Abstract
Based on interview and observational data gathered from professional designers and users working in supply chain forecasting, we show that combining action based product knowledge with historical data can be usefully incorporated in an effective FSS user interface. The presentation describes a theoretical framework depicting various motives behind the use of FSS: the need for balanced visualization of data and product knowledge, and attention to product behavioural essentials. Moreover, user interfaces should support negotiation and informal communication aspects that are generated through forecast reports and review meetings, while eliminating the organizational politics often found in supply chain forecasting. The theoretical framework emphasizes also the need to merge reasonable forecasts and action-oriented user interfaces. Based on the proposed theoretical framework, it is possible to outline five broad support areas for the design of FSS user interfaces. These are the following: (1) the special features of specific products (2) support for product knowledge generated from informal communications during the forecasting process (3) the provision of features that enable dynamic interchange of historical data and product knowledge (4) an area where users can annotate and negotiate elements of forecasting (5) an enhanced interface incorporating navigational cues embodying organizational knowledge. Indeed, these novel human-system interactions challenge the notion that FSS should serve the production and objectification of accurate forecasts. In contrast, this study promotes to approach to the design of FSS as actionable and knowledge rich resources that address temporal organizational arrangements.
Keywords: organizational forecasting, forecasting software systems, user interface, HCI
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