Forecast Pro vs WorkForce Software Labor Forecasting

Forecast Pro creates statistically based business forecasts for use in broader planning systems. Its automatic best-pick algorithm considers seasonal patterns, trends, business cycles, promotional activity, and other factors. Users can forecast at multiple hierarchy levels while working with units, dollars, and other measures at once. Adjustments can be made at any level, with comments and override reports documenting and reconciling changes. The software archives prior forecasts so users can compare them with actual results and review forecast value added across process steps. Data can move through Excel, CSV, text files, or ODBC, and the maker says the product integrates with ERP, MRP, and BI systems. Forecast Pro runs on Windows and can be installed on a client machine or server, including Citrix or Windows Server. The SDK is also available as a Linux shared library, with.NET and Java interfaces. Professional starts at $199 a month, billed annually, with a 12-month minimum. A free trial provides all features for 21 days and ends automatically.

WorkForce Software Labor Forecasting projects workforce demand in 15-minute intervals for organizations planning staffing against expected work. Forecasts can use historical business data, emerging trends and human input, with segmentation by department, area or product line. Demand signals may include foot traffic, transactions, call volumes and work orders. Users can set labor standards and minimum and maximum staffing levels for groups and activities, incorporating time standards and time-and-motion data. Forecasts can account for seasonal or temporary changes, promotions, slower periods, adverse weather and road closures. The solution measures forecasts against key performance indicators and supports refinement using performance benchmarks. WorkForce Suite offers open REST APIs and prebuilt connectors for SAP, Workday and Oracle; other integration options include RESTful and SOAP APIs, CSV and XML file interfaces, and compatibility with single sign-on, single logout and multi-factor authentication. The vendor describes the Suite as a cloud platform and positions it for global organizations with complex operations, including multi-country compliance needs and shift-based or 24/7 work. Pricing is on request. The vendor says it is ISO 27001 certified and provides dedicated success resources, workforce experts and around-the-clock or regionally extended support.