The August 2025 Oracle EPM Cloud release introduces a major enhancement to forecasting capabilities, Advanced Predictions, a feature that marks a shift toward broader adoption of Intelligent Performance Management (IPM). Backed by OCI Data Science Cloud, this release significantly elevates forecasting by incorporating machine learning, multiple input drivers, and advanced predictive algorithms directly into the EPM ecosystem.
From Auto Predict to Advanced Predictions
Previously, Auto Predict and Predictive Planning used univariate forecasting, which relies on a single variable to predict outcomes. For example, historical sales volume might be used to forecast future sales.
With Advanced Predictions, Oracle now supports multivariate forecasting. This allows planners to incorporate multiple variables, such as sales volume, average sales price, and exchange rates to improve accuracy.
Until now, leveraging multivariate ML required external model integration. That’s no longer the case; this update brings native multivariate capabilities into Oracle EPM.
What Makes Advanced Predictions Powerful?
To start using Advanced Predictions, customers must enable the feature via the IPM Configuration Wizard. Once enabled, users gain access to a broader set of tools and views for forecasting insight and tuning.
Advanced Predictions supports four key algorithms:
- LightGBM
- XGBoost
- Prophet
- SARIMAX
Alternatively, Oracle AutoMLx can run all supported models and automatically select the best-performing option for your data.
Key Features Available to Planners and Analysts
- Prediction View – Review predicted values alongside historical data and input driver impact
- Input Drivers – Examine and adjust multivariate driver values
- Forecast Accuracy – Assess prediction performance and error rates
- Predict by Algorithms – Compare results across supported algorithms
- Explain Prediction – Right-click within forms to explore scenario-based outputs (best case, worst case, most likely), including detailed visualizations and accuracy insights
Note: Explainability is only available via the web, not Smart View.
Things to Know Before Getting Started
- Advanced Predictions requires an EPM Enterprise Cloud Service subscription
- Available across all Planning application types, including Freeform
- No additional OCI Data Science cost
- Works with both BSO and ASO cubes
- Must be opted into manually
- Not available for Smart View analysis
Business Benefits of Advanced Predictions
- Improved Forecast Accuracy – Multivariate forecasting delivers more refined and reliable predictions
- Enhanced Insight with Less Effort – Built-in ML model selection simplifies deployment
- Designed for Finance – Embedded within Cloud EPM to minimize the need for external tools or data science expertise
Ready to Take Forecasting to the Next Level?
Advanced Predictions is a pivotal feature for organizations aiming to bring more intelligence into their forecasting processes. If you’re planning to implement or expand Oracle EPM Planning capabilities, Elire can help!
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