DURATION
2 days
Introduction
Elements of this syllabus are subject to change.
The Microsoft Forecaster 7.0: Essentials I course explores the product and its functionality from the basic setup to preparing budget templates. This course shows you the segment setup , data loading, input set setup, and additional detail setup. Learn how to make budgeting exciting and efficient with Microsoft Forecaster 7.0.
A thorough understanding of these topics allows you to successfully use Microsoft Forecaster 7.0. You learn to navigate around the user interface, use and set up the features, and add details to your budget.
Audience
Essentials I is recommended for budget administrators and partners who will be using or implementing Microsoft Forecaster 7.0. This course, plus Essentials II and Supplemental Training is the recommended learning plan for new budget administrators and partners.
At Course Completion
After completing this course, students should be able to:
Set up Segments, Rollups, and Periods
Import Data
Build Input Sets
Enter data using copy and grow shortcuts and data entry shortcuts
Set up Human Resources
Enter and Import employees
Set up Capital Types and enter Capital purchases
Build a Revenue model and enter data
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course
Microsoft Certified Professional Exams
No Microsoft Certified Professional exams are associated with this course currently.
Course Materials
The student courseware includes a comprehensive workbook and other necessary materials for this class.
Chapter 1: Overview and Demonstration
This chapter gives students a general overview and demonstration of the product. The demonstration is designed to highlight the key features covered in the two-day course.
Main Topics
Demonstrate key features of Microsoft Forecaster 7.0
Overview of topics in course
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Discuss the topics that will be covered in the two-day course
Chapter 2: Training Assumptions
This chapter introduces the organizational structures of the fictitious training companies, naming conventions, and basic navigation of the product.
Main Topics
Training companies organizational structure
Period Naming Conventions
Basic Navigation
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Discuss the organization of the training companies
Identify the naming conventions used for Periods
Determine the basic icons, menus, and toolbars
Chapter 3: Application Setup
This course explores using the new application wizard to define the company name and segment structure. In addition students learn about the number of Segments, and how to update Segment information after the wizard completes.
Main Topics
New Application Wizard
Segment Definition
Segment Modifications
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Step through the New Application Wizard
Determine number of Segments to be used
Assign properties to Segments
Modify Segments after wizard
Chapter 4: Segments and Rollups
This chapter defines the Segments and their properties, creates Rollups, and reviews Rollup options. The chapter focuses on the fields and functionality of Segments and Rollups, and time is spent building multiple Rollups.
Main Topics
Center Segment
Center Rollup
Rollup Navigation, Properties, and Maintenance
Account Segment
Account Rollup
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Populate Segments
Create Rollups for each Segment
Maintain Rollups
Chapter 5: Periods and Loading Data
This chapter provides an overview of the ways to store and load data, including file preparation. The chapter focuses on creating Periods and the Data Import Wizard is used to import balances. Time is spent verifying data.
Main Topics
Period Fields
Period Wizard
Data Import
Import Errors
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Create Periods in the worksheet and with the Wizard
Modify Periods
Prepare an import file
Import Data
Verify data import
Chapter 6: Input Screen Setup
This chapter provides an introduction to Input Sets and their related building blocks. The chapter focuses on how building blocks determine the display of the Input screen, which includes Columns, Lines, and Calculations.
Main Topics
Input Set Overview
Columns
Sections
Lines
Calculations
Input Set Definition
Locked Accounts
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Create Columns, Lines and Calculations
Use building blocks to create an Input Set
Modify Input Set Options
Lock Accounts from input
Chapter 7: Account Input
This chapter reviews active icons on the toolbars, as well as a variety of data entry methods on both the Multi Row and Single Row tabs of the Input screen.
Main Topics
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
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Open an Input Set
Recognize icons
Enter data on the Multi Row and Single Row tabs
Create Spread Methods
Chapter 8: Human Resources Setup and Input
This chapter steps through setting up Human Resources using Pay Types, Salary Grades, and Benefits. Employees are added through manual entry and by importing. Time is spent modifying screen layouts and creating custom Human Resource benefits. The Human Resources Master is explored, which shows users how to distribute employees and promote them.
Main Topics
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
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Set up Human Resources
Input and import employees
Distribute and promote employees
Use Human Resources Master
Customize Human Resources screens
Chapter 9: Capital Setup and Input
This chapter provides a review of Capital Types, including depreciation methods. Students enter data to the Capital tab and review the results.
Main Topics
Define Capital Types
Depreciation Methods
Capital Input
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Define Capital Types
Determine Depreciation Method
Input Capital data
Chapter 10: Custom Setup and Input
This chapter provides an overview of the Revenue Setup screen, along with design customization options. Time is spent entering data to the Revenue tab using two methods of data display, and reviewing the results.
Main Topics
Custom Dimensions
Define Markets and Products
Create Product Lines and Calculations
Associations
Define Products and Rates
Revenue Input
Secondary Calculations
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Rename Revenue dimensions
Design a Revenue model using Markets, Products, and Rates
Create associations between Centers, Markets, and Products
Input Revenue
Create Secondary Calculations
Chapter 11: Advanced Input
This chapter explores Input Set modification and advanced input options. The chapter focuses on creating overrides for the Input Set and using multiple Segments in the Input Set. Time is also spent reviewing Local Settings, Guidelines, and other data entry methods.
Main Topics
Local Settings
Guidelines
Input Set Overrides
Multi Segment Input
Input Shortcuts
Other Data Entry Methods
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Change local settings and upload Guidelines
Create Input Set Overrides
Use Multi Segment Input
Apply Input shortcuts on the Multi Row screen
Identify other data entry methods
Chapter 12: Input Examples
This chapter is an overview of advanced input screen designs that use calculation functions. The chapter focuses on the use of the Calculation Functions @LOOKUP and If/Then statements. Time is also spent looking at an additional Custom Input design.
Main Topics
Global Rates
@LOOKUP
If/Then Calculations
Custom Units and Rates
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Discuss other Input screen design scenarios
Use the @LOOKUP and @IF Calculation functions
Identify other uses for Custom Input
Chapter 13: Security Overview
This chapter introduces the Group security options, including Users, Assignments, and the approval hierarchy. The chapter highlights the optional Workflow functions, and is an introduction to Security, which is covered in more detail in the Microsoft Forecaster 7.0: Supplemental guide.
Main Topics
Groups
Users
Assignments
Workflow
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Security Group setup and privileges
Users and Assignments
How to use the Workflow process
Chapter 14: Web Access Overview
This chapter provides a high level overview of the optional Web Access functionality. The chapter focuses on an overview of the installation, sign on, and interface of the Web Access.
Main Topics
Web Access Install and Configuration
Web Access Sign On
Web Access interface
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
What the Web Access is
The requirements for Web Access
Chapter 15: Practice
This chapter provides students with an opportunity to set up a practice company. The chapter gives students a challenge in setting up what they learned over the two-day class. Files are provided for the student to practice with. The chapter contains high level and step by step instructions, so the user can practice at their own comfort level.
Main Topics
Define Segments
Import Data
Build Input Set
Define Revenue
Set Up Human Resources
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Work comfortably in the application
Appendix A: Microsoft Forecaster Menu Structure
This appendix includes documents like navigation roadmaps, special character list, and reserved words in Microsoft Forecaster 7.0.
Main Topics
Menu Structure
Special Characters
Reserved Words
This is a version-specific reference outline. Confirm the current syllabus and delivery arrangements with EIEIO.