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How is the month-to-date forecast and budget calculated in the Flash report?

January 6, 2025
UpdatedFebruary 12, 2025
ByEldorette Hines
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The MTD (month-to-date) forecast is the amount you should have by this point in the month/period, in order to reach your end-of-the-month forecast, given that your Live forecast for the rest of the month is correct.

The calculation is: ME (month-end) forecast divided by month-end Live forecast multiplied by MTD actuals.

In the example below, reflected in the screenshot:

A. ME Forecast: 58,571

B. ME Live forecast: 56,430

C. MTD Actual: 7,314

D. A (58,571) divided by B (56,430) multiplied by C (7,314) = MTD forecast (7,591)

 

Image description: The Flash report in PMI with method for calculating MTD forecast/budget

Note: If the MTD actual is higher than this amount you will exceed the forecast and vice versa. The Forecast index is calculated by taking the month-end figure and dividing it by the forecast figure.

The index indicates where you will end up at month-end compared to the forecast. Deviation is also displayed in local currency.

The above calculation works the same way for Budget: Month-end Budget divided by month-end Live forecast multiplied by MTD actuals.

 

Troubleshooting tips

This section provides additional troubleshooting advice for readers experiencing specific issues. While it’s packed with useful insights, you may skip it if you’re not facing any related problems.

Understanding zero OTB in Flash report

In PMI, the Flash Report provides a daily overview of revenue figures, both actual and forecasted, across all departments. Users may encounter situations where the Flash Report displays zero On the Books (OTB) data for specific dates leading to concerns about data accuracy.

Clarifying OTB in Flash Reports
It’s important to note that the Flash Report does not directly display OTB figures. Instead, it presents actual revenue data up to the current date and relies on the Live Forecast for future dates. The Live Forecast incorporates OTB data, which represents revenue from existing bookings or sales for upcoming dates. Therefore, if revenue actuals are zero for specific dates, the OTB for those dates will also be zero, reflecting no current bookings or sales recorded.

Providing context for better insights

Issue: Users ask broad questions like “Where is my data?” or “What do these figures tell you about my productivity?”without providing sufficient context or visual input.

If you're unsure why specific data or insights aren't displaying as expected, ensure your query includes enough context. You can also use the Query Library, which offers premade queries tailored to common needs—screenshots are automatically added when required for these queries. 

For custom queries, consider taking a screenshot of the relevant data or view by clicking the camera icon. Providing clear context or visuals helps the AI analyze your data more effectively and deliver accurate responses.

How to change covers on historical dates

If you need to update covers on a past date, use the Flash Report instead of Live Forecast. Follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the Flash Report.
  2. Select the historical date you wish to edit.
  3. Click on the Edit tool (Pen icon).
  4. Manually adjust the covers as needed.
  5. Save your changes.

Note:

  • Live Forecast is designed for adjusting future covers.
  • Flash Reports handle updates for historical data, such as revenue and actual figures.

Changing revenue for today & tomorrow in PMI

Key Points to Remember:

  • Budget & Forecast Module changes totals on a monthly basis only.
  • Flash Report allows you to edit historical values.
  • Live Forecast allows you to edit future values (including today and tomorrow) by switching to “manual.”

Steps to edit revenue for historical dates (Past)

  1. Open the Flash Report.
  2. Expand or select the past date you want to edit; click the plus icon.
  3. Click the pencil icon (if available) to override the revenue value.

Steps to edit revenue for future dates (Today & Tomorrow)

  1. Go to the Live Forecast.
  2. Expand or select the specific date (e.g., today, tomorrow).
  3. Switch the date to “manual” if required.
  4. Enter the new revenue value in the editable field.
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