[UPDATED] Board 14.2 release - a new 14.2 patch update is here!

Anne Loupy

We are pleased to announce that the Board 14.2 release is here! 🚀

For the latest update Release notes and a link to the release, please see the first comment below this post.

The new  Board 14.2 release includes significant improvements to performance, general usability, and the Layout parameters.

Find the installer links on the 14.2 downloads page.  

What to expect from 14.2

We are thrilled to announce the release of 14.2, which includes the following main improvements:

• performance
• general usability
• Layout parameters
• small enhancements

Layout parameters improvements 

Layout parameters have been improved in order to produce less errors, use less memory, and provide better messaging and log information about Layout executions, cancellations, and errors. 1 new parameter has been created to mitigate large queries of data while 2 parameters have been improved to reduce memory spikes and provide better logs and messaging: 

1. MaxCombinationToEvaluate  

A new configuration parameter has been introduced to the Board Engine in 14.2 called MaxCombinationToEvaluate to prevent the execution of excessively large Layouts.  

This parameter defines the maximum size of elements (rows × columns) that can be displayed in a Layout, while the initialization of those values now occur after the size check.   

If the requested size exceeds the defined limit, the Layout will not be executed preemptively, ensuring that no memory is allocated on the server. 

2. MaxRowsUpperLimit  

The MaxRowsUpperLimit parameter calculates the rows output from Engine to Client and improvements have been made to assist users when a Layout fails to execute. 

Users will now have more detailed in-platform and log messaging on why a Layout has failed, cancelled, or completed due to the MaxRowsUpperLimit.  

3. LayoutResponseMaxCells 

Improvements have been made so that the LayoutResponseMaxCells parameter reduces IIS memory spikes when big Layouts are executed. 

More Enhancements

This release includes improvements related to:    

• Data View 
• Procedures 
• Subscription Hub 
• System Administration 
• Flex Grid

Read about the Bug fixes here for more information.

Upgrade Instructions 

The upgrade instructions are the same for 14.1. Visit the upgrade instructions page of the Board knowledge base to learn about the upgrade process.

Product Management Team

UPDATE (19 Feb 2025)

We are excited to announce the release of Board Foresight and Board Signals!

With Board Foresight and Board Signals, Board brings a unique set of data from across the enterprise and across the industry. By pulling together external sources like consumer sentiment, industry metrics, and macro data with internal metrics such as revenue, capex, and inventory, our customers can enhance their forecasts, identify emerging trends, and make more informed decisions.

What are Board Foresight and Board Signals?

Board Foresight - Customers can improve the accuracy of their forecast using external data and AI-based predictive modelling to identify the right drivers and how external factors affect them.

Board Signals - Customers looking to make decisions using real-time economic indicators and industry outlooks now can use Board Signals to navigate market volatility with confidence.

Board Foresight

Board Foresight provides advanced predictive analytics and scenario planning tools. This enables businesses to forecast outcomes and develop proactive strategies effectively.

With access to millions of global, model-ready data sets from thousands of sources, Board Foresight helps customers swiftly identify key business indicators and assess the impact of external factors by building reliable and stable predictive models. With real-time updates from millions of external sources, Board Foresight enables enterprises, anticipates market shifts, aligns business strategies, and drives continuous planning.

Key benefits of Board Foresight

Expert-Curated Indicators: A list of the external factors most likely to impact your industry is curated specifically for your business
Powerful Correlation Engine: Connect to your own internal time series data and Foresight will run millions of models to identify your most relevant performance drivers
Results Explained by AI: See a complete overview of the external factors impacting your business, with clear explanation and interpretation delivered through generative AI
Predictive Forecasting to Support Continuous Planning: Forecast with better accuracy and turn continuous planning into a competitive advantage

Who does Board Foresight benefit?

Board Foresight is designed for operational planners, integrating predictive analytics and econometric modeling with Board's platform. This solution enables customers to make data-driven decisions across critical areas like inventory management, pricing strategies, and long-term planning.

