Toolkit users can chart one series of data at a time, or chart two series on a graph for comparison and to calculate correlations. Select from various time periods. Examine raw data output or use index numbers. Transfer graphs to PowerPoint, Word or Excel.

Data Sources:

• NFPA monthly CSS data for components, industry, industry sectors, in raw dollars for shipments and orders - and now Version 2 includes CSS index numbers.

• CSS Supplement End Use Market data

• Your company's own monthly shipments and orders data

• Your choice of other data and market drivers for customized analysis

Types of Analysis:

• Raw data

• 3 month moving averages

• 12 month moving averages

• Percent change from 1 month ago

• Percent change from 1 year ago

• 3/12 ratio

• 12/12 ratio

• Lags from 1 to 6 months

New! Correlation of Trends Functions

Users of the latest version of the Toolkit can now create a table showing the correlations among two trend lines for a series of lag periods - zero to six months. See what time periods correlate most closely. Don't just eyeball the relationships, compute them!

New! Custom Forecasting Power

CSS participants who subscribe to the NFPA Forecast: U.S. End Use Markets can use the Toolkit to create their own customized forecast trends:

• downloading a forecast data file for use with the Toolkit;

• select the products or product groups to examine; and

• assigning weights to market segments based on past and prospective company business trends.

Market Share Analysis

Examine your company's market share for various components at a single point in time or for a selected period of time. Look at market composition for the fluid power industry by sector.