameter used by two forecasting methods of the exponential smoothing type: double and Holt-Winters. It is referred to as the “trend” parameter because it controls the estimate of the trend.See also exponential smoothing.

y′ a x′ b+×= x′ 1 x⁄=y′ 1 y⁄= y x a bx+( )⁄=

Glossary-4

bias

An error in the mean value of a forecast when compared to the actual data. Bias could apply to the entire data, or to a segment of the data.

bottom-up

A method of allocating forecasts that are generated at the lowest level of a hierarchy to the higher levels through aggregation. The aggregation rule might be “sum,” in which case the values are added, or there might be an alternate rule such as “average.”

calendar

A system to handle consistency for time-varying data. Demand Planning usually uses a Manufacturing calendar, where production is divided into four week periods.

calibration

The process of estimating model parameters from historical data in statistical forecasting models. Alternatively know as “training.”

cannibalization

The phenomena, often observed during the introduction of new products, in which one product takes the market share of another related product. Cannibalization is defined as a standard event in Demand Planning.

causal analysis

The process of forecast generation that uses known or calculated relations between a dependent variable, such as demand, and one or more factors that affect the dependent variable, such as weather, product promotion, and discounts.

cell protection

In Demand Planning, locking a cell so that its data cannot be modified until the protection is removed.

child

A dimension value at the level immediately below a particular value in a hierarchy. Values of children are included in the calculation that produces the aggregated total for a parent. A dimension value might be a child for more than one parent if the dimension has more than one hierarchy.See also hierarchy.

Glossary-5

collaborative forecasting

Forecast generation by consultation among, or consolidation of, individual forecasts issued by organizations that are linked to each other in the supply chain such as suppliers, manufacturers, customers, retailers and manufacturers.

column

A Demand Planning report or worksheet has three components for displaying multi-dimensional data: column, row, and page. The column component separates data for the dimension values that run across the report. See also across.

competitive event

Event that could potentially compete with other events in terms of its effect on product demand. In Demand Planning, only the competitive event with the highest priority is applied in any particular area.

composite forecast

Process of merging forecasts for identical quantities. The forecasts can come from multiple sources such as sales and marketing forecasts for product demand in a given region. The forecasts can also come from a single source such as statistical forecasts that have been generated using different models or the optimistic and pessimistic forecasts of one salesperson.

compulsory event

An event whose effects will be felt independently of other events that might occur. In Demand Planning, a priority is associated with such an event to determine the precedence of occurrence. This priority is necessary as the demand modification adds a specific number or uses an uplift factor, and operator precedence becomes important.

confidence bounds or limits

The maximum and minimum level of variation expected for demand, the forecast quantity. These bounds are usually dictated by the uncertainty associated with the forecasts and represent the degree of confidence in the forecast values. For statistical forecasts, these correspond to the range with which a forecast value is expected to lie with some probability.

consensus forecast

Forecast generation by consultation among or consolidation of individual forecasts issued by different groups within an organization.

Glossary-6

consolidation

The process of merging multiple forecasts for related, but not identical quantities. The forecasts can originate from multiple sources such as sales forecasts for different items, management forecasts for individual products, two managers forecasting sales for two different regions, or statistical forecasts for different commodities. Forecasts might also originate from a single source such as sales forecasts of different products from one salesperson.

constrained forecast

Unconstrained forecasts are generated from historical data or by individuals without regard to limitations. For example, a retailer with no knowledge of manufacturing capability or a manufacturer without knowledge might generate an unconstrained forecast. When an unconstrained forecast is appropriately modified based on knowledge of constraints, it is known as a constrained forecast. See also unconstrained forecast.

correlation

The relation between two or more variables, expressed as a number between -1 (perfect negative relation) and +1 (perfect positive correlation). The number 0 implies no relation.

correlation of events

See event correlation.

cross-correlation

The relation between a variable and the lagged values of another variable, expressed as a number between -1 (perfect negative relation) and +1 (perfect positive correlation). The number 0 implies no relation.

currency

The units of demand for that are used during data visualization, manipulation, and forecasting. In Oracle Demand Planning, currency is referred to as measures.See also measure.

custom aggregate

A single value that users can create to combine multiple values from one dimension into a single value. For example, a planner might create a custom aggregate that consists of three geographies rolled up into a single geography value. Custom aggregates appear on the user’s selection list of dimension values.

Glossary-7

custom measure

A formula that users can create to fine-tune data visualization and analysis. For example, a planner might create a custom measure that applies a weight to a forecast measure. Custom measures appear on the user’s selection list of measure values.See also measure.

