Create an 'Actual vs Forecast' Report

The report built using actual amounts versus projected amounts is a key analytics tool for comparing actual performance against previously established forecasts. This type of report allows you to identify variances, assess the accuracy of predictive models, and make better, data-driven decisions.

In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to build, structure, and interpret this type of report in Embat’s Analytics module.

Ensure you have created a snapshot of the cash flow forecast you wish to compare.

This file represents the financial forecast at a specific point in time and is essential for making consistent comparisons.

 See how to generate a cash flow snapshot

Building the 'Actual vs Projected' report.

Once you have the cash flow snapshot, you can begin structuring the report by following the steps below: 

1. Access the Analytics module and click on the Reports sub-module.
2. Click on Create report. You’ll see it in the top right-hand corner of the page.
3. Data type: Select "Cash flows", keeping both transactions and forecasts selected.

4. Design your report as a "Table".

• Rows: Choose the 'Company' and 'Category' properties. You can rearrange the order depending on your preferred grouping.

• Columns: Select 'Operation date' and click the pencil icon. In this pop-up, you can set the frequency of the data as daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly.

  Note: If you choose "daily" but your snapshot is monthly, a date mismatch will occur. In that case, select "monthly".

• Values: First, select 'Forecast snapshot amount'. Then configure it by selecting the type of forecast and the specific snapshot you want to compare. Secondly, select 'Actual amounts'.

  Note: If you select a consolidated forecast, you will only be able to choose one snapshot. If the forecast is aggregated, you can select one snapshot per company.

• Filters: Select 'Operation date' and then choose ‘Custom’. By clicking the pencil icon, you can define a specific date range aligned with the snapshot period.

5. Name your report: You can do this in the 'About the report' section.

6. Save the report: Click the 'Save' button located in the bottom right-hand corner to save the 'Actual vs Projected' report. You can edit it at any time.