Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Be ready when you need to be.

Forecasting

We know you’re here to support your community.

While we understand it can be a headache making sure orders are done correctly and that forecasting needs are met, service users are the ones that deal with the consequences if these steps aren’t taken. Not only that, failing to forecast can lead to unnecessary waste. Our goal is to support community health, so let’s do everything we can to be successful.

What Can Go Wrong?

Click any problem box below and flip the card to see how it impacts your program or the service user.

- Problem -

Forecasting is not completed.

- Impact -

Future demand for supplies is not planned for and supplies will not be there when you need them.

- Problem -

Accurate record of volumes was not kept.

- Impact -

Forecasting cannot be completed accurately.

- Problem -

Feedback from service users about their preferences was not collected for forecasting needs.

- Impact -

Emerging trends around supplies may not be captured.

- Problem -

Quantitative (data), and qualitative (feedback, observations) were not collected.

- Impact -

You cannot forecast with confidence or validate your previous forecasts.

- Problem -

Accurate record of volumes ordered from suppliers are not kept.

- Impact -

This valuable data cannot be the foundation for your forecasts.

- Problem -

Forecast is not validated.

- Impact -

Your forecast could completely miss the mark, and you won't know to change your strategy for next time.
Forecasting helps make sure you’re ready when your community needs you to be.

The Forecasting Process

We get while forecasts may not always be precise (it’s just reality), using data, feedback and observations can help you figure out what you’re going to need in the future.

Get the Full Picture

Gather your recent data from spreadsheets or other software like Excel. Graph the data to guide you - you’ll start to see trends jump out at you.

Always Verify

Validate your previous forecast with the data you now have. For help, contact OHRDP.

Experiment

Try other approaches like the Moving Average, which is a forecasting method where the last several months are averaged to give a forecast for the next month.

Check

Make sure the forecast makes sense when you consider your recent ordering and frontline experience.

Record

Record your forecasts for future reference. Consider using the Forecasting Tool and saving the spreadsheet to a handy location.

Know What’s What

Validate your forecasts after several months have passed.

Keeping Stocked: An introduction to forecasting supply needs for your community – illustration of a person using a spreadsheet on their desktop computer

4:46 Mins

Forecasting

Keeping Stocked

Keeping Stocked

What’s in this video

0:25

Learn how to get started and which programs you can use.

0:57

Discover the three versions of the Forecasting tool.

1:40

Watch an example of Forecasting being completed.

Downloadable Ordering Tools

Video
Keeping Stocked: An introduction to forecasting supply needs for your community – illustration of a person using a spreadsheet on their desktop computer
Keeping Stocked: An introduction to forecasting supply needs for your community – illustration of a person using a spreadsheet on their desktop computer
Keeping Stocked

An introduction to forecasting supply needs for your community.

Keeping Stocked: An introduction to forecasting supply needs for your community – illustration of a person using a spreadsheet on their desktop computer
Document
Forecasting Inventory Volumes – Baggies

Quickly and easily access how many baggies you’ll need in upcoming weeks.

Document
Forecasting Inventory Volumes – Injection Supplies

Easily project stock level quantities for injection supplies you’re going to need.

Document
Forecasting Inventory Volumes – Inhalation Supplies

Quickly and easily access how many inhalation supplies you’ll need in upcoming weeks.

Document
Forecasting Companion Guide

Written instructions for the three forecasting spreadsheets: Inhalation Supplies, Injection Supplies and Baggies.

Visualize your recent ordering data for each item when doing SIMS forecasts. This makes patterns and trends pop out. Check out the Forecasting section for more info!

Lucas

Forecasting can help ensure you have enough inventory. It can also prevent stockpiling.

Lucas

Graphing helps you see the story your data is telling you.

Lucas

Do the volumes in your inventory and what you distribute to the community reflect safer practices? Use ‘Connecting’  as a guide to support kit supply ratios.

Miroslav

Tip One
Tip Two
Tip Three
Tip Four

Have Questions?

Reach out to our support team at OHRDP.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.