What is the purpose of future filling in data processing?

The purpose of future filling in data processing is to address the need for continuity in datasets, particularly when it comes to forecasting. By filling values between the global end date and the end of the forecast horizon, it ensures that the dataset remains comprehensive and can be used effectively for predictive modeling. This method is critical when models need to generate predictions for future time periods beyond the available data, allowing you to extend analysis and derive insights that are applicable in a future context.

For instance, if a model is designed to predict sales or demand trends for the upcoming months and the dataset only includes historical data up to a specific point, future filling allows the model to consider hypothetical values or estimates that would logically follow from the historical patterns. This can enhance the robustness of the forecasts generated by ensuring that the temporal integrity of the data is maintained.

In contrast to other options, such as filling values between the item start and end dates, filling values in missing timestamps, or eliminating outliers, future filling specifically focuses on those future time frames that haven't yet occurred but need to be accounted for in the forecasting process.