Demand Forecasting in Operational Workforce Management

Abstract

We discuss the challenges faced in carrying out field force forecasting at various levels. The paper narrates the process of designing forecasting models with an eye over obstacles and observations. We have tested and compared various methods and accuracies to conclude with an approach that provides both, better accuracies and smoother implementation. The paper attempts to make the reader aware of practical difficulties and demonstrate how to amalgamate business intelligence and statistical knowledge in developing Forecasting Models. The concluding approach of using seasonal decomposition along with Winter's model is distinct in application.