After each meteorologist determined the forecast, a group meeting was held to ensure that their individual forecasts were consistent. In most cases, all forecast products were limited to text format only, without the benefit of graphical products relating to time and location. Traditional forecast preparation process prior to the development of the IFPS . The IFPS method of generating forecasts represents a major paradigm shift for the forecaster, but offers great benefits. The process of producing the digital forecast begins the same, with the forecaster examining all available guidance, but the similarity ends here.
Machines can now coordinate the forecasts among the various service-specific forecasters.
The most important benefit from the use of the IFPS digital process is that the forecaster can finally disseminate via the Internet, for example, the detailed forecast not available before increased frequency and resolution of the mesoscale models. More useful forecast details in addition to the text information include local effects from mountains, valleys, cities, and waterways. The premise of the IFPS is high quality products provided quickly to the consumer. Thus, the GFESuite is designed to maximize the benefits of the digital forecast and better serve consumers. After all, the software is destined for over 120 operational forecast offices, each dealing with varied terrain and forecast problems.