Setup forecast distribution

Tobias Stenbråten Updated by Tobias Stenbråten

Forecast Distribution enables organizations to consolidate forecasted values across an entire project structure while giving Project Managers control over how those values are distributed across time periods.

This functionality assumes detailed forecasting occurs at the subproject level, but many businesses also need an aggregated, project-wide forecast distributed across fiscal years. Forecast Distribution accomplishes this by accumulating all subproject forecasts and enabling controlled, period-based distribution of the total forecast.

Distribute Amounts Configuration

The Distribute Amounts speedtab controls how forecast models interact during distribution, how accumulated forecasts are calculated, and how the Forecast Distribution form behaves.

Button Functions

The following buttons are available to manage forecast distribution settings:

Button

Function

Add

Creates a new line in the forecast model mapping configuration

Delete

Removes the selected line from the mapping configuration

Set as main

Designates the selected forecast model pair as the main model for distribution

Monthly

For use with copying forecast models on a monthly basis. Can be executed directly or scheduled in batch processing. Respects setup on transaction type checkboxes

Yearly

For use with copying forecast models on a yearly basis. Can be executed directly or scheduled in batch processing. Respects setup on transaction type checkboxes

How to

Opens the standard Cepheo documentation tool for accessing user guides and additional information

Create default setup

Automatically generates six forecast models with best practice mappings for accumulated, monthly, and yearly distributions, enabling immediate use of the solution

Model Selection

Configure the source and destination forecast models for distribution:

  • From: The forecast model from which data is copied
  • To: The forecast model that receives the copied data
  • Main: Designates the primary model pair (only one allowed)
The Main setting determines which forecast model is used when accumulating data for Project Managers and which model receives updated figures after distribution.

Copy Settings

Define how and when forecast data is copied between models:

  • Period: Sets the frequency for copying forecast data between models
  • Description: Overrides default text on forecast lines created during copying (uses standard Cepheo Project Management text if blank)
  • Transaction Type Select: Select transaction type that should be included when copying between forecast models

Lookup and Behavior Controls

These settings control forecast model visibility and form behavior:

Setting

Description

Show "Autofill Last" Button

Makes the Autofill Last button available in the Forecast Distribution form

Override Standard Lookup

Excludes configured forecast models from dropdown lists when creating forecast lines

Show Blocked in Lookup

Displays blocked or stopped forecast models in lookup fields for copy and delete

Period Generation

Sets how many years of forecast periods to create automatically for projects without end dates

Type Mapping Configuration

Type Mapping defines the categories available when Project Managers enter forecast lines at an aggregated level. Each aggregated line must be assigned a category.

A minimum mapping for both Hours and Expense categories is required for the form to generate lines properly.

How did we do?

Setup Forecast Models

Contact