Can you activate a Live forecast accuracy report in Power BI?
The PMI system integrates Live forecast accuracy into its PMI Index calculations. Although Live forecast accuracy contributes to the PMI Index, it is not explicitly shown as a separate report in PowerBI.
How to Resubmit a Forecast
If you need to resubmit a forecast in PMI, follow these steps:
- Locate the Approved Version: Go to the relevant section in PMI (e.g., Status page or Planning module) and find the currently approved forecast.
- Reject the Approved Version: Change the status of the approved forecast from “Approved” to “Rejected.” This allows you to make changes.
- Make Adjustments: Edit the forecast as needed once it becomes editable.
- Submit the Updated Forecast: After making your changes, submit the forecast again for approval.
Tip: If you encounter issues during this process, ensure you have the necessary permissions to reject and edit forecasts. Contact your system administrator if needed.
Why is the hours total different in the table and the graph?
The difference in hours comes down to the type of forecast being displayed:
- Management Forecast (Table): This is the forecast set manually by management, based on their expectations and strategic goals. It reflects planned hours to meet operational needs.
- SMART Forecast (Yellow Bar in Graph): Generated by PMI’s SMART system, this forecast uses machine learning and historical data to provide a dynamic suggestion. It factors in monthly productivity goals and current hotel activity.
The variation between these two forecasts highlights the difference between static planning (Management Forecast) and data-driven predictions (SMART Forecast). Use this insight to adjust plans as needed for better alignment with real-time performance and goals.
Glossary of Terms
Stuck on a term or abbreviation? Check out our PMI Glossary for quick definitions and insights into common terms and abbreviations. Simplify troubleshooting by understanding the language behind the processes!
Key Notes for Adjusting Min/Max Settings
- Effect of Changes: Changes to Min/Max settings will impact the current year and all future years but will not apply to past years.
- Global Application: Adjustments to Min/Max hours are applied globally to the selected year, not on a month-by-month basis. Always ensure the correct year is selected before making changes.
Resolving Data Discrepancies Between PMI and Your Source System
The data in PMI are extracted not only from an export file we receive but also through various active APIs that provide real-time data from the source system interface. If you find any discrepancies, you can cross-check the figures using the Import status module in PMI. The module lets you track down imported data at a granular level, which can considerably simplify the process of validating the figures.
If discrepancies or missing data between PMI and the source system persist, the first step should be to inspect the PMI settings and mappings. You can also open a support ticket at your chain's service desk or the source system provider. When doing so, include all relevant information and specify that the issue is related to data discrepancies between the source system interface and PMI.
Excluding segments from driver-based calculations
It is not possible to stop Machine Learning (ML) from including an existing segment in the driver-based calculation. If the ML Live Forecast doesn't align with your expectations, you have the option to manually override it or construct a custom driver to make necessary adjustments.
Troubleshoot data in the Import Status view
Accessing the Import Status View:
- Navigate to the main menu and select Import Status.
- Choose your desired chain, property, status, and interface filters.
- The view will display detailed import information for the selected property.
Troubleshooting Missing or Delayed Data:
If Interface Status is “In progress”: This indicates that data is actively being imported and is currently in the ingestion queue. It will soon “arrive” and be visible within PMI.
If data appears to be missing:
- Use the search (magnifying glass) to drill down into the details.
- Compare the data received with what’s displayed in PMI to ensure alignment.
- Check for potential issues like unmapped accounts or ignored figures that may prevent data from appearing.
- If discrepancies persist, consider performing a new import to refresh the data.
Understanding the Scheduled Horizon and Graph Lines
In legacy tables and schedules, the Scheduled Horizon is marked between the vertical red “Today” line and the vertical dashed green “Scheduled Horizon” line. Beyond the green line, users can manually input scheduled hours. If the schedule doesn’t extend that far, PMI can auto-generate a SMART forecast. In the Day-to-Day (labor graph) the Scheduled Horizon is displayed as a vertical dashed green line, while the “Today” date is shown as a vertical dotted black line.
Efficient Data Analysis Without Using the Query Library
If you don’t use the query library, you can still take screenshots and ask questions. The bot remembers the last 5 interactions, allowing you to ask it to analyze data in light of recent screenshots. You can switch between views, capturing snapshots and instructing the bot to wait for the next screenshot before responding. This way, you can efficiently gather and analyze data across different screens.
