Configure the Global Data driver

You need to configure global data assumptions as part of preparation for forecast planning. The Global Data driver allows you to feed data into multiple forecast workbooks from a central location. For example, you can add data for a depreciation expense that is calculated and controlled by Finance.

From the Global Data driver page, you can add, edit, or delete global assumptions by manually inputting values using the Global Data Update worksheet or by importing a data file.

To manage the Global Data driver:

  1. In the RF Admin task pane, under Setup, double-click Drivers.

  2. If needed, change the selected scenario.

  3. In the Drivers utility, select the Global Data tab.

  4. If you are working with quarterly data and want to view it, under Forecast Type, click the Show Quarterly Totals? toggle to Yes. Quarter columns are added to the monthly columns in the Global Data Assumptions section.

  5. Bring data into the driver either by importing the data from a file or by entering the data manually in the spreadsheet utility:

    IMPORTANT: When importing Global data records, if the data is imported at the RFCode.RFCode level and not the parent level (RFCode.KHABgtCode), the next time the Global Data Utility or the Global Data driver is saved, the system will automatically roll the data up to the RFCode.KHABgtCode level and delete the record at the RFCode.RFCode level. This means that the next time you import the data at the RFCode.RFCode level for records that are mapped to a different KHABgtCode, a duplicate entry will get created in the underlying table, and this new record will again get consolidated into the RFCode.KHABgtCode level, overstating your values in the driver (and subsequently, the plan file).

    • To import global data from a file:
      1. Click the Import Global Data button.

      2. Navigate to and select the data file.

        NOTE: The file must be an Excel file or a comma-separated values file containing RF Groups, RF Code, and monthly inputs for 12 months. A .csv template is available at Reports Library > Rolling Forecasting Utilities > RF 2.0 > Import Files > Global Data.csv.

        Data from the file is displayed in the Global Data tab. If needed, you can edit the data in the spreadsheet utility as described beginning with step 6.

    • To manually add global data using the spreadsheet utility, continue to step 6.
  6. Click the Update Global Data button. The Global Data Update worksheet utility opens.
  7. In the Refresh Variables dialog, from the Scenario for Driver Settings drop-down, click Choose Value, select the desired scenario, and then click OK.

  8. In the Global Data Update utility, do any of the following as needed:

    1. In the Global Data Assumptions section, double-click Double Click to Insert New Global Data Assumption. If you have data marked in your dimensions as global data, the utility will pre-populate those rows.

      NOTE: You will only be able to add rows to RFPlanGroups you are assigned to.

    2. In the Insert dialog, enter the number of records to add and then click OK. The utility adds new blank rows according to the number you entered.
    3. In the RFGroup column, click the drop-down and select the desired RFGroup.

    4. In the RFCode column, click the drop-down and select the appropriate RFCode.

      NOTE: The RFGroup and RFCode selection lists contain validated data to ensure that you select the right groups and codes. This means that the RF Codes available for selection depend on the selected RF Group.

    5. Enter data in the Month-Year Actuals and Forecast columns.

    In the delete column, select the checkbox for the assumption. The assumption is deleted after you click Save.

  9. To save your changes, in the Main ribbon tab, click Save.

  10. On the Global Data driver page, to refresh the list of assumptions, click Save, and then click OK in the confirmation dialog.