How to validate a forecast before export
This guide focuses on users searching for practical steps like “how to validate forecast before export” or “forecast validation checklist.”
1) Run a pre-check sequence immediately
- Check opening BS date and forecast start alignment.
- Verify period settings (monthly/annual) and growth/lag parameters.
- Open the Checks tab and confirm major warnings first.
- Run one small scenario and compare only direction (up/down), not exact matching first.
2) Typical mismatch checkpoints
- Opening BS sign convention is mixed (assets and liabilities use different signs).
- Transaction month and forecast month are offset by one period.
- Collection or payment lag is too long for the first period.
- Journal direction is reversed (debit/credit expectation mismatch).
3) Pre-export checklist
- PL/BS/CF trend direction matches assumptions.
- Ending cash movement is operationally plausible.
- No unexplained warning remains in checks.
- Mapping output and account-level summaries are readable and stable.
4) How to report if still mismatched
If the mismatch remains after these checks, use how to verify forecast results and report issues and report:
- Issue type, sample month, account, observed value, expected value
- Input steps that can reproduce the behavior
- Short context for assumptions and lags