General Features of the Models

• User Friendly
The models are logically structured and user friendly. When any data is missing or incorrect, error messages appear in cells throughout the models to help the user. There are message boxes with each macro and a 12-18 page User Guide booklet for each model for easy reference
• Able to be delegated to Data Entry staff
The models mostly only need historical data to be entered. Once the initial setup or any adhoc changing of any of the variables has been done the models only require a data entry function prior to review – all of the results are calculated fields. This frees up management to only need to review the output and not have to be involved in the process. Extra entries can be put into the forecasting model
• Various Summary Report sets
The models all contain various summary reports which can be run and checked also as part of the data input function before final verification by management
• Save Time and Cost of creating and maintaining workbooks and have a more Advanced product
These models save extensive time and cost of otherwise having to build, maintain and audit large workbooks either in-house or by employing extra resources – there are no maintenance requirements with these models
• Extensively Tested – many in-house workbooks have formula errors
The models have undergone extensive testing – see Product Controls below on this page
• Can be Linked from or to other in-house workbooks
Other in-house workbooks can be used to link data into these models or results can be linked out of these models to populate other in-house reports as required
• Filesizes remain the Same – files don’t increase indefinitely and become unmanageable and hard to confine
The models are limited in size – apart from a slight increase in size when data is first put into the models – they can’t be made any bigger, which makes them more manageable
• Variables can be Changed at any time
There is the flexibility of being able to change any variables as required by using applicable macros. This can include resetting Start Dates – which will clear the historical data in the model
• Formatting can be Changed to suit and Blank areas can be hidden
There is flexibility with the formatting and areas of the models that have no data are able to be hidden
• All Data areas are set up with Print Macros
All printouts are set up as macros
• Clearing of Data areas for the next period’s input is done by Macro
macros roll the models forward to the next period at your convenience
• Consistency of Report Structures can be achieved across the business
if these models are used in all sections of a business unit or across business units then a consistent functionality, structure and format of management tools and reports will have been achieved

Product Controls

The models have undergone strict testing. The following testing and controls were carried out to verify the completeness and integrity of the models.

• All non-data input cells were protected
• The output for every scenario in each model was checked
• Every cell was also populated with the same data to ensure that all outputs showed the same result
• Then all cells were changed to different sequential amounts to ensure that all outputs were also in sequence
• Then each sheet was checked as a whole with the Control \ function to also ensure there were no formula differences in the rows
• All possible procedures in each model involving changing Variables or rolling to the next Period as well as all standard printouts were set up as macros
• Cells throughout the models notify users of settings or data that are incorrect or missing. In these instances the messages carry forward and prevent both the columns and rows totals from being shown until the corrections are made
• Message boxes notify users of why a macro didn’t run and what needs to be done before it will be able to be run – the messages in the cells will also indicate the errors that need to be fixed
• Confirmation message boxes allow users to opt out of running final macros in a Period if the accompanying summary printout indicates that the data input may not be correct
• Information message boxes notify when macros have run, what needs to be done next and what other macros can be run if any Variables need to be changed
• All data input areas, macros, global functionality and scenarios of the models have been documented in the User Guides