What does GG stand for?
In PMI “GG” stands for GoGreen. This initiative focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The abbreviation “gg” is commonly used by users when referring to sustainability tools and features within the full PMI software suite called GoGreen.
Invisible split shifts in schedule printouts without codes
If you're experiencing issues with split shifts not showing when printing the schedule without codes, it could be due to the level at which the shift code was created. Here's a brief troubleshooting guide:
- Check the Shift Code Level: If the shift code was created at the department level, it will only be visible within that specific department. This means that if an employee is working a split shift across multiple departments, the full details of her shift won't be visible in a single department's printout.
- Create Shift Code at Property Level: To view the times from other departments in the printout, the shift code must be created at the property level. This allows the shift code, and therefore the details of the split shift, to be visible across all departments.
- Adjust Print Settings: Ensure that your print settings are adjusted to include shift codes. This can be done in the Schedule module under the Tools menu.
- Verify the Printout: After making these adjustments, print the schedule again to verify that the split shifts are now visible .
Forecast discrepancies in cockpits
If the forecast data in the cockpit does not match the actuals, showing discrepancies in the Monthly To Date (MTD) usage, a potential cause is that a cost driver was not forecasted, leading the system to calculate zero forecast and only display actuals.
Steps to Resolve:
1. Verify Cost Drivers: Ensure all relevant cost drivers have been forecasted for the period in question.
2. Update Forecasts:
• Navigate to the forecast module.
• Ensure all cost drivers are included.
• Resubmit the forecast for the affected month(s).
3. Verify Correction: Check that the cockpit now displays the correct forecast and actual hours.
Split management in the mapping view
Here is a short introduction to understand how values or accounts are split across multiple departments in PMI.
Split Mapping Overview:
- Splits allow you to allocate a percentage of an account’s value to multiple departments. For instance, if a revenue account is relevant to both the Executive Lounge and Breakfast, you can use the “Split mapping” feature to divide the value accordingly.
Configuring Splits:
- Access the Mapping Module: Navigate to the Mapping module in PMI.
- Set Split Percentage: In the mapping table, set the “Split percentage” for all visible accounts. Typically, this is 100%, but it can be adjusted based on specific needs (e.g., commissions, tax percentages).
- Allocate Values: Allocate the relevant values to the desired departments by adjusting the split percentages. For example, you can allocate 50% of a revenue account to the Executive Lounge and 50% to Breakfast.
Viewing Splits:
- Mapping View: In the Mapping view, you can quickly see which accounts and values are allocated to which departments. This includes any splits that distribute a single account’s value across multiple departments.
Validating Splits:
- After configuring the splits, you can validate them by checking the Flash Report or Live Forecast in PMI. The registered revenue on your trial balance should correspond to what is recorded in PMI 1 .
- If you import the rooms forecast, you can check your original file with what is recorded in PMI on future dates in the Flash report or Live forecast 1 .
- If discrepancies persist, inspect the PMI settings and mappings, and cross-check the figures using the Import status module in PMI 2 .
Adjusting productivity targets in budget and forecast
Issue: Productivity targets are not aligning with actual performance, and adjustments are needed to improve the PMI adoption index score.
Recommendation: One idea can be to copy the Live forecast number into the Forecast to align the numbers initially. Adjustments made in the Budget and Forecast module are critical for accurate performance tracking and cannot be altered directly within the PMI adoption index view. Always ensure that updates are communicated with relevant stakeholders, especially if a controller sets these values.
- Navigate to the Budget and Forecast module in PMI.
- Compare the current productivity targets with actual performance metrics.
- If discrepancies are found, update the productivity targets to better reflect realistic goals.
- Ensure that the targets align with the monthly forecast to maintain accuracy.
- After making necessary adjustments, save the changes to ensure the new targets are reflected in the system.
- Regularly monitor the productivity metrics to ensure the targets are being met.
- Re-evaluate and adjust targets as needed to reflect any changes in operations or business needs
Inability to edit data for a specific period
A "frozen" screen issue could be related to period locking. This would result in an inability to make any modifications to schedules, reports, or other entries for a specific period.
- Check the Period Locking Settings: This issue is often related to the period locking feature in the PMI system. When a period is locked, it prevents any changes from being made for that time frame. Check the period locking settings for the specific month to see if it has been mistakenly set to close.