Cyclical decay

A parameter for linear and nonlinear regression that is useful if the length of the history is large and some cyclical component has been identified. The parameter value indicates how seriously deviations from baseline activity are considered, a higher value implies slower decay while a lower value implies faster decay for cyclical components. The allowable range is from 0.2 to 1.0. Since the algorithm searches for the best value of the parameter within the specified range, the recommendation is to leave the default values. Note that for less history (e.g., less than about 1.5 to 2 years) and in the absence of cyclical activity, this parameter might not have any effect on the calculated forecasts.

data element

A variable or set of variables that store data values. Alternatively, a place holder for data storage or viewing such as a cell or set of highlighted cells.

demand plan

An overall forecast of demand and possibly plans for integration with a supply chain. This consists of all available information from the Planning Server including measures, baseline forecasts, conversion tables, scenarios, and event information.

Demand Planner

A user responsibility that is defined for Demand Planning. Demand planners are given specific data assignments and are responsible for submitting their forecasts to the shared database. A single forecast must be submitted for each scenario.

Demand Planning Administrator

A user responsibility that is defined for Demand Planning. The planning administrator configures the application to meet the business needs of the organization and administers the demand planning process.

Demand Planning Manager

A user responsibility that is defined for Demand Planning. Planning managers review consolidated plans that have been submitted to the shared database.

Glossary-8

dependent demand

Any demand that is caused by an independent demand, or is necessary to the satisfaction of the independent demand. For example, an independent demand for a new car causes dependent demands for all of the components which make up the car. See also independent demand.

dependent variable

In regression or modeling, a variable that is expressed as a function of another variable, or explained in terms of another variable.

differencing

The process of obtaining difference values at any give time. Difference values are the current value less the value at a given lag.

dimension

In Demand Planning, a list of categories for data. A dimension acts as an index for identifying the values of a variable. Examples of dimensions are Product, Geography, and Time.

dimension value

An element in the list that makes up a dimension. For example, dimension values in the Geography dimension might include Boston, Chicago, and New York.

disaggregate

The inverse of aggregation; spreading down or allocating data values at higher nodes to the lower nodes.

document

In Demand Planning a collective term used to refer to a report, graph, or worksheet. See also report, graph, worksheet.

double exponential smoothing

A forecasting method of the exponential smoothing type in which the current estimate is taken as the geometrically weighted average of past values and then added to a trend term that is calculated in an identical fashion. Single exponential smoothing is therefore applied to both the series and the trend term. See also exponential smoothing.

Glossary-9

down

The row position in a report or worksheet. Rows go down the page.See also row.

drill

In Demand Planning, to navigate up and down through the levels of aggregation in a dimension that has a hierarchy. When selecting dimension values or viewing data, you can expand or collapse a hierarchy by drilling down or up in it. Drilling down expands the view to include child values that are associated with parent values in the dimension hierarchy. Drilling up collapses the list of descendant values associated with a parent value in the dimension hierarchy.

error bars

Error range that forecast values are expected to exhibit with some degree of confidence.

estimation

Defining or determining a model or the parameters thereof.

event

Any occurrence in the real world that has a direct or indirect effect on the demand for the products under consideration. Demand Planning associates a start time and an end time with each event and handles them through discrete step functions.

event model

A technique that attempts to numerically capture the effect of an event on product demand at any aggregation level.

event correlation

The relation among events, such as a product introduction event and the corresponding cannibalization of a related product.

exception report

An ad hoc report that displays data associated with dimension values that are exceptions to planner-defined cutoff values. The criteria is applied to each page of data. For example, an exception report might identify customers whose orders have dropped by more a certain amount compared to the same period last year.

Glossary-10

exponential asymptotic fit

A forecasting method of the nonlinear regression type in which a linear relationship ( ) is fitted to a transformation of the original data, where and

. This results in the development of an exponential asymptotic curve: .

See also nonlinear regression.

exponential fit

A forecasting method of the nonlinear regression type in which a linear relationship ( ) is fitted to a transformation of the original data, where and

. This results in the development of exponential model between x and y: .

See also nonlinear regression.

exponential smoothing

A class of statistic forecasting techniques in which the forecasts are obtained as simple linear weights of the actual value and the forecast value at previous time steps, or through some variation of this rule. The linear weights are the model parameters which are determined through calibration from historical data. Demand Planning offers three exponential smoothing methods: single, double, and triple (referred to as “Holt-Winter’s”). See also double exponential smoothing, Holt-Winters, single exponential smoothing.

