Forecasting Using a Forecast Context

---

To forecast using a forecasting context, take the following steps:

1. Create the objects that you need to hold the results of the forecast.

2. Write a forecasting program. Within the program, issue the following statements in the order indicated:

   1. FCOPEN function -- Creates a forecasting context.

   2. FCSET command -- Specifies the forecast characteristics to be used by the "expert system".

   3. FCEXEC command -- Executes a forecast and populates Oracle OLAP variables with forecasting data.

   4. FCQUERY function -- Retrieves information about the characteristics of a forecast or a trial of a forecast.

   5. FCCLOSE command -- Closes a forecasting context.

For examples of using the a forecasting context to forecast data see Example: A Forecasting Program. For examples of simple forecasts using the FORECAST command, see Example: Using the EXPONENTIAL Method and Example: Using the WINTERS Method.