- Unlock the Period: If the period for the specific month is locked, you will need to unlock it. This can be done by accessing the period locking settings in the PMI system. Double click on the padlock icon for the specific month to unlock the period. Note that you may need administrative rights to do this.
- Contact PMI Support: If the issue persists even after unlocking the period, or if you are unable to unlock the period due to lack of permissions, contact the PMI support team for further assistance.
Difference Between Live Forecast and PMI Prediction
If there is a recalculation of the PMI Prediction due to season generation, new file import, or manual calculation, it takes time for the ML algorithms to fully update. The Live forecast values will only update once all dates in the viewed period are completely updated. Thus, there might be a delay, and the Live forecast might not immediately match the PMI Prediction.
Manual changes overwritten at Live forecast import
Legacy PMI System
- Issue: Pickup column doesn’t “gray out” when importing Live forecasts.
- Cause: This is the design of the legacy PMI system.
- Effect: Manual changes in the pickup column will be overwritten with each import.
New PMI System
- Preserving Manual Changes:
- Enable Editing: Click the robot icon (if auto-forecasting is enabled) or the import icon next to the day you want to edit.
- Edit Value: Enter your desired value in the pickup column (only editable column for future days).
- Save Changes: Press “Save”.
- Result: Your changes will be preserved even after a new import, indicated by a person with a pencil icon.
Different hours for similar revenue on different dates can vary!
Recommended hours for similar revenue on different dates can vary due to a combination of factors including the monthly productivity forecast, historical staffing patterns, and other factors recognized by the machine learning capabilities of the SMART forecast.
Enhancing forecast accuracy: Leveraging PMI’s auto forecasts
Discrepancies in the imported Room Night live forecast can impact the generation of live forecasts for arrivals, departures, and stayovers. To address this, it's recommended to utilize PMI's auto forecasts. These forecasts are typically more accurate as they rely on machine learning and historical data. Ensuring the accuracy of the imported Room Night live forecast is crucial, as it directly influences the precision of your live forecasts. Regularly review and adjust your forecasts to maintain their reliability and effectiveness.
Can you activate Live forecast accuracy report in PowerBI?
The PMI system integrates Live Forecast accuracy into its PMI Index calculations. Although Live Forecast accuracy contributes to the PMI Index, it is not explicitly shown as a separate report in PowerBI. Note that the "Center of Excellence" is an additional module available in PMI at an extra cost, known as the PowerBI module. It offers a range of specialized reports that can be tailored to meet your specific requirements. For more information about the PowerBI module please contact support@d2o.com.
Activating PMI Automation for Room Forecasts
If your room forecasts are still in manual mode and you want to activate PMI automation, you can use the “Calculate Live Forecast” tool in the Live Forecast view without needing to contact support. Follow these steps:
- Access Live Forecast View: Navigate to the Live Forecast view in your PMI software.
- Open Tools: Click on the “Tools” menu to open the Live Forecast tools.
- Calculate Live Forecast: Select the “Calculate Live Forecast” option.
- Set Source to PMI Prediction: Ensure that the source is set to “PMI Prediction” rather than “DP forecast import.”
- Execute Calculation: Click on “Calculate” to automate the room forecast based on PMI predictions.
This process will switch your room forecast from manual to automatic mode, utilizing the accurate PMI predictions for better forecasting.
Adjusting decimal precision in the labor cockpit table
If you're having trouble manually entering decimal precision in the cockpit table, please review the settings in the Tools menu:
- Open Tools Menu: In the PMI Labor Cockpit, navigate to the Tools menu 1 .
- Access Settings: Click on "Settings" within the Tools menu 1 .
- Change Decimal Precision: Find the option for setting the number of decimals for hours. Adjust to your preference.
- Save Changes: Confirm and save your changes.
- Check Changes: Return to the Labor Cockpit to ensure your changes have been applied correctly.
If the issues persist, consider reaching out to PMI support for further assistance.
Understanding Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) in PMI Scheduling
FTE, or Full-Time Equivalent, is a unit that measures employee workload. In PMI, FTEs can be displayed in the scheduling module instead of hours, providing a more intuitive understanding of staffing levels. The number of hours a FTE works per day can be set in the cockpit settings. The Staffing guide in PMI uses the determined FTE to suggest daily hours in 0.5 FTE increments, ensuring practical scheduling.
