Paste 30+ days of daily sales for any item. The classifier returns the item’s demand pattern (smooth, intermittent, erratic, or lumpy) via the Syntetos–Boylan–Croston (SBC) framework and the forecasting approaches worth evaluating. This is an observed-sample summary, not a forecast or an order recommendation.
Frequent positive sales with relatively consistent sizes in the period entered. This describes the sample; it does not establish that future demand will stay stable.
Compare a moving average and exponential smoothing against held-out observations. Check for trends, seasonality, and periods when the item was unavailable.
A demand-variability model needs an appropriate service target, lead time, and assumptions about independence. Choose the target based on shortage cost and inventory cost.
Review lead times, minimum orders, availability, and recent changes before accepting an order quantity.
| Days observed | 30 |
| Days with non-zero sales | 27 |
| Days with zero sales | 3 |
| Mean daily sales | 4.63 |
| Std dev (σ) | 1.72 |
| Mean non-zero demand | 5.15 |
| ADI (Average Demand Interval) | 1.11 |
| CV² (squared coeff. of variation, non-zero demand) | 0.024 |
| SBC threshold | ADI ≤ 1.32, CV² ≤ 0.49 |
| Classification | Smooth |
This tool summarizes the data you enter; it does not forecast sales or calculate an order quantity. ADI is observation count divided by positive observations. CV² uses population variance of positive quantities. Thresholds are ADI 1.32 and CV² 0.49; boundary values use the lower category. Missing dates, returns, and stockouts need separate review. Read about intermittent-demand forecasting.
The classifier uses two parameters from the SBC framework (Syntetos, Boylan, Croston) to place every item into one of four regimes:
The four regimes:
These categories describe the observed sample. They help frame a comparison of forecasting methods; they do not select the best method or determine safety stock on their own. Check trend, seasonality, stockouts, and forecast performance on held-out data. See Coefficient of Variation for the full math.
For connected inventory signals and supplier ordering, evaluate LineNow with your own items and demand history. Core plans and optional add-ons have separate prices and trial terms; see pricing.
