What Is a Forecast Series?
A forecast series is a set of recurring forecast entries that you define once, and they automatically apply over a selected period. With forecast series, you can:
Keep track of how your forecasts are built.
Use different calculation methods for different periods.
Apply different calculation methods for each scenario.
Easily apply a calculation method at specific intervals (e.g., every two months).
How to Set Up a Forecast Series 🛠️
To set up a forecast series, follow these steps:
Click into the cell on your cashflow plan where you want to add the forecast
Click on the forecast tab
Select Recurring / Based on actual performance / Based on category / Based on Indicator
Enter the fixed amount and set the application date range and frequency
Create the Series: Confirm your settings to create the forecast series. The series will now automatically populate your forecast according to the parameters you set.
💡 Tip: You can create forecast series from the side panel in the app.
Editing a Forecast Series ✏️
Currently, you can only edit forecast series that are performance-based. To edit a performance-based forecast series:
Go to the side panel where your forecast series are listed.
Find the performance-based series you wish to edit.
Adjust the parameters as needed.
Save your changes to refresh the forecast.
This is especially useful when you need to reconfigure a ⚡ flash forecast quickly.
Deleting a Forecast Series 🚮
If you need to remove a forecast series, you have two options:
Stop a Series from a Specific Date: This allows you to end the series at a chosen point without deleting past entries. Just click on the cell from which period on you wish to delete the forecast.
Completely Delete a Series: This removes the entire series and all associated forecast entries.
To delete a forecast series:
Place your mouse over the 🗑️ trash icon on the series card in the side panel.
Review which cells will be affected—the app will show you which forecast values will be erased.
Click the trash icon and confirm your action.
Managing Conflicts Between Series 🔄
When working with multiple forecast series, you might encounter conflicts due to overlapping application periods. To simplify this, series application periods may not overlap.
Here's how conflicts are managed:
Adjusting Existing Series: If you define a new forecast series that overlaps with an existing one, the existing series' application period will be adjusted to prevent overlap.
Example:
Let's say you have a series applying €3,000 from January to December. If you manually change the value in September to €2,000, the original series is split into:
Series 1: January to August (€3,000).
Manual input: September (€2,000).
Series 2: October to December (€3,000).
Overwriting Previous Forecasts: Creating a new forecast series will erase all previous forecasts within its application period, even if the new series applies only at specific intervals (e.g., every two months).
💡 Tip: If you need different forecasts for alternating periods (e.g., every odd month vs. every even month), consider using subcategories to manage these separately.
Scenarios and Forecast Series 🎭
Different Series per Scenario: You can define different forecast series for each scenario.
Synchronization:
Forecast values are synchronized with linked scenarios.
On linked scenarios, you'll see the forecast value, but its type will be "unknown".
What This Means:
If you refresh the main scenario, the value updates on the linked scenario.
If you refresh an alternative scenario:
The forecast value may not update.
The value may not adjust according to calculations linked to other categories in the alternative scenario.
Tips 💡
Keep Track of Assumptions: Use forecast series to document your forecasting assumptions clearly.
Avoid Overlaps: Plan your application periods carefully to prevent unintended overwriting of forecasts.
Use Subcategories: When managing complex forecasting needs, subcategories can help segment and apply different series more effectively.
Refresh Forecasts: Remember to refresh your forecasts after making changes to ensure all values are up-to-date.
FAQ ❓
What happens to my forecast series when I merge accounts?
If you choose to transfer forecasts during an account merge, forecast series will be transferred as well.
How do forecast series affect linked scenarios?
Forecast values from your forecast series are synchronized with linked scenarios. However, they appear with the type "unknown". To ensure dynamic calculations in each scenario, create corresponding forecast series within each scenario.
Why can't I create overlapping forecast series?
To simplify conflict management, series application periods cannot overlap. This ensures that each forecast value is clearly defined by a single series at any given time.