6.7.3.6 Score a Forecasting Model

After generating predictions, you can score the model to assess its reliability. For a list of scoring metrics you can use with forecasting models, see Forecasting Metrics. For this use case, you use the test dataset for validation. In a real-world use case, you should use a separate validation dataset that has the target column and ground truth values for the scoring validation. You should also use a larger number of records for training and validation to get a valid score.

The ML_SCORE routine does not require a target_column_name for forecasting, so you can set it to NULL. However, the target column needs to be in the table to generate a valid score value.

Before You Begin

Complete the following tasks:

Score Model

If not already done, load the model. You can use the session variable for the model that is valid for the duration of the connection. Alternatively, you can use the model handle previously set. For the option to set the user name, you can set it to NULL.
The following example uses the session variable.
```
mysql> CALL sys.ML_MODEL_LOAD(@model, NULL);
```
The following example uses the model handle.
```
mysql> CALL sys.ML_MODEL_LOAD('forecasting_use_case', NULL);
```
Score the model with the ML_SCORE routine and use the neg_sym_mean_abs_percent_error metric.
```
mysql> CALL sys.ML_SCORE(table_name, target_column_name, model_handle, metric, score, [options]);
```
Replace table_name, target_column_name, model_handle, metric, score with your own values.
The following example runs ML_SCORE on the testing dataset previously created.
```
mysql> CALL sys.ML_SCORE('forecasting_data.electricity_demand_test', 'demand', @model, 'neg_sym_mean_abs_percent_error', @forecasting_score, NULL);
```
Where:
- forecasting_data.electricity_demand_test is the fully qualified name of the validation dataset.
- demand is the target column name with ground truth values.
- @model is the session variable for the model handle.
- neg_sym_mean_abs_percent_error is the selected scoring metric.
- @forecasting_score is the session variable name for the score value.
- NULL means that no other options are defined for the routine.

Retrieve the score by querying the @forecasting_score session variable.

mysql> SELECT @forecasting_score;
+----------------------+
| @forecasting_score   |
+----------------------+
| -0.06810028851032257 |
+----------------------+
1 row in set (0.0429 sec)

If done working with the model, unload it with the ML_MODEL_UNLOAD routine.
```
mysql> CALL sys.ML_MODEL_UNLOAD('forecasting_use_case');
```
To avoid consuming too much memory, it is good practice to unload a model when you are finished using it.

What's Next

Review other Machine Learning Use Cases.