Apparatus and method for forecasting control chart data
A computer-readable medium to direct a computer to function in a specified manner includes executable instructions to construct a control chart containing business data values and defined control limits. A forecast is then made for the control chart and the results of the forecast are then specified.
1 . A computer-readable storage medium to direct a computer to function in a specified manner, comprising executable instructions to:
construct a control chart characterizing business data values and control limits, wherein the business data values are selected from financial, human resource, marketing, sales, customer and supplier data;
identify a pattern in the control chart;
apply regression analysis to the control chart to produce a forecast;
compare the forecast to a control limit;
determine if the forecast exceeds the control limit; and
report an alert.
2 . (canceled)
3 . (canceled)
4 . The computer-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions to apply regression analysis include executable instructions to identify linear and non-linear curves.
5 . The computer-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions to construct a control chart include executable instructions to define said control limits.
6 . The computer-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions to determine include executable instructions to visually depict a forecast.
7 . (canceled)
8 . The computer-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions to report an alert include executable instructions to provide regression analysis information.
9 . The computer-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions to report an alert include executable instructions to generate an alert email.
10 . The computer-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions to report an alert include executable instructions to present an alert visual indicator.