Proactively predicting transaction dates based on sparse transaction data

Abstract

The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for proactively predicting demand based on sparse transaction data. One example method includes receiving a request to predict transaction dates for a plurality of transaction entities for a future time period. Historical transaction data for the transaction entities is identified for a plurality of categories of transacted items. The plurality of categories are organized using a hierarchy of levels. Multiple levels of the hierarchy are iterated over, starting at a lowest level. For each current level in the iteration, a plurality of transaction date prediction models are trained and tested. Heuristics for the plurality of trained transaction date prediction models are compared to determine a most accurate transaction date prediction model. The most accurate transaction date prediction model is used to make a prediction of transaction dates for the current level for the future time period.