Foresight use cases

Some of the main use cases to utilize Board Foresights are as follows:

Operational Planning

• Financial Planning and Analysis - leverage external data to detect potential revenue shortfalls caused by economic slowdowns, track labor cost trends, and adjust spending plans.
  Sales and Operation Planning - anticipate demand surges to maintain optimal production and inventory levels, and utilize supply chain analytics to preemptively manage disruptions and reduce excess inventory.
  
• Workforce Planning - utilize macroeconomic indicators to anticipate shifts in labor market availability and strategically plan recruitment drives.
  Merchandise Planning - predict demand for seasonal products. Detect changes in consumer preferences influenced by economic conditions to create targeted promotions and optimize stock levels.
  

Strategic Planning

Board Foresight enhances high-level decision-making by offering a comprehensive view of market conditions and long-term industry trends.

• Market Evaluation - assess the economic resilience of key geographies to identify potential expansion opportunities or decide on market exits.
  
• Strategic Resource Allocation - allocate resources effectively to markets with the highest return potential, ensuring sustainable growth. By focusing on these high-potential markets, customers can maximize returns and ensure long-term success.
  

Investor Relations and Stakeholder Reporting

Board Foresight improves clarity, enabling organizations to convey insights more effectively to investors and board members.

• Align with Market Conditions - utilize curated Foresight data to showcase how the company's strategies are in sync with current market conditions during an investor presentation. This approach helps to clearly illustrate the strategic alignment and potential for success.
  
• Visualize Industry Trends - create visual forecasts of industry trends to highlight long-term growth potential during board meetings.
  

Learn more at Board Foresight | Predictive AI for Strategic Planning

Check out the Academy course for Board Foresight.

Board Signals

Board Signals is a new add-on feature that seamlessly integrates external and internal insights. It offers industry-specific insights tailored for strategic planners aiming to optimize their market positions.

Board Signals helps customers begin incorporating external data into their processes and allows strategic planners to benchmark their business against industry trends with real-time, industry-specific economic analysis to help identify both risks and opportunities.

Board Signals is available in the following key industries (with more in development):

• U.S. retail, food & beverage, construction, and alcoholic beverages
  E.U. retail, food & beverage, construction, and commodities
  

Key benefits of Board Signals

• Identify growth opportunities
  
• Anticipate market shifts
  
• Optimize competitive positioning
  
• Improve resource allocation

Who does Signals benefit?

Board Signals is designed for operational and strategic planners, empowering businesses to stay ahead of the market. This solution enables users to utilize external and internal insights to enhance their forecasts, identify emerging trends, and make informed decisions.

Signals use cases

Some of the main use cases to utilize Board Signals are as follows:

Strategic Planning

Empowers executives and FP&A teams to synchronize long-term objectives with macroeconomic trends. For example, when utilizing the Industry Outlook Score to evaluate future industry health, aiding in decisions regarding market expansions or exits.

Risk Mitigation

Identifies external headwinds and tailwinds early with Smart Alerts, enabling proactive responses to potential challenges. For example, when responding to fluctuations in commodity prices or economic downturns that may impact supply chains.

Performance Benchmarking

Compare internal performance metrics with selected external indicators to uncover growth opportunities or inefficiencies. For example, when leveraging Board's Indicator Report to benchmark sales performance against industry demand trends.

Operational Decision-Making

Seamlessly transition from strategic insights to operational actions, including inventory planning or pricing adjustments. For example, when utilizing AI-enhanced demand forecasts to optimize inventory levels amid fluctuating market conditions.

Learn more here.

Check out the Academy course for Board Signals.

UPDATE (3 Feb 2025)

A new 14.2 update is here!   

A new update for Board 14.2 is here (V 14.2.1.1.282551). Find the download links on the 14.2 downloads page.

Patch Highlights:    

This update includes bug fixes related to:   

• Charts 
• Procedures 
• Data Models 
• Data Readers 
• Screens 

Read more details about the most recent bug fixes.