Special Interest Group on Neural Network Forecasting
The SIG on Neural Network Forecasting is chairing a large scale forecatsing competition for Neural Networks. Follow this link for more informaiton on the NN3 Forecasting Competition for Neural Networks and Computational Intelligence.
Artificial neural networks (NN) have received increasing attention in forecasting and data mining, leading to few prototype applications in corporate business. They provide a powerful method, learning nonlinear patterns directly from the presented data of past realisations of multiple time series and causal effects.
Limited Research on Neural Forecasting
While most research facilities apply NN for classification (rise/fall predictions etc.) only limited research focuses on metric point predictions required for demand planning, load forecasting and customer response modelling.
“The LCF is the only management institutions in Europe to host a team dedicated to forecasting with Neural Networks.”
International NN Forecasting Reputation
The LCF hosts the website on forecasting with NN www.neural-forecasting.com and has developed an experimental software dedicated to NN forecasting. The LCF is further engaged in all forecasting associations, acting as the official tutor for the NN tutorials of the IBF 2004 & ‘05 and chair of the IIF conference on forecasting with NN’05. The centre frequently presents at leading world conferences (IEEE IJCNN, ICANN, ICONIP), hosts sessions (ICAI, ISF, DMIN) and serves on program and review committees (IEEE, ICAI, SETIT).
Neural Network Forecasting Projects
Organisations rarely have the resources to develop NN application in-house. The LCF is an independent, academic research centre to assure unbiased expertise towards software, NN models and methodological innovations, utilizing state of the art resources:
- Versions of all leading software packages (e.g. NeuralWorks, Predictor, Neurointelligence, AISuite, NeuroSolution, SAS EnterpriseMiner, KnowledgeMiner etc.)
- Extensive library of 4000+ NN forecasting publications & case studies
- links with all major research groups
Professional resources for the development & extension of NN software
To aid managerial decision making, we evaluate NNs and statistical forecasting models with regard to competing methods, processes and soft factors relevant to corporate success, to assure efficiency and effectiveness of projects versus the blind application of a novel method. Based upon method prototypes, we support the software development and make-or-buy process unto implementation.
Research teams may consist of senior staff, PhD and Master’s students to assure flexible and cost efficient project results in time.
Current Neural Forecasting Projects
Research and consultancy focuses on the development and evaluation of new NN methods, software and processes for prototype corporate applications:
- Development of NN forecasting system for vending machine sales, Tobaccoland ATG
- Data Mining with NN for the leading German publishing house, Gruner & Jahr
For additional information on methods, processes and reseources on Neural Networks for forecasting please consult our webpages .
