📈 Finding Your Expected Demand (30-Day Forecast)
The Expected Demand (per month) is Optiply's best prediction of the demand for a product during the coming 30 days. This expectation is derived from the advanced forecasting model that analyses the product's entire sales history and accounts for trends, seasonality, and exceptions.
1. View Expected Demand on the Products Page
The quickest way to see the demand for all your products is by viewing the 30-day Forecast column on the main product overview page.
Navigate to the Products Page: From the main menu, go to the Products overview.
Access Column View: Locate the Column View or Filters options above the product table.
Select the Column: Check the box next to the 30-day Forecast column.
Confirm Selection: Click the Apply button at the bottom of the column view menu.
The value displayed in this column is the Expected Demand (per month).
2. View Demand in Product Details
You can also find a detailed view of the demand and the underlying forecast data on the product's individual details page.
Open Product Details: Click on any product name from the Products Page to open its detailed view.
Locate the Forecast Section: The Expected Demand will be displayed within the Forecasting or Statistics section of the page, often alongside historical sales data and the long-term forecast.
3. View Demand Inside an Order
When working within a purchase order, you can access the demand information for any item being ordered without leaving the screen.
Access Product Details: Inside an active purchase order, select the product line item. The Expected Demand (30-day forecast) will be visible within the pop-up or side panel, showing the product's detailed order and forecast information.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the 30-day forecast based only on the last 30 days of sales?
No. The 30-day forecast is the result of the forecast, but the calculation itself analyses the product's entire sales history. It uses over 40 methods to find the best fit, ensuring the prediction is accurate for the next month.
What happens to the Expected Demand if a product is phased out?
If a product is phased out, the historical sales data and future demand are often ignored. The Expected Demand will reflect this, quickly reducing to zero, ensuring Optiply does not advise purchasing the product.
If I manually override a forecast, will the Expected Demand change?
Yes. If you manually override the system's forecast for a product, Optiply uses your input as the basis for predicting the demand, and the Expected Demand (30-day forecast) column will reflect your adjusted figure.
Does the Expected Demand include backorders and reservations?
The Expected Demand predicts future sales. It does not typically include existing backorders or reservations, as those are calculated separately and subtracted from stock when determining the final purchase quantity.