Example 3: Run rules from a total cell

Changing a total cell in Prophecy, for example a year total, backsolves over the dependent unsold time periods.  This can trigger multiple rule violations.

The new implementation of rules elegantly catches these in a single, floating pop-up window (rather than showing multiple individual message windows for each affected period).  Here's a screen capture:

This window 'floats' over (or outside) the Prophecy space.  Not only that, but when you click an error or warning in the list you will be taken to the 'offending' report cell automatically, allowing you to correct or review the forecast in light of the warning or error.

What's possible with Prophecy rules?

Prophecy rules can now run just about any test logic as they use SQL in the background.  They can query any database (not just the Prophecy database) with any logic.  The logic simply has to determine whether the rule passes or fails and, if it fails, can provide an optional replacement forecast.

Here are some ideas.  The canvas is literally blank, yours to fill.

• Round forecast to nearest integer (e.g. when backsolving introduces non-integer volume forecasts).
• Lock next 3 periods for specified customers or products only.
• Forecast must be greater or equal to minimum order quantity (by product or by product / customer).
• Total forecast annual marketing spend for customer cannot be greater than specified amount.
• Warn or prevent forecast if there is no forecast Price or Standard Cost.  (No need for Price or Standard Cost to be displayed in report.)
• Forecast cannot be greater than total stock allocation.

Summary

The 'beefed up' Prophecy Rules engine aims to help you more effectively catch inappropriate forecasts.  Creating forecast rules is a relatively trivial database management job, or you can ask Data Perceptions to create your rules for you (just ask!).

We welcome enhancement suggestions, so please help the Prophecy developer make Prophecy better for you and all the other Prophecy users by communicating your suggestions, either through email of our web site contact form.  All feedback is welcomed.