Express

The common technology underlying the Oracle Express Server and Personal Express products. The Demand Planning application distributes data from the Planning Server to a multi-dimensional Express database.

fact values

Historical facts that represent a record of facts.

filtering

In statistics, smoothing the data values by removing high frequency components. Filtering aids in the identification of underlying longer term trends and seasonality in the data that have some forecast-ability.

forecast error

Each forecast that Demand Planning generates includes an estimate of the forecast error. The types of errors computed are mean absolute percent error (MAPE), mean square error (MSE), and mean absolute deviation (MAD).

y′ a x′ b+×= x′ x=y′ In y K y )–⁄(=y cK ax( ) 1 c ax( )exp+{ }⁄exp=

y′ a x′ b+×= x′ x=y′ In y( )=

y c ax )(exp×=

Glossary-11

See also mean absolute percent error MAPE), mean square error (MSE), and mean absolute deviation (MAD).

forecast reconciliation

See reconciliation.

forecasting methods

Refers to the statistical methods that you can use to generate forecasts in Demand Planning. As an alternative to selecting a method, you can allow the system to determine the best forecasting method to use.See also asymptotic fit, automatic, double exponential smoothing, exponential asymptotic fit, exponential fit, Holt-Winters, linear regression, logarithmic fit, linear regression, polynomial regression, single exponential smoothing.

frequency

The inverse of the time period at which the historical or forecast data are expected to repeat their past behavior. Seasonal or periodic data exhibit a low frequency component corresponding to their period. Purely random data that contain no substantial information usually exhibit high frequency.

frequency domain analysis

Analyzing time series data by first transforming it to the frequency domain, or by determining the time series components as a function of frequency. Estimates of the frequency components of a time series is often achieved through smoothed periodograms, using Fourier analysis. Frequency domain analysis often provides a better estimate for seasonal or periodic cyclicity in the data than time domain analysis. Demand Planning uses frequency domain analysis to calculate signal to noise ratios for outlier detection; however, this analysis is not visible to the planner and results are not reported directly.

Gamma

A parameter used by Holt-Winters, a forecasting method in the exponential smoothing family. This is the seasonal parameter.

Geneva

Refers to Roadmap Geneva Forecasting™ from Roadmap Technologies. Geneva is the forecasting engine that is used in Demand Planning for statistical forecast generation.

Glossary-12

geography dimension

In Demand Planning, a category of data that denotes geographical area. For example, the Geography dimension might include values such as “Eastern US,” “Massachusetts,” and “Boston.” See also dimension.

graph

Demand Planning document that enables you to visualize and manipulate multi-dimensional data in graphical format. Types of graphs include area, bar, line, bar-line, pie, 3D, and scatter graphs.

hierarchy

In Demand Planning, a means of organizing and structuring data within a dimension. A hierarchy exists when values within a dimension are arranged in levels, with each level representing the aggregated total of the data from the below. For example, a Geography dimension might have a hierarchy that includes levels for Account, City, State, and Region.See also aggregation, level.

Holt-Winters

A forecasting method of the exponential smoothing type. Holt-Winters is used on seasonal data and can handle changes in mean, trend, and seasonality components. It combines double exponential smoothing methods with multiplicative seasonal factors, which are in turn estimated through single exponential smoothing. See also exponential smoothing.

independence

See independent variable.

independent demand

Any demand that has no cause within the business-system context (although it may have a cause in a larger context). For example, to an automobile dealer, a customer order for a new car is an independent demand (although to the customer, it might have been dependent on the unreliability of the customers old car).

independent variable

If a variable does not depend on another variable or set of variables in any way, then the first variable is said to be independent of the second. In regression, independent variable are those that cannot be expressed in terms of another

Glossary-13

variable. Note that independence implies no correlation between variables; however, the converse is not necessarily true.

input errors

Errors in measurement or data entry of variables that are used as inputs in the forecasting or planning process. Input error can be due to human or instrument error.

intermittent demand

Refers to sporadic demand patterns observed for certain products over certain time horizons. These types of demand are characterized by sudden surges followed by periods of zero or very low demand. Special modeling efforts might be required to handle these situations if the products constitute a significant proportion of the total sales.

introduction

See product introduction event.

lag

Backwards in time, a lag of n implies values of variables observed or forecast n time steps before the current time.

lead

Forward in time, a lag of n implies values of variable observed or forecast n time steps before the current time.

level

A position in a dimension hierarchy. Each level above the base level represents the aggregated total of the data from the level below. For example a Geography dimension might have ascending levels such as Customer, City, State, and Region. Within a dimension hierarchy, a dimension value at one level has a family relationship with the dimension values at the levels above and below that level.See also aggregation, hierarchy.

level values

The values of a variable in terms of the chosen currency at a given level.

