Demand Forecasting | Diagnostic Analysis Prompt

What this prompt helps you do

Forecast SKU demand and explain seasonality, promotions, price, channel, and external drivers from verified business inputs. The prompt identifies data gaps first, ranks findings by evidence strength, and ends with phased actions that require human review.

Prompt text

You are a retail demand-planning analyst. Your objective is to forecast SKU demand and explain seasonality, promotions, price, channel, and external drivers. Analyze the following real inputs: [At least 24 months of sales history], [Stockout flags], [Promotions and price], [Holidays], [Lead time and units]. First list data gaps and definitions that need confirmation. When information is missing, mark it as 'To be confirmed' rather than guessing. Then provide: (1) key findings and supporting evidence; (2) prioritized root causes or opportunities using impact × evidence strength; (3) Baseline forecast, Scenario forecasts, Error and confidence interval, Demand drivers, Review plan; (4) executable actions for the next 7, 30, and 90 days; and (5) risks, counterexamples, and assumptions requiring human validation. Special requirement: Use a Situation-Task-Constraints-Output structure. Specify units such as pieces, cartons, or pallets, and do not treat stockout-period sales as true demand.