PS: How to Set Up the Flex Dataset

The Hook: Use this workflow to configure the Flex dataset, a hybrid financial view that combines Actual/Forecast revenue data with Budgeted expense and labor data for comprehensive analysis.

Prerequisites: 

• Critical: Before activating the Flex dataset in the Forecast Admin screen, you must submit a support ticket requesting that the Flex calculation be activated from the backend for ALL sites. 
• Requires access to the Forecast Admin (FC Admin) screen.

The Steps:

1. Navigate to the Forecast Admin (FC Admin) screen.
2. Locate the Flex dataset settings.
3. Ensure the dataset is set to not editable.
4. Configure the Start and Stop Periods to keep the dataset open for future months.
5. Ensure the dataset is set not to actualize (do not update daily actuals or show period actuals) and not to spread nightly.
6. Select the check boxes for Active and Show Dataset in Report? for all applicable properties.
7. Save your configuration.

The Result Validation: 

• Success: During nightly processes, the system copies Actual/Forecast data for Revenue accounts and Budget data for Labor/Expense accounts into the Flex dataset. 
• Success: The system automatically runs driver calculations on the Flex dataset after the data copy is complete.

Troubleshooting: 

• Note: The system copies data for two months prior and 12 months forward. 
• Note: Revenue accounts utilize Actual/Forecast data, while all other accounts (like Labor and Expenses) utilize Budget data.