Glossary-14

life cycle

The period over which a product stays in the market or is operationally produced by the manufacturer. A product’s lifecycle events include the following:

■ Born — A new product

■ Young — A recently introduced product

■ Old — A mature product

■ Dead — A product whose functionality is no longer required as a result of new technology

likelihood

The probability of occurrence. The likelihood of a given model is the probability of the assumed model and the estimated parameters approximating reality.

linear models

A class of linear formulations that approximate the future behavior of a variable in terms of its own current and past values, or the current and past values of independent variables. The term implies that the model expresses the forecasts or the dependent variable as a linear function of the independent variables.

linear regression

A forecasting method in which a linear relationship, ( ), is fitted to the data, where a and b are parameters estimated from history.

logarithmic fit

A forecasting method of the nonlinear regression type in which a linear relationship, ( ) is fitted to a transformation of the original data, where

and . This results in the development of a logarithmic model between x and y: .See also nonlinear regression.

MAD

See mean absolute deviation (MAD).

MAPE

See mean absolute percent error (MAPE).

y a x b+×=

y a x b+×=x x )(log= y′ y=

y a x ) b+(log×=

Glossary-15

mean absolute deviation (MAD)

A performance metric for evaluating forecast accuracy. , where N is the total number of observations, the summation is for all N observations, Y represents the observed data at any time, and Z is the corresponding forecast data.

mean absolute percent error (MAPE)


mean squared error (MSE)


measure

In Demand Planning, a measure represents a data variable which is a placeholder for storing data values for all levels of all dimensions.See also custom measure.

measurement errors

The expected errors or standard deviation errors that are associated with the measured or input values. For example, errors during a transaction are measurement errors.

metric

See performance metric.

middle-out

A method of allocating forecasts generated at a middle level of a hierarchy to the higher levels through aggregation and to lower levels through allocation.

model

An abstract, often statistical or mathematical, representation of reality. Used to approximate the complex process of demand generation, generate forecasts, and answer what-if queries.

MAD Σ Z1 Y1–( ){ } N⁄=

MAPE Σ 100 Z1 Y1–( ) Yi( )⁄×{ } N⁄=

MSE Σ Z1 Y1–( )2 } N⁄{=

Glossary-16

moving average

A smoothing or forecasting technique where the smoothed or forecast value at a point is determined by the average, or weighted average for weighted moving average, of adjacent values in time. The window size used for computing the average is often a parameter that must be specified. For smoothing, both lagged and lead values can be used; for forecast, only past values can be used.

moving median

A smoothing or forecast technique where the smoothed or forecast value at a point is determined by the median of adjacent values in time. The window size used for computing the median is often a parameter that must be specified. It is used in Demand Planning to detect and filter outliers from historical data during statistical forecast generation. However, this analysis is hidden from the planner and results are not directly reported.

MSE

See mean squared error.

multidimensional

Accessing data through multiple dimensions that can be arranged and organized according to a planner’s requirements.

new product introduction

See product introduction event.

noise

In statistics, random variations in data caused by small changes in unaccountable factors, such as measurement error and lack of perfect repeatability during data generation. Loosely used to denote unexplained variances that are associated with demand that could be caused by individual human factors and are not expected to reoccur.

nonlinear regression

A class of statistical forecasting methods in which a linear relationship is fitted to a transformation of the original data. Demand Planning offers five non-linear regression methods: asymptotic fit, exponential fit, exponential asymptotic fit, logarithmic fit, and polynomial regression.See also asymptotic fit, exponential fit, exponential asymptotic fit, logarithmic fit, polynomial regression.

Glossary-17

ODP

Abbreviation for Oracle Demand Planning.See Oracle Demand Planning.

OLAP

Abbreviation for Online Analytical Processing.

Oracle Demand Planning

An application for generating demand forecasts and for planning and tracking variables and factors related to past, present, or future customer demand. Oracle Demand Planning is an integrated module within Oracle’s Advanced Planning and Scheduling application.

Oracle Workflow

The Oracle Workflow engine sequences the processes of demand planning. It is also used to schedule jobs and notify planners of certain events or exceptions.

outlier

A data value that is unusually large or small, usually caused by events that are not expected to reoccur and must be removed from the historical data when generating statistical forecasts.

outlier detection and filtering

The process of detecting and removing outliers from historical data for purposes of statistical forecast generation. The statistical forecasting techniques in Demand Planning automatically filter outliers through one of two methods: moving median in the “time domain” and signal to noise ratio in the “frequency domain.” During the forecast generation process, the best method is automatically selected.

page

In a Demand Planning document, the page component separates data for the dimension values that appear as pages.

parameter

Adjustable variable in a forecasting model, the values of which must be adjusted from historical data through a process called calibration or training.

parameter estimation

See calibration.

