Data providers receive data collection workbooks in which they update and return forecast data. Updates are consolidated in the database, where analysis owners can examine the impact of forecast changes. For example, in a demand consolidation scenario, sales representatives provide updated demand data.
Usually, data providers are not Integrated Operational Planning users and do not need to log on to the Planning Workbench. If they do log on, they cannot view scenarios or forecast data, unless they are also the analysis owner, a participant, or an approver.