How to change the budget Date without moving the data.

How to change the budget Date without moving the data.

Currently, when changing the start dates in Forecast 5, the dates will change but figures will remain in the same order (they will not move to match the previously set months)

E.g.
           

But occasionally there is a need to change the forecast start date with out moving the data values.

E.g. The Forecasts start date was set as December, however now the need is that forecasts start date to be April but December is the first month with values.

These steps will allow you to achieve this.

Start with the original forecast

  1. Export data to excel by going to the Utilities menu > Record list.
  2. In excel, insert blank columns for April to Nov so the first value date is now December.
  3. Export the Opening balance sheet to excel from the Enter Opening Balances screen.
  4. Click New/Open (top left corner) to get to the Open Forecast screen. 
  5. Then select the forecast and select “Copy Forecast No Values”
  6. Once that has copied, open the forecast, go to Settings > Details and change the start date to April and the first data month to Dec.
  7. Select all and import record list.
  8. Then import opening balance sheet.
Note: Certain records e.g. Fixed Assets, may need to be deleted and re-entered to get the deferred start date to apply.

If you have any issues or confusions, our consulting team can assist at our prevailing consulting rate. Please email support@forecast5.com for assistance.