Glossary-18

parent

In a hierarchical relationship, the immediately superior level or node. For example in a Geography dimension, Eastern U.S. might be the parent of Massachusetts.

pareto analysis

A method for forecast model selection based on the type of item in stock. Items are divided into the following categories:

■ A — Comprising 1- to 20% of all items but representing 80% of the total value, forecast in a controlled environment with non-adaptive forecasting models and significant monitoring

■ B — Comprising 20 to 30% of all items worth 15 to 20% of sales, forecast using short term adaptive models

■ C — Comprising 50 to 70% of all items and 5 to 10% of the value for which forecasts cannot provide significant ROI

percolation

The process of modifying the values of parent nodes and successive nodes at the top of a hierarchy to reflect changes in the values of the child nodes.

performance metric

A quantity that measures the performance of forecast values by comparing with actual data, for example, root mean square error.

period type

The temporal granularity, such as weeks or months, at which the effects of an event are likely to be felt.

periodicity

See seasonality.

personal database

The database to which a single user has access and modification rights. A demand planner works in his or her personal database and submits final forecasts to the shared database.

phase out

See product phase out event.

Glossary-19

Planning Server

A database that reads data from the transaction system, stores the forecasts issued by Demand Planning, and publishes Demand Planning forecasts to the source instance.

point forecast

The forecast value of a variable defined at any one point, such as at a given level of aggregation, for specified hierarchies of each dimension.

point value

The value of a variable, such as actual or forecast demand, defined at a given level of aggregation for specified hierarchies of each dimension.

polynomial regression

A forecasting method of the nonlinear type in which a linear relation is fitted to a transformation of the original data; in this case and

. This results in the development of a polynomial model: . Note that this is one of several types of polynomial regression models, and not necessarily the most general form.See also nonlinear regression.

predefined reports

In Demand Planning, a set of preformatted reports that target specific issues. There are predefined reports for forecast accuracy, trend analysis, comparison, distribution, growth, quota, ranking, and review.

product dimension

In Demand Planning, a category of data that denotes a product or group of products. For example, you might have product dimension values such as “sporting goods” and “rackets.” See also dimension.

product introduction event

An event where a new product is introduced. Demand Planning calculates the forecast based on the history or forecast, depending on the model type, of one or a linear combination of many model products using the spread model of a spread model product, which might be the same as the model product.

y′ a x′ b+×=( )x′ x( )log=

y′ y( )log= y( ) c xa×=

Glossary-20

product phase out event

An event when an existing product is allowed to die. In Demand Planning, a product phase out event is modeled as linear decay in demand.

promotion

Introduction of special schemes, incentives, or advertising to promote the demand and sale of a particular product. In Demand Planning, a promotion is defined as a standard event.

recalculate

In Demand Planning, refers to calculating forecast values at selected points based on modified or new planner inputs, while keeping other forecast parameters the same as before.

reconciliation

Forecasts issued at higher levels of aggregation must be propagated to the lower levels through a top down technique. However, this process must not interfere with the numbers at the lower level, which could be generated from another forecast or for which some actual data might be available. In Demand Planning, reconciliation refers to the process of propagating forecast information from higher to lower levels without loss of information at the lower levels.

reforecast

Generate new forecast values for a selected data range, using modified history, a new history date range, or a different forecast method. A reforecast might also take into account effects such as promotions and new product introductions that had not been accounted for in a previous forecast.

regression

In statistics, a technique for determining the mathematical relation and the associated uncertainties between dependent variables, such as demand; independent variables, such as past demand; and other factors, such as price, promotions and discounts, through linear or nonlinear models. The form of the model could be dictated beforehand, or it could be dictated by the data.

report

A tabular presentation of multidimensional data. Demand Planning supports ad hoc reporting and also includes a set of predefined reports.

Glossary-21

residual

Remainder. The residual of a forecasting process refers to the forecast error or the remaining variability that cannot be explained by the forecasting process.

responsibility

Term used to denote a user role defined for Demand Planning. There are four roles: System Administrator, Demand Planning Administrator, Demand Planning manager, and Demand Planner. These roles represent user levels that are based on needs, permissions, and security.

ROI on forecast

Return of Investment on forecast. Compares the revenue saved by issuing accurate forecast for n units of an item with the cost of gathering the data and issuing the forecast.

role

See responsibility.

row

A Demand Planning report has three components for displaying multidimensional data: column, row, and page. The row component separates data for the dimension values that run down the report. See also down.

safety stock

Amount of inventory set aside to cover for shortages. Depends on the forecast uncertainties and past performance.

scenario

Forecasts can be generated from multiple sources such as sales, management, marketing, budget, constrained, and unconstrained. Forecasts from each source can also differ in scope, certainty, expectation (for example, optimist versus pessimistic), aggregation level, time horizon, attributes, and so forth. Each forecast or demand plan that is associated with a different forecast situation or cost function represents a forecast scenario. Scenarios are specified in the Planning Server.

