Step 3: Create a forecast model

To create a forecast model:

1. In Forecaster, select Forecast models > New forecast model.
2. Enter your Forecast model name.
3. Select a Data collection from the dropdown. 
4. Select an Algorithm from the dropdown.
   Your algorithm trains the forecast model. The list of possible algorithms is based on your chosen data collection. See Algorithms to learn more.
5. Set the length of the forecast.
   It's beneath Forecast horizon. 
6. Select from the dropdown How many intervals.
   • The time interval aligns with the data collection frequency. 
   • The maximum allowed forecast horizon is determined by both the data collection properties and your selected algorithm.

Then you can finalize the rest of the model settings.

To adjust other settings:

1. Under Additional settings, make the selections below (optional).
   • If the algorithm is Ensemble, select an Optimization metric. The default metric is MASE.  
   • Select from the Country-specific holiday calendar dropdown. This setting adds a related time series to the forecast model training. 
     • Country-specific holiday data is useful when the data collection represents data from a single country. 
     • To use a national holiday calendar, you must make sure the algorithm applied supports related data.
2. Map these fields: 
   • Workspace
   • Model
   • Module
   • Item ID list
   • Time dimension
   • Forecast (forecast version) list
   • Forecast list item
3. Turn on the Write backtest results to Anaplan switch (optional).
   See Backtesting to learn more. 
4. Select Create.
   You can check the status on the Forecast models page.

To generate the forward-looking forecast results, go to Step 4: Forecast Action.

Optionally, you can evaluate the forecast model before you create and run a forecast action. To evaluate:

• Assess metrics in the inspector panel tab (right-side).
• Examine backtest data and compare the forecast against the actuals.