Automatic Demand Forecasting saves time by using AI to predict your business’ future requirements based on past trends. It can be used to generate up to 28 days’ predicted revenue in seconds and is typically more accurate than manually forecasting.
AI forecasting is currently in the beta testing stage and may be subject to change.
Step 1: Adding your historical data (required)
To generate an accurate forecast, RotaCloud needs a minimum of 30 days of recent actual revenue figures:
Method 1: POS integration (Recommended)
A POS integration is the fastest and easiest way to get bulk historical data into RotaCloud. If you use Tevalis as your POS system, your daily revenue can automatically sync with RotaCloud so you’re always ready to generate a forecast.
To learn how to set up a Tevalis integration, click here.
Method 2: CSV import
A CSV import is another fast and easy way to get bulk historical data into RotaCloud. If you use a POS system that can export your recent revenue data in CSV format, this can be uploaded using the Upload button on the Labour Forecasting page.
To download an actual revenue import template, click here.
Formatting and Importing Your CSV
To successfully import your historical data via CSV:
Format your CSV: Ensure your exported CSV file is formatted to match our system requirements, paying close attention to:
Column headers: these headers must clearly represent the data (e.g., 'Date', 'Actual Revenue').
Date format: use the required date format (YYYY-MM-DD).
Start the import process:
Navigate to the your Financial tab and select Budgets & Forecasting. Click the Upload button in the top right corner.
Select Import Actual Revenue from the options.
Upload your file: When prompted, select and upload your prepared CSV file.
Map Column Headers: On the mapping screen, match the column headers from your CSV file to the corresponding RotaCloud columns (set the column that contains dates to ‘Date’, and the column containing Locations to ‘Location’, etc.).
Submit and review: Once the columns are mapped, submit the file.
Successful Imports: rows that are successfully imported will display a green marker to the left.
Failed imports: if a row fails to import, a red marker will appear. You can hover your mouse over the red marker to view the specific reason for the failure.
To learn more about importing your forecasting data, click here.
Method 3: Manual entry (typically not recommended)
Actual Revenue data can also be added manually day-by-day, this is a great way to keep up to date with each day’s revenue, or if you only have a few days to catch up on.
Navigate to the Rotas page.
Open the Actual Revenue window: Click the graph icon to open the Actual Revenue section above the rota.
Enter daily figures: A small window will appear, displaying the current week. Type the actual revenue figure into the corresponding field for each day. You can move back and forth between weeks using the date selector at the top.
Submit: The data is submitted automatically as you type in your revenue figures.
To learn more about how to use our labour forecasting tool, click here.
Step 2: Generating the AI forecast
Once you’ve added sufficient Actual Revenue to your account (minimum of 28 days) you’ll be able to generate your first forecast. Head to the Labour Forecasting page by clicking Financials then Budgets & Forecasting.
To the right, you’ll see the AI Sidebar. Here, you can generate, review and then add any forecasted figures.
Click Generate to generate up to 28 days’ expected revenue*.
*Clicking Generate will NOT overwrite or delete any existing budgets that you may currently have in the system. You can choose to apply or overwrite any of your saved forecasts later.
Step 3: Reviewing and Applying the Figures
In a few seconds your forecast will be generated. Look over the generated forecast to see how it aligns with your expectations.
When you’re ready, click Apply to save these forecasted figures to your budget, so you can use them to plan your rota*.
*Clicking 'Apply' WILL overwrite existing forecasts that you may have saved. You can tick this box below your forecasted figures if you want to ensure your existing budget figures are protected and not overwritten when applying the new AI forecast.
AI Forecasting video tutorial