WalkMe – Step-by-step guidance
The step-by-step guidance previously offered within PMI through the WalkMe tool has been phased out. We have transitioned to providing support directly through our comprehensive knowledge base, instructional videos, and the enhanced capabilities of PIA chat. These resources are designed to deliver more dynamic and in-depth assistance to meet your needs.
PIA – Productivity Intelligence Aid
PIA stands for Productivity Intelligence Aid and was the name of a support feature in PM that provided first-line support and assistance. Today we have updated that chat bot with an enhanced AI helper called PIA chat. It's a sophisticated AI-powered companion that brings the power of OpenAI’s latest advancements to your fingertips.
Server error message in PMI
Encountering server errors in new PMI views like GoGreen, can be a frustrating experience that hampers your operational efficiency. [show_more color="#34aef4" more="show more" less="show less"]
Here's what you can do:
1. Refresh Your Browser: A quick fix that works more often than you'd think. Simply refresh your browser page. This can sometimes eliminate temporary glitches causing the server errors.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache: Stored cache and cookies in your browser can occasionally lead to server errors. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies removes these stored files and can resolve the error. Here's a quick guide on how to do it:
- Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
- Firefox: Go to Options > Privacy & Security > Clear Data under Cookies and Site Data.
- Safari: Go to Safari menu > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All.
- Microsoft Edge:
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner to open the menu.
- Select Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Under "Clear browsing data", click "Choose what to clear".
- Select "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data" then click "Clear now".
3. Check Your Internet Connection: A poor or unstable internet connection can be the root cause of server errors. Test your internet connection by visiting other websites or using an online speed test tool. If you're on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router, or consider switching to a wired Ethernet connection for more stability.
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Ensuring Up-to-Date Data in PMI Predictions
Understanding when and how PMI prediction data refreshes is key to maintaining accuracy and trust in the system. Here's a brief guide:
- Data Refresh Cycle: PMI predictions are typically updated automatically at regular intervals. Daily refreshes handle short-term forecasts (0-10 weeks), weekly updates are for mid-range forecasts (11 weeks to 6 months), and biweekly updates manage long-term forecasts (6 months to 16 months).
- Discrepancy Concerns: If you notice any discrepancies in the data, consider the last automatic refresh time. Data discrepancies right after an automatic update could point to potential import issues or the need for additional data review.
- Manual Refreshes: In special cases where immediate data correction is needed, d2o support has the capability to trigger a manual refresh. This is particularly useful if significant data changes occur outside the regular update schedule, or if there are urgent corrections to be made.
- Contacting Support: Should you need a manual data refresh or if you have concerns about the data integrity after the scheduled refreshes, reach out to d2o support. Provide them with the specifics of the issue, and they can guide you through the manual refresh process if necessary.
- Monitoring Import data
- PMI Prediction explanation
Navigating PMI Prediction Algorithm Accuracy
Having trouble with the PMI prediction algorithm? Follow these streamlined steps to identify and fix data-related issues:
- Verify Import Status: Begin by checking PMI's import status page to ensure data is being correctly updated. Any import problems will be flagged here.
- Review Data Integrity: Use the drill-down feature to review imported data and verify its accuracy against your expectations.
- Identify Outliers: Look for any anomalies in your data. Outliers can significantly impact automated forecasts, potentially skewing predictions.
- Engage PMI Support: If after these checks the predictions still seem inaccurate, reach out to PMI support for deeper insights and potential adjustments for better accuracy.
The PMI algorithm is designed to refine its forecasts continually. Variations are expected, particularly with new booking patterns or changes in cancellation rates. However, persistent discrepancies need attention to ensure reliable predictions.
View option for information and calculation rows in the schedule
If you're having issues with the custom rows (information and calculation rows) in the PMI Schedule, here are some things to consider:
- Green Rows: The custom rows in PMI Schedule, both information and calculation rows, are displayed with a green background color. This is a design feature to help users easily identify these rows.
- Visibility Issues: If one user can see the green rows but another user cannot, it's likely due to the 'View Options' settings. Each user's view can be customized in PMI, and these settings can affect the visibility of the green rows. To ensure these rows are visible, check the 'View Options' settings and make sure the option to "Show information" rows is enabled.
- Access Rights: Remember, the ability to add or modify these custom rows might be restricted based on a user's access rights. Typically, users with administrative rights or specific departmental roles can add or modify these rows.
