Trend and Forecast Data

[MarkoGreenio]

Hi all,

I have been asked to trend/forecast some data and I am not sure how to work it out in the format of the table I am using. All the tutorials use data going down but mine is going across.
Calls arrive in 15 minute intervals so based on the Mondays so far in the last six weeks I need to know how many calls will drop in those 15 minute intervals. I am not good explaining so I have attached a sheet FYI, I am sure that will explain it better. The highlighted column is where I need the data populating.
Any help will be appreciated.
Regards
Mark

[BadlySpelledBuoy]

Hi Mark,

For a forecast, try this in G3 and copied down:
=FORECAST(G$1,B3:F3,$B$1:$F$1)

For a trend, try this:
=TREND(B3:F3,$B$1:$F$1,G$1)

Which you use will very much depend on what it is you're actually trying to figure out...

BSB

[MarkoGreenio]

Thank you BSB
The forecast is provided by planning but we are seeing unseasonable spikes so they require more trending. I was told to use regression data but this forum points more towards the TREND formula. If that is the case then your solution works perfectly well.
Once again thank you and giving up some your weekend to help.

Mark

[MarkoGreenio]

PS I have no idea what regression data even is

[BadlySpelledBuoy]

Happy to help.

Have a good evening.

BSB

[BadlySpelledBuoy]

PS I have no idea what regression data even is

Haha!

Think of it as a deep dive analysis. It would look at not only the trend based on previous figures but what other factors could explain the trend.
So if you have a spike in calls in a certain period, was it a one off or is it a regular spike? Could it have been caused by a specific event? Is that event likely to happen again? You look at every possible factor and build a big (often complicated) picture of the trend and then predict future figures based on likelihood of events reoccuring.

Far more complicated than you need in this case, I think!

There is far more to it than that and I'll prob get shot down for the simplified explanation

BSB

[MarkoGreenio]

LOL - thank you for the explanation that makes perfect sense. Looking at the planning model I know they use the regression model but I agree, for real time analysis within a 3 week lock down then trend is the best. Leave the other to you and the other experts.

Enjoy the rest of the evening.