Abstract: A computer implemented method for determining labor forecasts is described. The method includes determining a forecasted business demand in long time intervals based at least in part on historical business demand data. For each time interval in the forecasted business demand, a distribution of the associated forecasted business demand in short time intervals is determined. The method also includes determining forecasted labor hours in the long time intervals based at least in part on the forecasted business demand, the distribution of the associated forecasted business demand and labor standards. The labor standards are specified with respect to time intervals of the second length. A forecasted labor cost in long time intervals is determined based at least in part on the forecasted labor hours and wage rate data. Apparatus and computer readable media are also described.

Abstract: A business volume and workforce requirements forecaster includes a business structure, a forecast structure, certain hierarchical levels which map to corresponding levels in the business structure, a volume forecaster which forecasts business volume responsive to historical data and to the business and forecast structures, and a workforce requirements engine which forecasts workforce requirements responsive to the forecast business volume. Business volume is forecast for a predefined duration, responsive to both a first set of historical data, and to the business and forecast structures. Calculation of workforce requirements includes task level consolidation and resource leveling, and can include dynamic standard assignment, wherein different metrics are selected at different times, and where a task is associated with a plurality of standards. An event calendar is defined, and at least one event is selected from the calendar and considered in the step of forecasting.