seasonality

Any regular, periodic, low frequency variation in time-varying data such as demand. Seasonalities might be nested. For example, one single time-varying data

Glossary-22

might show one quarterly variation, while another might show periodicity within quarters.

shared database

The database that stores forecasts from individual demand planners for the entire data in a demand plan. Planners submit forecasts from their personal databases to the shared database where they are consolidated; planning managers review data in the shared database; planning administrators upload data from the shared database to the Planning Server.

signal to noise ratio

In time series, the ratio of the strength of the underlying signal, which is thought to generate the data, and the noise, which is thought to corrupt the data. This is a frequency domain tool used in Demand Planning for outlier detection.See also noise.

single exponential smoothing

A forecasting method of the exponential smoothing type in which the current estimate is taken as the geometrically weighted average of past values, and all future values are given this same value. This method is applicable to short term forecasts of non-seasonal data. See also exponential smoothing.

sporadic demand

See intermittent demand.

spread model

The method for allocating data using top-down, bottom-up, or middle-out strategies. This could be done using specified weights, or weights that are calculated from history or forecasts.

standard event

Any event other than product introduction or product phase out. These are characterized by event category, event type, priority, modification type, and uplift factor. The modifications are either additions or subtractions of numbers, or a factor of the demand of the product under consideration.

Glossary-23

statistical forecast

Historical data are used to generate statistical forecasts in Demand Planning. A variety of methods for generating forecasts are available. The resulting statistical forecasts include an estimate of the forecast error.

submit

In Demand Planning, the process of committing a forecast to the shared database. Demand planners are given forecasting assignments by the Demand Planning administrator and work on their assignments in their personal database. As planners complete their forecasts, they submit them to the shared database.

System Administrator

A user responsibility that is defined for the highest level of Demand Planning user. The system administrator is responsible for installing Demand Planning and managing the environment in which it operates.

time dimension

A dimension whose values represent time periods. For example, values in the time dimension could include the following:

■ Years such as “1999” and “2000”

■ Quarters such as “Quarter 1 - 2000” and“ Quarter 2 - 2000”

■ Months such as “February 2000” and “March 2000”

time domain analysis

Analysis of time dependent quantities using the actual values in time as independent variables. Temporal qualifiers such as time elapsed from some start date, might also be used as independent variables.

time series

A set of time-stamped data, such as demand data by the day.

time series analysis

Statistical analysis of time series data to determine statistical and other properties, and to often generate forecasts.

top-down

A method of allocating forecasts generated at the highest level of a hierarchy to the lower levels through allocation by a specified spreading rule.

Glossary-24

tracking

The process of monitoring demand, historical data, accuracy of historical data, previous forecasts, and the past performance of forecasts.

training

See calibration.

trend

A characteristic that measures the inclination of time varying, demand, or other data values, to move up or down in an approximate straight line. While trend usually implies linear trend, it is loosely used to indicate other characteristics of data such as variation from mean, periodicity, or nonlinearity.

trend analysis

The process of analyzing data to yield trend estimates.

triple exponential smoothing

See Holt-Winters.

uncertainty

The degree of belief associated with a forecast. Uncertainty is useful to understand the expected skill of each forecast, and is an essential input for issuing composite forecasts. Uncertainty is measured and reported in terms of one of the following:

■ the expected standard deviation of the forecast errors

■ the expected upper and lower bonds on the forecasts

■ the probability of the forecast being accurate

unconstrained forecast

Forecast that is generated from historical data or by individuals without regard to limitations. For example, a retailer with no knowledge of manufacturing capability or a manufacturer without knowledge of customer demand might generate an unconstrained forecast.See also constrained forecast.

uplift factor

For a standard event, the factor by which the existing demand must be increased or decreased.

Glossary-25

variable

In Demand Planning, a quantity that acts as a placeholder for a single datum or group of data. Demand for a particular product in a specific region is an example of a variable.

variance

In statistics, the square of the standard deviation. In Demand Planning, variance is loosely used to denote the forecast errors.

variant

In Demand Planning, a forecast version and related what-if analyses that planners can create.

view

See multidimensional.

verification

The process of determining forecast performance using data that was not used during the forecast process.

what-if analysis

A mechanism that enables planners to formulate ad hoc queries that represent hypothetical but realistic situations.

workflow

See Oracle Workflow.

worksheet

A Demand Planning document that enables planners to modify, create, and submit demand forecasts.

