"AI Forecasting"
The Core Concept
AI Forecasting applies predictive modeling to business planning.
Unlike Excel spreadsheets that assume linear growth (e.g., "add 10% to last year"), AI forecasting looks at seasonality, external market factors, and complex correlations. It can predict that sales will dip in November because of a specific weather pattern or competitor behavior.
Why It Matters
Inventory Management: Prevents overstocking (wasted cash) and stockouts (lost revenue).
Cash Flow: Gives CFOs a more accurate picture of future liquidity.
Resource Allocation: Helps marketing teams know exactly when to increase ad spend to capture rising demand.
Key Components
Time Series Analysis: The statistical technique of analyzing time-based data points.
Anomaly Detection: Identifying data points that don't fit the pattern (e.g., a one-time viral spike).