Abstract: An optimization object may include fields storing parameters used by the intelligence system during business intelligence data analysis. One of these fields may include a mode type field to selectively switch between a forecasting mode to extrapolate a value from the data and a simulation mode including an optimization module to calculate a value from the data expected to maximize a particular objective. The stored parameters may include common parameters used in both modes and unique parameters to one of the two modes. The optimization object may also include fields specifying details and other data associated with a trade promotion. The analysis mode selected in the type field made be executed on data relating to the promotion details fields of the object subject to the parameters in the corresponding parameter fields.