DURATION
1 day
Introduction
The Upgrading to Microsoft Forecaster course explores the upgrade process from Microsoft Forecaster 6.7 to Microsoft Forecaster 7.0. This course shows you the upgrade process, upgrade considerations, navigation, upgrade roadmap, and the new features introduced in Microsoft Forecaster 7.0. Learn what's new and exciting for 7.0 and become familiar with the new application interface. A thorough understanding of these topics allows you to successfully use the existing and new features in Microsoft Forecaster 7.0. You learn to navigate around the new user interface, use new features, design reports, and develop the confidence to train end users.
Audience
Customers with knowledge and experience with previous versions of Microsoft Forecaster. Prior to viewing this course students should view the online course titled Microsoft Forecaster 7.0: What's New - For 6.7 Users.
Upgrade training is recommended for anyone who plans to upgrade to Microsoft Forecaster 7.0, or assist customers with upgrading. The class is targeted toward partners, customers, desktop and end user support professionals, and information workers, who need to understand the upgrade process and features of Microsoft Forecaster 7.0.
At Course Completion
After completing this course, students should be able to:
Run the upgrade wizard to upgrade a Microsoft Forecaster 6.7 database
Navigate the Microsoft Forecaster 7.0 system
Work with Segments and Periods
Load data using the Data Import Wizard
Create and modify building blocks
Design an Input Set
Enter data using copy and grow shortcuts and data entry shortcuts
Prerequisites
Before attending this course, students must have:
Knowledge and experience with previous versions of Microsoft Forecaster
Completed the online course titled 'Microsoft Forecaster 7.0: What's New - For 6.7 Users'.
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: Upgrade Wizard Overview
This chapter gives students a general overview of the upgrade wizard and what to consider before and during the upgrade process. In addition it discusses creating the connection to the database to sign into the application.
Main Topics
Upgrade Considerations
Microsoft Forecaster 6.7 Upgrade Wizard steps
Database Connection
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Identify the data not being upgraded to 7.0
Discuss the unsupported features in 7.0.
Complete the ‘Before Running the Upgrade' checklist
Run the Microsoft Forecaster 6.7 Upgrade Wizard
Create a connection to the database
Sign into the application
Chapter 2: Getting Started
This chapter familiarizes students with the fundamentals of Microsoft Forecaster 7.0. It signs users into the training company, and explores navigational basics and tool bar icons. Users will also work with Segments, modify Rollups, and create Periods.
Main Topics
Navigation Basics
Segment Review
Rollups
Periods
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Sign into the training company
Navigate menus and recognize icons
Modify Segments
Modify Rollups
Create Periods
Use the Period Wizard
Chapter 3: Loading Data
This chapter explores the methods for loading data into Microsoft Forecaster. This chapter steps through the data import wizard to load data for baseline purposes. Time is spent discussing the import verification and how to troubleshoot and resolve errors during the import process.
Main Topics
Loading Data Options
Data Import Wizard
Verify Import
Identify and Correct Errors
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Determine methods of data entry
Import data using the wizard
Verify the import
Troubleshoot errors
Correct errors and post transactions
Chapter 4: Building Blocks
This chapter reviews Lines, Columns, Calculations, Formats, and organizes the different building blocks with Folders. The chapter focuses on the fields and functionality of each building block, including the enhancements added to version 7.0. Time is spent organizing building blocks for easier use and identification.
Main Topics
Line Fields
Line Upgrade Notes
Column Fields
Column Upgrade Notes
Calculation Types and Rules
Calculation Tips
Formats
Building Block Organization
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Create and modify building blocks for use with Input Sets and Reports
Utilize new features and formatting capabilities
Group building blocks into logical categories
Chapter 5: Input Set Design
This chapter creates an Input Set from new and existing building blocks. The chapter creates new input Columns, Lines, and Sections. Time is spent reviewing the fields of the input set and locking accounts from input.
Main Topics
Input Set Fields
Input Columns
Sections
Input Lines
Calculations
Center Overrides
Locked Accounts
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Create an Input Set
Override Lines and Calculations for Centers
Lock Accounts from input
Chapter 6: Account Input
This chapter discusses the Input selection widow, icons, and data entry. The chapter focuses on data entry shortcuts, Memos, Line Items, Spread Methods and Single Row data entry. Time is spent reviewing and loading Guidelines for users to reference.
Main Topics
Input Set Selection
Toolbars and Icons
Multi Row Data Entry shortcuts
Multi Row Data Entry Memos
Multi Row Data Entry Line Items
Spread Methods
Single Row Data Entry
Guidelines
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
Upload and view Guidelines
Chapter 7: Human Resources Setup and Input
This chapter copies and reviews Human Resources setup information, enters and import employees, and reviews new features in the Human Resources Master. Time is spent customizing screen layouts and reviewing new features in Human Resources.
Main Topics
Copy Plan Wizard
Human Resources Setup
Human Resources Input and Modification
Import Employees
Human Resources Master
Distributing Employees
Human Resources Options
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Copy and set up Human Resources
Input and import employees
Distribute and promote employees
Use Human Resources Master to modify employee fields
Customize Human Resources screens
Chapter 8: Capital Setup and Input
This chapter reviews Capital Types, the types of Depreciation Methods, and Capital input. The chapter focuses on the Capital fields and calculation of the different depreciation methods. Time is spent inputting Capital and reviewing the Capital task.
Main Topics
Capital Types Overview
Depreciation Methods
Capital Tab Entry
Capital Tasks
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Create and modify Capital Types
Choose a depreciation method
Enter Capital purchases in the Input set
Chapter 9: Revenue Setup and Input
This chapter copies and reviews Revenue Setup, associates markets and products, and inputs revenue data. The chapter focuses on the new feature of Units and Rates, as well as the single and double grid input display.
Main Topics
Copy Plan Wizard
Revenue Setup
Units and Rates
Associations
Revenue Input
Custom Input Options
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Copy and set up Revenue
Use Units and Rates
Create associations between Centers, Markets, and Products
Input Revenue
Rename Markets and Products
Chapter 10: Report Design
This chapter creates three common reports in Microsoft Forecaster. The chapter reviews Lines, Columns, and Calculations, and introduces Formats to provide boardroom quality reports. The chapter focuses on the use of summary segments and formatting to make Reports easier to maintain and presentable. Time is spent on conditional formatting, reporting periods, and report features.
Main Topics
Create and Generate Reports
Build Formats
Create Number Formats
Use Reporting Periods
Apply Conditional Formatting
Link Details to a Report
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
Create, generate, and print Reports
Apply conditional formatting, reporting periods, and number formats to a report
Use Formats for printable reports
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.