Glossary-26

Index-1

IndexAActivity log, 2-13ad hoc graphs

adding to folders, 10-3closing, 6-6creating, 6-7deleting, 6-30description, 6-3drilling, 6-11example, 6-4exporting data, 6-28formatting, 6-22object properties, 6-30opening, 6-4printing, 6-25renaming, 6-30saving, 6-24selecting data, 6-7, 9-1toolbar, 6-5types, 6-3

ad hoc reportsadding to folders, 10-3closing, 6-6color coding, 6-17copying data, 6-27creating, 6-7deleting, 6-30description, 6-2drilling, 6-11example, 6-2exporting data, 6-28formatting, 6-13object properties, 6-30

opening, 6-4printing, 6-25renaming, 6-30saving, 6-24selecting data, 6-7, 9-1sizing columns and rows, 6-12stoplight formatting, 6-18toolbar, 6-5

adjusting data. See modifying dataalert notifications

deleting, 11-13object properties, 11-13opening, 11-13

alertscreating, 11-2deleting, 11-12description, 11-1disabling, 11-11enabling, 11-11example, 11-5modifying, 11-11object properties, 11-12renaming, 11-12running manually, 11-11

alignment. See formattingallocation rule, 3-5, A-5autosizing, 4-14, 6-15

Bbaseline forecasts, 3-1

Index-2

Cclosing documents, 4-5, 6-6, 7-5color coding ad hoc reports, 6-17colors and fonts in worksheets, 4-11, 4-15, 5-3column formats

ad hoc reports, 6-15worksheets, 4-13

columns, adjusting size, 4-10, 6-12, 7-9comments

display options, 4-15entering, 5-12

Comparison documents, 7-13copying

data, 4-20, 5-7, 6-27, 7-11documents to folders, 10-4forecasts, 3-4histories, 3-12

creating See also definingad hoc graphs, 6-7ad hoc reports, 6-7alerts, 11-2folders, 10-3forecasts, 3-5histories, 3-12worksheets, 4-5

custom aggregatesdefining, 8-7deleting, 8-16description, 8-6example, 8-9modifying, 8-16object properties, 8-17prior period, 8-6, 8-9renaming, 8-17selecting members, 9-1year ago, 8-6, 8-9

custom measuresadditional calculations, 8-3defining, 8-4deleting, 8-16description, 8-2example, 8-5modifying, 8-16

number formatting, 8-3object properties, 8-17renaming, 8-17types, 8-2

Ddata

copying, 4-20, 6-27, 7-11decreasing, 5-3exporting, 4-20, 6-28, 7-12filling, 5-3formatting, 4-12, 6-13, 6-17importing, 3-8increasing, 5-3modifying, 5-2 to 5-16recalculating, 5-11, 5-13resetting, 5-14saving, 5-15selecting, 9-1submitting, 4-21

data change flags, 4-15, 4-16, 5-4, 5-5, 5-9data formats


decreasing data, 5-3defining

custom aggregates, 8-7custom measures, 8-4saved selections, 8-11, 9-31

deletingad hoc graphs, 6-30ad hoc reports, 6-30alerts, 11-12custom aggregates, 8-16custom measures, 8-16documents from folders, 10-5folders, 8-1, 10-6personal forecasts, 3-18personal histories, 3-18saved selections, 8-16worksheets, 4-24

Demand Planningdata flow, 1-5description, 1-1

Index-3

key features, 1-2user roles, 1-5

dependent demand, 3-3dimension values

description, 4-6, 6-8ordering, 9-29

dimensions, description, 4-6, 6-8disabling alerts, 11-11display formats, worksheets, 4-11, 4-15, 5-3Distribution documents, 7-14document folders. See foldersdocument workspace, 2-4documents. See ad hoc reports, ad hoc graphs,

worksheets, predefined reportsdrag and drop

adjusting columns and rows, 4-10, 6-12, 7-9changing ad hoc report layout, 6-10changing worksheet layout, 4-8ordering dimension values, 9-29

drilling, 4-9, 6-11, 7-8

Eeditable cells, display format, 4-15enabling alerts, 11-11events, 3-3Exception documents, 7-15exporting data, 4-20, 6-28, 7-12Express, 1-4

Ffilling data, 5-3folders

copying documents, 10-4creating, 10-3deleting, 10-6deleting documents, 10-5description, 10-1object properties, 10-6renaming, 10-6

fonts. See formattingfootnotes. See formattingForecast Accuracy report, 7-16forecast measures, 3-2, 3-7

forecasts See also baselinel forecasts See also personal forecastsallocation rule, 3-5, A-5copying, 3-4creating, 3-5description, 3-1forecast levels, 3-5, A-4forecast method, 3-5, A-1importing data, 3-8in navigation list, 3-2, 3-6modifying data, 4-11, 5-2object properties, 3-18properties, 3-17reforecasting, 3-5scenarios, 3-1submitting, 4-21

formattingad hoc graphs, 6-22ad hoc reports, 6-13custom measure numbers, 8-3worksheets, 4-11

Ggraphs. See ad hoc graphs, predefined reportsgridlines, 6-13, 6-14Growth documents, 7-16

