Method 5: Linear Approximation

This method uses the Linear Approximation formula to compute a trend from the number of periods of sales order history and to project this trend to the forecast. You should recalculate the trend monthly to detect changes in trends.

This method requires the number of periods of best fit plus the number of specified periods of sales order history. This method is useful to forecast demand for new products, or products with consistent positive or negative trends that are not due to seasonal fluctuations.