How to Set up and Enable Forecasting
Learn how to enable and customize the forecasting engine in Titan Logistics.
Written by Jess Hamilton
Updated at August 15th, 2025
Table of Contents
The forecasting engine in Titan Logistics (TFX) leverages inventory data and delivery details to forecast the demand or usage of the fuel at the destination site, and creates the loads/DRs. This helps the dispatcher to plan deliveries efficiently while optimizing fleet management (fleet = drivers + trailers).
Tip: The forecasting engine requires the following data to successfully forecast loads.
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Tank Details
- Capacity / Max-fill
- Safety, RunOut levels
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Tank Statistics
- Current inventory
- Historic usage/consumption data OR static usage data
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Location Details
- Trailer proxy to be used
- Event details
- Number of days to forecast
-
Setting Details
- Forecasting parameters
-
Contracts
- Configure Supplier/Vendor/Customer contracts
Forecasting Setup
On the Supplier dashboard, click the Inventory Management & Forecasting tile.
In the upper right corner of the Forecasting Dashboard, click Forecasting Setup.
Forecasting settings are organized into sections on the left side of the Forecasting Setup page. As each section is configured, a green checkmark will indicate completion.
Tip: When there is an option to use percentages or gallons, or if there is a unit of measurement selection, make sure the option you choose in the forecasting settings aligns with how the tank(s) are configured!
General Information Section
Restrict manual DR/Order creation: This setting locks down order creation so that DRs can only be generated automatically. When enabled, users cannot manually create DR/orders.
Do not allow tanks to toggle between forecasting mode: When enabled, users cannot change whether an individual tank uses threshold-based forecasting or consumption-based forecasting.
Disable trailer proxy consideration for loads: When enabled, the forecasting engine will generate DR/Orders that do not align with FTL. The user will see DR/Orders of varying volumes.
Auto load creation: By default, the forecasting engine will generate DRs but not loads. When this setting is enabled, the system will generate a load of multiple DRs. Please note that when enabled, the “disable trailer proxy” setting becomes unavailable.
Allow multiple products to be delivered: When disabled, the system will not allow setup of 2 or more products.
Forecasting reconciliation: When enabled, the system triggers an exception if a manual change to a load creates a Retain or Runout condition, and triggers an alert when inventory or usage exceed an assigned threshold (tank level assignment).
Destination for the Forecasted DRs/Orders: TFX Dispatch, the Dispatch Schedule Builder (DSB), is selected by default. When External Third Party is selected, forecasted DRs/Orders are routed to the customer's designated endpoint for use with an external dispatching service.
Shift, Region, and Trailer Proxy Sections
Shift Proxy: Driver shift availability impacts order priority levels:
- Must Go: Runout will occur if delivery is not made in CURRENT shift
- Should Go: Runout will occur if delivery is not made in the NEXT shift
- Could Go: Compartment/FTL can fit without a retain
Region Proxy: Configure “Regions," or groupings of locations that will share forecasting configurations. These will be applied in the Mass Tank Updater step.
Trailer Proxy: Define the average trailer and compartment size that will be used to transport fuel, grouped by product and state.
Tank Setup Profiles & Static Use Profiles Sections
Forecasting Setup: Tank Profiles & Static Usage Profiles
Tank Setup Profiles
The Tank Setup Profiles section of the Forecasting Configuration page determines the type of forecasting and related parameters that can be applied. This configuration step is crucial to setting up the forecasting engine to provide the right recommendations for your workflow.
Both forecasting type options include the option to enable forecasting reconciliation. When enabled, the system triggers an exception if a manual change to a load creates a Retain or Runout condition, and triggers an alert when inventory or usage exceed an assigned threshold (tank level assignment).
Tip:
Inventory Threshold Based Forecasting: Orders are generated based on the level of product in the tank.
Rate of Consumption Based Forecasting: Orders are generated based on product consumption rate.
Inventory Threshold Based Forecasting
When this option is selected, orders are generated based on the level of product in the tank. Must/Should/Could Go priority levels are determined by the assigned thresholds.
Tip:
- Must Go: Runout will occur if delivery is not made in the CURRENT shift
- Should Go: Runout will occur if delivery is not made in the NEXT shift
- Could Go: Compartment/FTL can fit without a retain
Rate of Consumption Based Forecasting
When this option is selected, orders are generated based on product consumption rate. In this case, Must/Should/Could Go priority levels are determined by the parameters set below and the Shift Proxy.
Setting Definitions:
- Retain Level: The inventory level in the tank at which a delivery can be made without causing a Retain.
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Safety Stock Level: The inventory level in the tank that will trigger load/delivery creation.
- For sites with a higher consumption rate (ex: turnpike sites) we recommend a higher safety stock level.
- For sites with lower consumption (ex: retail, premium product) we recommend a lower safety stock level to prevent early fuel delivery.
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Run-Out Level: The inventory level in the tank below which the tank is assumed to be unusable; the tank should NOT go under this level.
- We recommend keeping the runout level above the Physical Pump-stop level.
- ETA: The forecasting engine's estimated time when the tank inventory will hit the Safety Stock Level based on historic usage/consumption data.
