What is meant by Rolling Planning?
The term "rolling forecast" refers to an ongoing planning process where forecasts and plans are regularly and systematically updated. Instead of using fixed planning periods like annual plans, rolling forecasts involve continuously adjusting planning periods, often by adding new periods and removing past ones. The goal is to always have a current and relevant planning period that can better respond to short-term changes.
Typical software functions in the area of "rolling forecast":
- Automatic Updates: Automatic adjustment of planning periods and time frames based on the current date and latest information.
- Real-Time Data Integration: Integration and use of real-time data for adjusting forecasts and plans.
- Scenario Management: Creation and management of different planning scenarios to evaluate alternatives and their impacts.
- Forecasting and Modeling: Tools for forecasting and modeling future developments based on current and historical data.
- Reporting: Creation of reports and dashboards that present current planning and forecasting results clearly.
- Flexible Time Management: Adjustment of planning periods, e.g., monthly or quarterly, and their integration into the overall planning process.
- Variance Analysis: Analysis of deviations between planned and actual results for continuous adjustment of plans.
- Collaboration Tools: Features for collaboration and alignment of planning data between different departments or teams.