Closing forecast period

Closing forecast period finalizes the forecast values for a completed period and prepares the forecast for the next planning period. When you close a period, you prevent further changes to the forecast values for that period and can extend the forecast horizon to include a new period. You can also close a forecast period after the actual values are available for that period.

Closing a forecast period helps maintain a continuous planning cycle as forecast periods become actual periods.

How closing a forecast period works#

1. Review the forecast values for the period you want to close.
2. Close the completed forecast period.
3. The closed period is no longer available for forecast updates.
4. Extend the forecast horizon to open a new period for planning.
5. Use reforecasting to input the newly opened period with values from an existing period, if needed.

When to close a forecast period#

Close a forecast period when:

• Actual value flows in for completed period.
• Finalize forecast values for a completed period.
• Prevent changes to a completed period.
• Extend the forecast horizon for continued planning.
• Start the next forecast period using the latest available values.
• Month-end closing process.

Closing a forecast period and reforecasting#

Closing a forecast period and reforecasting support a continuous forecasting process. After you close a completed period and extend the forecast horizon, you can use reforecasting to populate the newly opened period. You can copy values from an existing period and apply updated assumptions, such as growth.

Key takeaway#

Closing a forecast period finalizes a completed period and makes the next period available for forecasting. Combined with forecast extension and reforecasting, it helps you maintain a continuous forecast as actual periods become available.