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Run Out Time: The forecasting engine's estimated time when the tank inventory will hit the Run-Out Level based on historic usage/consumption data.
- Deliveries made after this time may result in the tank running out of fuel.
- Supplier Time: The estimated time it takes a driver to lift fuel (i.e. access their truck, drive to terminal and lift fuel).
- Lead Time: The estimated time it takes a driver to transport the fuel from the Terminal to the Destination.
- Retain Time: The estimated time when the forecasted load will fit in the tank. A delivery made to the tank before this time may cause a retain on the trailer.
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Start Buffer: The time cushion added before the ETA time to calculate the delivery window start time.
- Start Buffer should be set as per the distance of the site(s) or tank(s) from the supply terminal(s).
- Start of Delivery Period = ETA – Start Buffer
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End Buffer: The time cushion added after the ETA time to calculate the delivery window end time.
- End Buffer should be set as per the distance of the site(s) or tank(s) from the supply terminal(s).
- End of Delivery Period = ETA – End Buffer
Additionally, when using Rate of Consumption Based forecasting, you can choose to use dynamic or static usage data.
Static Usage Profiles
When Static Usage Data is selected for a consumption-based tank profile, the forecasting engine relies on estimated tank usage. This is recommended when historical consumption data is not available (i.e. during the first 28 days of implementation as the system learns the actual sales patterns).
When enabled, Static Usage Profiles must be set up manually and applied to the tanks whose usage patterns they represent.
Tip: Consider creating Static Usage Profiles by Product or Consumption Patterns. Once created, you'll use the Mass Tank Updater section to apply them in bulk.
When creating a Static Usage Profile, designate the period of each band, when timing starts, and which days of the week have expected usage.
Tip: The forecasting engine relies on average consumption values. Setting a band period of 4 hours, for example, means that the forecasting engine will take average consumption values every 4 hours.
An Estimated Daily Usage total is required for each day. Underneath this, an estimation of what percent of the daily fuel usage is consumed within each band period is required.
As this data entry can be repetitive, please take note of the copy tool at the bottom of each day's column. Clicking this icon will duplicate all values from the column into the next day's column.
Mass Tank Updater Section
This section is where the previously configured forecasting profiles can be applied in bulk across sites and tanks.
Tip: Customers, Locations, and Tanks must be configured first!
At least one Region, Customer, Location, and Product must be selected. Tanks and Tank Setup Profile are required. If a Tank Setup Profile with consumption-based forecasting is selected, a Static Usage Profile is also required.
Event or Holiday Section
The Event or Holiday section allows you to manage occasions that will impact a customer's expected consumption.
Tip: If you would prefer to simply block off a customer's availability for DRs for a holiday or event, this can be done on the My Customers page.
Set the event date and time range and designate the type of impact: No Impact, Increase, Decrease, or No Usage. Apply the holiday or event to specific locations by Country, State, Customer, or Location.
Tip: Use the available data entry tools to help populate data when needed. For example, when configuring Static Usage Profiles, a copy/paste icon allows you to automatically apply the same values to the next day's column.
Enable Forecasting for All Locations
The toggle to enable forecasting for all locations is on the Forecasting Setup page.
Note: We strongly recommend configuring all settings listed in the left side menu before enabling forecasting.
To enable or disable forecasting, click the toggle icon in the top right corner.
Enable Forecasting for a Specific Location or Tank
Location and tank-specific forecasting can be managed from the My Customers page or the Forecasting Dashboard Location View.
| Enable/Disable Forecasting in Bulk | Enable/Disable Forecasting for one Location | Enable/Disable Forecasting for one Tank | Manage Forecasting Settings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forecasting Setup | Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Forecasting Dashboard > Location View | No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| My Customers > Locations | No |
No |
Yes |
Yes* |
*The ability to manage settings for an individual tank or location depends on settings configured at the Tank Profile level in Forecasting Setup.
My Customers
On the Supplier homepage on the Titan Logistics platform, select the Customer Set Up tile.
Alternately, “My Customers” can be selected from the main menu.
To locate the specific tank, first click the Customer Name, then Location Name.
To manage forecasting settings for the location, click the Forecasting Setup tab.
To manage forecasting settings or enable/disable forecasting at the tank level, click the Tank Details tab and select (or create) the tank.
In the Tank Details panel, scroll down to Additional Tank Details to select or deselect the Enable IMS Forecasting setting.
Note: Settings shown on the Tank Details tab are inherited from the Tank Setup Profiles in Forecasting Setup. If you are unable to make edits to the forecasting modes and settings for the specific tank, it is likely the “Do not allow tanks to toggle between forecasting mode” setting is enabled.
Forecasting Dashboard
To locate the Forecasting Dashboard Location View, first click the Inventory Management & Forecasting tile on the Supplier homepage, then toggle over to Location View. Use the filters to locate the specific location(s) to be managed.
The Location Overview panel will show the details for the location selected on the left side of the screen. You can enable/disable forecasting for the selected location by toggling Forecasting Status in the Location Overview.
Forecasting can be enabled/disabled at the tank level by clicking the lock icon at the bottom of the Tank Information card.
