Introduction

Microsoft Forecaster is a software product used for organizational budgeting and planning. It is licensed as part of the Microsoft Dynamics product family. Microsoft Forecaster helps organizations replace spreadsheet based budgeting and planning by providing a database-centric approach that allows for audit capabilities, workflow, and increased data security. Microsoft Forecaster also provides “detail modules” to help budget and plan for human resources, capital and revenue/expenses. While not dependent on Microsoft Dynamics ERP packages, Microsoft Forecaster is most often positioned and sold as an add-on to Microsoft Dynamics general ledgers.

Prerequisties

• Students should have a financial or accounting background and already understand budgeting and reporting.

Course Content

1. Essentials I in Microsoft Forecaster 7.0

• Demonstrate key features of Microsoft Forecaster 7.0
• Overview of topics in course

2. Application Setup

• New Application Wizard
• Segment Definition
• Segment Modifications

3. Segments and Rollups

• Center Segment
• Center Rollup
• Rollup Navigation, Properties, and Maintenance
• Account Segment
• Account Rollup

4. Periods and Loading Data

• Period Fields
• Period Wizard
• Data Import
• Import Errors

5. Input Screen Setup

• Input Set Overview
• Columns
• Sections
• Lines
• Calculations
• Input Set Definition
• Locked Accounts

6. Account Input

• Input Set Selection
• Toolbars and Icons
• Spread Methods
• Multi Row Data Entry shortcuts
• Multi Row Data Entry Memos
• Multi Row Data Entry Line Items
• Single Row Data Entry

7. Human Resources Setup and Input

• Human Resources Setup
• Pay Types
• Salary Grades
• Benefits and Taxes
• Human Resources Input and Import
• Human Resources Distribution and Human Resources Master
• Custom Human Resources

8. Capital Setup and Input

• Define Capital Types
• Depreciation Methods
• Capital Input

9. Custom Setup and Input

• Custom Dimensions
• Define Markets and Products
• Create Product Lines and Calculations
• Associations
• Define Products and Rates
• Revenue Input
• Secondary Calculations

10. Advanced Input

• Local Settings
• Guidelines
• Input Set Overrides
• Multi Segment Input
• Input Shortcuts
• Other Data Entry Methods

11. Input Examples

• Global Rates
• LOOKUP
• If/Then Calculations
• Custom Units and Rates

12. Security Overview

• Groups
• Users
• Assignments
• Workflow

13. Web Access Overview

• Web Access Install and Configuration
• Web Access Sign On
• Web Access interface

14. Practice

• Define Segments
• Import Data
• Build Input Set
• Define Revenue
• Set Up Human Resources

15. Essentials II in Microsoft Forecaster 7.0

• Overview and Demonstration
• Demonstrate key features of Microsoft Forecaster 7.0
• Overview of topics in course
• Getting Started

16. Installation and Connection

• Segments
• Rollups

17. Building Blocks

• Lines
• Columns
• Calculations
• Formats
• Reports

18. Income Statement Variations

• Summary Income Statement
• Detailed Income Statement

19. Variance Reports

• Reporting Periods
• Over/(Under) Budget Income Statement
• Favorable/(Unfavorable) Budget Variances
• Design Tips

20. Report Maintenance

• Building Block Organization
• Troubleshooting Techniques
• Design Tips

21. Additional Formatting Options

• Formatting Options
• Conditional Formatting
• Report Options

22. More on Rollups

• Center Rollup
• Account Rollup
• Rollup Maintenance

23. Side by Side Reporting

• Side by Side Reporting with Centers
• Using Periods in Lines

24. Multiple Segment Reporting

• Accounts combined with Periods
• Centers combined with Accounts
• Exploding Combined Segments
• Centers combined with Periods

25. Detail Reports

• Income Statement with Details
• Audit Trail History Report
• Column Code Detail Fields
• Detail Table Menus

26. Report Distribution

• Distribution Options
• Print Options

27. Sample Reports

• Accounts Payable Detail
• Projected Cash Flow
• Operating Expenses by User

28. Reporting on Three or More Segments

• Departmental Monthly Budget
• Summary Monthly Budget

29. onsolidating Budget