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Introduction

In order to analyze the variance between two categories for a number of accounts this template should be used for creating a report. With reports based on this template the user will be able to see the trend in the two categories and see which analytic dimension member and entity is causing this difference. This template is often used for Profit and Loss, balance sheet or for instance cash flow reports.

CONTENT

Table of Contents

A typical Profit and Loss report with Profit and Loss accounts is presented in the screenshot below. The variance column  gives an indication of accounts that need attention. When one of these accounts is selected, the user can

analyze

analyse this account on the right side of the screen.  The trend of the account is displayed here. The user can also see what the main causes for the variance are - for example, a specific entity product combination.

 

Image Modified

What is displayed in this report?

Report Elements

1. Rows

The left column displays a nicely formatted account list. In this example it is a selection of Profit and Loss accounts. The Image Modified button indicates that there is a drill down option to all the direct descendants of the account or another account list. The user can select one of the accounts (rows) in order to see the trend of the account on the right side of the screen.

2. Reference Pick list

In the two center columns  two categories are displayed. Usually the first column is Actual and the second can be any other category specified or the previous year values of the category in the first column.

3. Variance Type Pick list

The column to the right of the two center columns shows the variance between the two categories as a percentage or as a number. By clicking on header the user can choose between variance in percentage and absolute values. The signal colors red, green or orange gives a quick view on how a certain account is performing.

4. Trend Chart

The top right bar chart gives a trend of the selected account over the .current and previous periods for the categories selected in this report (see point 2). Periodic or YTD values independent of the view in the POV are available. The period of the drill down table below can be changed by clicking on one of the bars in the chart (see 5).

5. Detailed Breakdown

The bottom right shows the variance between the two categories in the two center columns. These columns show a breakdown of the selected account by Entity or any other analytic dimension relevant to the selected account for the two categories in the columns of  point 2. In this example the user can choose between the dimensions entity, product, customer or channel. As shown in the screenshot below, you can also expand or collapse the hierarchy of the selected analytic dimension by clicking on one of the members. By clicking on pick list next to Entity the user can switch between the other dimensions mentioned above. Important functionality in this part is the fact that the grid selection as shown below in the screenshot remains “opened up” even if you switch accounts in the account list.

The detailed breakdown is automatically filled with the relevant dimensions.