Business forecasting using predictive metadata

Abstract

A business forecasting tool utilizing metadata is provided. A processor receives one or more sets of business metrics. A processor receives a first metadata descriptor for a first set of business metrics of the one or more sets of business metrics. A processor receives a second metadata descriptor for a second set of business metrics of the one or more sets of business metrics. A processor prepares the first set of business metrics for prediction of a third set of business metrics based on, at least in part, the first metadata descriptor, where the first set and third set each correspond to a different time period. A processor generates a fourth set of business metrics based on, at least in part, the second metadata descriptor, where the second set and fourth set each correspond to a different time period.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for business forecasting, comprising:
 receiving, by one or more processors, one or more sets of business metrics, wherein at least one of the one or more sets of business metrics comprises a set of recorded events;   receiving, by the one or more processors, a first metadata descriptor for a first set of business metrics of the one or more sets of business metrics;   receiving, by the one or more processors, a second metadata descriptor for a second set of business metrics of the one or more sets of business metrics;   preparing, by the one or more processors, the first set of business metrics for prediction of a third set of business metrics based on, at least in part, the first metadata descriptor, wherein the first set and third set each correspond to a different time period; and   generating, by the one or more processors, a fourth set of business metrics based on, at least in part, the second metadata descriptor, wherein the second set and fourth set each correspond to a different time period.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first metadata descriptor indicates that the first set of business metrics has a non-predetermined trend. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second metadata descriptor indicates that the second set of business metrics has a predetermined trend. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein preparing the first set of business metrics for prediction includes requesting a prediction of the first set of business metrics for the time period corresponding to the third set of business metrics. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein generating the fourth set of business metrics includes determining at least one value of the fourth set of business metrics based on, at least in part, the predetermined trend. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 presenting, by the one or more processors, a report including at least the first set and second set of business metrics, wherein a time period of the first set overlaps the time period of the second set.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the report selectively includes the third set and fourth set of business metrics based on a configuration of the report.