A new Zero forecast algorithm is now available in Advanced Planning.  This new algorithm enables a user to define a zero forecast for a context that will no longer be statistically forecasted.

In the Statistics tab of the Forecast section in Advanced Planning a user is able to select a context and specify the Zero Forecast algorithm which will set the forecast for that context to zero (see below). The selection must be made at a forecast level for it to apply.

In addition to applying the Zero algorithm on a selective basis, users may be able to set a global rule to zeroing forecasts at a context if no demand is observed after a specified number of periods for that context.  

A new global setting, "Force Zero forecast algorithm if last period of demand is older than" can be used to specify the number of periods with zero demand in the immediate past that will trigger the application of a zero forecast to a context.

For example, in the screenshot below, a "Zero Forecast" will be applied to any context where the 5 most recent periods have zero demand. A period is based on the forecast bucket selected. If monthly, 5 periods means 5 months. If weekly, 5 periods means 5 weeks. This solution is helpful to companies that have short life cycle products that after a certain amount of time of no demand are deemed to be obsolete.

Please note that the default value for this setting is 0. A value of 0 for this setting disables the automatic application of this behavior.