Building a Large-Scale, Automated Forecasting System

In this module, we'll use the ATSM package in PROC TSMODEL to perform automatic forecasting, model selection, and specification. We'll walk through the process for declaring and using the many different ATSM objects and discuss how and where each object fits within the automatic forecasting process.

This module describes and illustrates functionality for creating your own custom models in the forecasting system. We'll provide step-by-step instructions for building a custom specification and then modifying the automatic model selection process to include your model as a candidate for all series in a given level of the data hierarchy.

In this module, we'll generate event variables three different ways. First, we'll use the ATSM package to create and implement predefined event variables. Second, we'll create event variables using the HPFEVENTS procedure. Third, we'll perform conditional BY-group processing for event variable creation. Next, we'll use and identify ARIMAX and ESM models, produce model selection lists, and select a champion model. Using the selected champion model and passing the predefined event variables to the TSMODEL procedure, we'll generate automatic forecasts and output model estimates and fit statistics.

Reconciling statistical forecasts occurs after the automatic model generation, selection, and forecasting processes are done. In this module, we describe the reconciliation process and illustrate system tools and options for reconciling statistical forecasts we generated earlier in the course.

This module covers a variety of topics. First, we'll discuss system tools and best practices that have the potential to improve the precision of your system forecasts. These include best practices like honest assessment for champion model selection and system tools like outlier detection and combined model forecasts. Next, we'll describe options and best practices associated with rolling the system forward in time.

In this module you test your understanding of the course material.