Stock Watch: Who/how is the forecast number for economic data determined? Should we take it as a genuine attempt at forecasting?

In my brokerage or investing app there is a forecast figure for economic data.

I've always found it weird that we don't know anything about who or how the forecasted, say oil inventory numbers are determined but we sorta accept those numbers.

Also I heard that analysts need to make sure they don't look stupid so they just follow consensus.