APPROACH FOR MANAGING FORECAST DATA

An approach for managing forecast data involving the use of a hierarchical data model to manage forecast data. Each user has forecast data and access is determined based upon the relationships between user and the hierarchical data model. Each relationship is defined by user attributes including a node assignment and primary and secondary forecasting depths for primary and secondary data hierarchies. Access to forecast data is provided by first identifying the user's assigned node in the user's primary data hierarchy and traversing to the relative primary forecasting depth with respect to the user's assigned node. Then the user's secondary data hierarchy is traversed to the absolute secondary forecasting depth. Generally, users are only permitted to change data only at their lowest level, although some users may be given privileges to override forecast data at other levels. A consensus mechanism is also provided for resolving conflict or inconsistencies in forecast data.