Stay Ahead with Helios: New Insights Features for Enhanced Climate Risk Management

Helios has rolled out its latest updates to the Insights page, bringing a host of features tailored to help procurement leaders manage climate risks with greater ease and precision. As the first step towards introducing extended climate forecasting and dynamic data analysis, these updates are designed specifically for Points of Interest (POIs) — locations tied to individual commodities — providing actionable insights without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity.

Take a closer look below at what’s new and why it matters.

Top New Features

Climate Risk Forecasting for the Next 12 Months

Perhaps the most exciting addition is the ability to access climate risk forecasts and weather predictions for the next 12 months for each POI and crop. Previously limited to just two weeks into the future, this new feature offers a much broader horizon for planning and risk management. Whether you’re bracing for extreme weather events or strategizing for upcoming growing seasons, this long-term forecast capability is a game-changer and one of the most requested features from users.

Enhanced Climate Risk Ratings

The revamped Insights page now offers detailed climate risk ratings that combine the big picture with granular details. You’ll see a comprehensive season climate risk rating alongside today’s risk score and forecasted peak risk. These updates provide clarity on current and upcoming climate conditions, ensuring you have the tools to anticipate and mitigate potential challenges with confidence.

Refined Out-of-Season Insights

Out-of-season periods no longer mean a lack of information. If the growing season has just ended, you’ll get a concise recap of the previous season’s conditions. Beyond that, the focus shifts to upcoming risks and opportunities for the next growing season. This ensures that you’re always equipped with relevant data, whether you’re reflecting on the past or planning for the future.

Sliding Scale Timeline for Dynamic Graphs and KPIs

The sliding-scale timeline feature allows users to select their own slice of up to two years of data for detailed trend analysis, offering flexibility to focus on past data, future forecasts, a growing season, or even a specific month or year. This feature lets users choose their exact timeframe of interest—whether focusing on all past data, all future forecasts, a specific growing season, or even a single month or calendar year. As you adjust the timeline, the graphs and KPIs dynamically update to reflect only the selected timeframe, providing tailored visuals and metrics to aid in analysis.

Additional New Features

AI-Generated Descriptions for Streamlined Analysis

Helios now integrates AI-generated descriptions to make complex climate data more accessible. These summaries break down exactly why a particular location has the climate risk rating it was given. AI-generated content is being phased in gradually, beginning with exchange-traded commodities.

 

New & Improved Graphs

The precipitation graph just got a major visual upgrade, allowing users to see the precipitation in the cumulative precipitation line, similar to the temperature graph. On top of that, we’ve added in the day’s precipitation amount and the current Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) rating - a helpful tool that lets you know how other classic drought indexes have classified your day.

Both graphs saw the introduction of “risk rugs” - a line at the bottom of the graph that highlights days with extreme weather conditions—whether excessively hot, freezing, or unusually wet. These updates help users discover extreme events like frosts or floods that could impact crop performance and make it easier to analyze data and spot trends quickly.

 

More Impactful KPI Metrics

The updated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) add another layer of depth to the Insights page. Almost every KPI on this page has been updated to reflect more impact metrics and data points requested by users, such as days above 90°F, days below freezing, and total precipitation, all contextualized against historical averages and custom to your chosen timeframe.

With these updates, Helios is equipping procurement leaders with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of climate risk management. From precise risk ratings to dynamic visualizations and AI-driven insights, the new and improved Insights page is designed to help you stay ahead of the curve. It’s smarter, sharper, and ready to tackle the challenges of today’s climate-driven world.

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