Hhelp. See online helphistories

See also personal historiescopying, 3-12description, 3-11in navigation list, 3-11, 3-12object properties, 3-18personal, 3-11

history measures, 3-11, 3-13

Iimporting data, 3-8increasing data, 5-3

Index-4

Llayout

ad hoc graphs, 6-9ad hoc reports, 6-9worksheets, 4-8

locking cellsdescription, 5-11display formats, 4-15

logging in, 2-2

Mmeasures

See also custom measures, 8-2description, 4-6, 6-8for baseline forecasts, 3-2for histories, 3-11for personal forecasts, 3-7for personal histories, 3-13read-only, 3-15, 3-16read/write, 3-14, 3-15

members, saved selections, 8-10modifying

alerts, 11-11custom aggregates, 8-16custom measures, 8-16data, 5-2 to 5-16forecasts, 4-11saved selections, 8-16

moving documents between folders, 10-4

NNA values, 4-9, 6-14navigation list

description, 2-7tools, 2-8

notifications list, 2-12, 11-13

Oonline help, 2-15opening documents, 4-2, 6-4, 7-4Oracle Demand Planning. See Demand Planningordering values, 9-29

Ppage label formats


pages, changing, 4-9, 6-12, 7-8pasting data, 5-7personal forecasts

deleting, 3-18description, 3-4renaming, 3-18

personal historiesdeleting, 3-18described, 3-11renaming, 3-18

predefined reportschanging pages, 7-8changing settings, 7-7closing, 7-5Comparison documents, 7-13copying data, 7-11description, 7-2Distribution documents, 7-14drilling, 7-8Exception documents, 7-15exporting data, 7-12Forecast documents, 7-16Growth documents, 7-16modifying settings, 7-7opening, 7-4printing, 7-9Quota documents, 7-16Ranking documents, 7-16Review documents, 7-17sample settings, 7-6sizing columns and rows, 7-9toolbar, 7-5Trend documents, 7-17types, 7-13viewing as graphs, 7-8

printingad hoc graphs, 6-25ad hoc reports, 6-25predefined reports, 7-9worksheets, 4-19

Index-5

prior period custom aggregate, 8-6, 8-7, 8-9properties, object, 3-18, 4-24, 6-30, 8-17, 10-6, 11-12protecting cells. See locking cells, 5-11

QQuota documents, 7-16

RRanking documents, 7-16read-only cells, display format, 4-15recalculating data, 5-11, 5-13renaming

ad hoc graphs, 6-30ad hoc reports, 6-30alerts, 11-12custom aggregates, 8-17custom measures, 8-17folders, 10-6personal forecasts, 3-18personal histories, 3-18saved selections, 8-17worksheets, 4-24

reports. See ad hoc reports, predefined reportsresetting data, 5-14Review documents, 7-17row formats


rows, adjusting size, 4-10, 6-12, 7-9running alerts, 11-8, 11-11

Ssaved selections

applying, 4-7, 6-8, 7-7defining, 8-11, 9-31deleting, 8-16description, 8-10modifying, 8-16object properties, 8-17renaming, 8-17

savingad hoc graphs, 6-24

ad hoc reports, 6-24data in worksheets, 5-15See also saved selections, 8-10worksheets, 4-17

scenarios, 3-1searching for values, 9-4selecting data, 9-1settings for predefined reports, 7-5sorting. See ordering valuessteps, for saved selection, 8-10stoplight formatting, 6-18submitting forecasts, 4-21subtitles. See formatting

Ttick marks. See formattingtitle formats

ad hoc graphs, 6-23reports, 6-16worksheets, 4-16

titles. See formattingtoolbars

ad hoc reports and graphs, 6-5data selection, 9-2navigation list, 2-8predefined reports, 7-5worksheets, 4-3

Trend documents, 7-17

Uunits of measure, 8-7unlocking cells, 5-11user roles, 1-7

Vvariants. See personal forecasts

Wworksheets

closing, 4-5comments, 5-12

Index-6

copying data, 4-20, 5-7creating, 4-5deleting, 4-24description, 4-2display formats, 4-15, 5-3drilling, 4-9exporting data, 4-20formatting, 4-11layout, 4-8locking cells, 5-11modifying data, 5-3NA or zero values, 4-9object properties, 4-24opening, 4-2pasting data, 5-7printing, 4-19recalculating data, 5-13renaming, 4-24resetting data, 5-14saving, 4-17saving data, 5-15selecting data, 4-6, 9-1sizing columns and rows, 4-10submitting data, 4-21toolbar, 4-3

workspace, customizing, 2-4

Yyear ago custom aggregate, 8-6, 8-9

Zzero values, 4-9, 6-14