Flexible Forecast in Business Central gives you three different ways to view your forecast, each presenting data in a clear two-dimensional layout instead of the matrix view used in the standard demand forecast. This makes it easier for planners to see the information they need without navigating a complex grid.
The three views are forecast per period (one item across many periods), forecast per dimension (one item in one period across many dimensions), and forecast in period for all items (one period across many items). You access all of them by searching from the item list or item card.
The advantage over the standard demand forecast is that each line shows fields like item number, date period and start inventory, and you can add many more columns with information relevant to planning. The standard demand forecast only shows item numbers and forecast quantity, with no sales or purchase quantities visible.
Three ways to view forecast in Flexible Forecast
Flexible Forecast gives you three different ways to view your forecast data. You find them by searching for “forecast” from the item list or the item card.
- Forecast per period shows one item across many periods.
- Forecast per dimension shows one item in one period, broken down across many dimensions.
- Forecast in period for all items shows one period across many items.
Each view answers a different planning question, so you can pick the one that matches how you want to work with your numbers.
Two-dimensional lines instead of a matrix view
The main reason for building these views instead of relying on the standard demand forecast functionality is the ability to view lines in a two-dimensional layout. Each line shows the item number, date period, start inventory and a range of other fields with information that matters to the planner. You can add many columns to the view to bring in exactly the data you need.
Limitations of the standard demand forecast in Business Central
The standard demand forecast in Business Central presents data in what is called a matrix view. If you apply a “by month” filter and scroll to a period with forecast entries, you can see the item numbers and the forecast quantity, but nothing more.
You cannot see sales quantities, purchase quantities or similar figures, so you lack the information needed to plan with confidence. The matrix is effectively a three-dimensional view, which makes it more complex to navigate.
Why the two-dimensional views work better for planners
By using three separate two-dimensional views, you trade the compact matrix for far more added information and greater flexibility to work directly in the view. Instead of squeezing everything into a single grid, each view gives you the context you need for the specific planning task in front of you.
Q&A
What are the three forecast views in Flexible Forecast?
The three views are forecast per period (one item across many periods), forecast per dimension (one item in one period across many dimensions), and forecast in period for all items (one period across many items). You access them from the item list or item card.
Why use Flexible Forecast instead of the standard demand forecast in Business Central?
Flexible Forecast presents your data in two-dimensional lines where each line can show item number, date period, start inventory and many additional columns of planning information. The standard demand forecast uses a matrix view that only shows item numbers and forecast quantity.
What information is missing in the standard demand forecast matrix view?
The matrix view only shows item numbers and forecast quantity. You cannot see sales quantities, purchase quantities or other supporting figures, which leaves planners short on the information they need.
How do you find the forecast views in Business Central?
Search for “forecast” from the item list or the item card, and you can open forecast per period, forecast per dimension, or forecast in period for all items.