- Data Input: For information rows, you can manually input relevant data as a reference point when scheduling. For calculation rows, they are used to calculate the number of hours that will be needed, based on a specific rule. Make sure the data input is correct to ensure accurate calculations
Role requirements to be able to adjust and update a schedule
If you want to change a schedule in PMI, you usually need to be a manager, like a Department Head or Front Office Manager. You can make these changes in the PMI scheduling module's cockpit, for both past and future schedules. Remember, you need to have cockpit owner or administrator rights to change Min/Max settings, which affect the SMART forecast and scheduling.
Correct, change, register or add consumption
To register consumption, use the 'Add consumption' button within the cockpit. This allows for the input of new consumption values easily. If needing to update an entry, simply input the new value; PMI will override the previous entry with the new one, ensuring the latest data is always reflected. However, note that imported values cannot be overwritten in this manner. For tracking food waste specifically, use the "Production" category to enter total food waste figures accurately.
Resolving User Access and Role Changes in PMI
Management of user-related requests for some chains and properties are managed centrally and not PMI support. If this is the case for you then kindly open a ticket through your own chain support platform.
Below is a general step-by-step guide to request PMI user access on Hotel Kit management platform:
- Go to the Tasks section.
- Click on Add Task and select your hotel chain.
- Proceed to Select Template.
- In the search bar, type PMI and then click on the template for New PMI User.
- Under Rights Needed, specify the access this new user requires. For example, if the access level should match an existing account, simply enter the name of the individual holding that access (for instance, if a new Front Office member should receive the same access as the current Front Office Manager, simply enter the Front Office Manager's name).
Please adjust these steps according to your chain's specific task management platform.
SSO login
Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies the login process by allowing you to access PMI with your organization’s credentials without needing a separate password for PMI. Here is how it works:
- Navigate to the PMI login page, there you should see an option for Single Sign-On or a similar SSO login button.
- Click that SSO button and you will likely be redirected to your organization’s standard login page.
- Enter your organization username and password as you usually do.
After successful authentication, you will be redirected back to PMI and logged into the system .
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of verification (like a mobile app, SMS code, or biometrics) during the login process. Typically, MFA is enforced at the identity provider level (e.g., AAD) when users authenticate via SSO.
Password reset from the login page
How to Reset Your Password:
Resetting your password in PMI is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Log in to PMI and navigate to the Main Menu.
- Select Settings from the menu options.
- On the Settings page, locate the option to Change Password.
- Enter your current password, then type your new password, ensuring it meets the security requirements.
- Click Update to save your changes.
Your password will now be updated, and you can continue using PMI with your new credentials!
Password Requirements: PMI enforces strict password policies to ensure account security. Passwords must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Length: At least 8 characters.
- Uppercase Letter: At least one uppercase letter (e.g., A).
- Lowercase Letter: At least one lowercase letter (e.g., a).
- Number: At least one numeric character (e.g., 1).
- Special Character: At least one special character (e.g., @, #, $).
Generate reports in the Timesheet
If you have trouble to generate (make or create) a report in the timesheet, one common solution to try is checking your view settings. Specifically, make sure you've included all necessary parameters, such as "Include Period-End" in your report criteria. This step is often overlooked but crucial for generating comprehensive reports that match your expectations. If you're still encountering difficulties, you might need to look into more detailed settings or permissions that could be affecting your ability to generate the report.
Incorrect codes in TKS
Make sure the correct codes have been used in your TKS. If the hours are still not correct after the next import, there may be an error in the mapping – please contact your controller who will make the necessary changes.
Scheduled Horizon Misunderstanding
The Scheduled Horizon setting often leads to confusion. Adjusting it does not affect the import of hours from your Timekeeping System (TKS). It only determines how far into the future you can view data. If you’re missing data, the issue likely lies with TKS data or mapping settings, not the Scheduled Horizon. There are visual differences in the appearance of the Today and Scheduled Horizon lines, as described below:
Cockpit View:
- Day-to-day graph:
- Black dotted vertical line: represents today’s date (Today Line).
- Green dashed vertical line: marks the end of the Scheduled Horizon.
- Cockpit Table:
- Horizontal red line: indicates today.
- Horizontal green line: shows the end of the Scheduled Horizon.
Schedule View:
- Vertical red line: represents today’s date (Today Line).
- Vertical green dashed line: shows the end of the Scheduled Horizon.
Links: