ForecastX

What ForecastX is

ForecastX is a Windows plugin for Excel that creates statistical demand forecasts. It interprets spreadsheet data and chooses a forecasting method, allowing a forecast to be made in one click. The maker says users can add data to Excel without spending hours on cleansing and formatting. ForecastX Lite includes ProCast Expert Selection, batch forecasting, more than 25 statistical methods, more than 50 statistical measures and event modeling. The ForecastX plan adds multi-level hierarchy management, on-the-fly recalculations, ABC analysis, consensus planning, new product forecasting and conversion factors.

The product also supports inventory management, safety stock optimization and replenishment planning based on inventory parameters. Teams can collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, change plans at different levels of detail and consolidate results. Event and promotion models can show impacts on demand and profitability. Forecasts can be exported and shared, and the maker says they can be integrated with any ERP system. John Galt Solutions presents ForecastX for supply chain planning, including forecasting, inventory planning, promotions and new product planning. The company says it was founded in 1996 and is privately owned. It offers a help desk and says it responds to tickets within 24 hours.

Who it suits

ForecastX suits supply chain planners who work in Excel and need demand forecasting, inventory planning or promotion and new-product planning. Its collaboration, hierarchy and consolidation features are relevant to teams coordinating forecasts with internal or external stakeholders.

Limits

There is no free plan. ForecastX Lite is listed at $59 a month and includes 25+ statistical methods and 50+ statistical measures; ForecastX 10 is an annual subscription, and refunds are unavailable for late cancellations.

Getting started

1. Visit https://johngalt.com/forecastx/.
2. Choose ForecastX Lite at $59 a month, ForecastX at $99 a month, or the ForecastX 10 New Customer one-time purchase at $500, paid once.
3. Get installation files and updates through the support page’s downloads.
4. Install the Windows Excel plugin and add data in Excel to create a forecast.

Verdict

Choose ForecastX if your supply chain planning work is based in Excel and needs statistical demand forecasting alongside inventory and collaboration tools. Look elsewhere if you need a platform other than Windows. Check the subscription terms carefully: ForecastX 10 renews annually, and late cancellations are not refundable.