SmartForecasts for Windows

SmartForecasts Unlimited Batch Edition, Version 4.12, from Smart Software Inc., is reviewed. The most important feature of the Version 4.12 of SmartForecasts of Windows (SFW), which shipped in July 1998, is the automatic forecasting system, which includes six extrapolative forecasting methods: simple moving averages, linear moving averages, single exponential smoothing, double exponential smoothing, and the additive and multiplicative versions of Winters exponential smoothing. One of the commendable features of the SFW program is the ability to easily read various types of input files. The data table format in SFW is the same as your familiar spreadsheet. Version 4.1 of SmartForecasts has implemented an easy to use method of both conducting causal data analysis and building regression forecasting models. For those forecasters who have a good grasp of the calculations associated with each forecasting method and who are familiar with Windows, this program will allow automatic and accurate forecasts to be rapidly calculated even on large numbers of items.