The parameter USEBPFXT exists in both Forecasting Online and CRM Modules. Changing their values to YES, allows for expanded forecasting functionality in both modules.
Forecasting Online
Setting CV/USEBPFXT to Yes does two main things:
Expanded Reporting and Inquiry capabilities in the Forecasting Online Module.
2. The addition of the Significant Items tab of BPF Forecasting Models.
3. Job Forecasting Inquiries and Reports.
4. Forecast Inquiry requires monthly forecast entry to populate data; and certain data shown in this inquiry will require a “BPF-style” forecast model in order to capture the data. This inquiry page offers a number of ways to summarize each type of data: “by job” displays one row per job; “by manager” displays one row per project manager; “by customer” displays one row per customer, and so on. Each of the client-created Job Analysis Sets are also sorting options here.
5. Global Forecast Inquiry displays much the same data as the Forecast Inquiry, but instead of grouping on a job-level, this displays by the Operating Company (kco) or groups of kco’s.
6. Cash/Contract Forecast Reports show detailed information for the fiscal year to give visibility to the historical, current, and future cash/job info as of the specific time period requested.
7. Revenue Reconciliation Report Pack allows the user to launch multiple reports, which include the following: Performance Schedule, Accrual Schedule, WIP Analysis, and Contract Trading Summary.
8. The Significant Items Tab, which exists on the Forecast Model itself, is used to map Forecast items to named business indicators displayed in the Forecast inquiry. This tab only appears on the Forecast Models Summary screen when the CV/USEBPFXT parameter is set to Y.
CRM
Setting MK/USEBPFXT to Yes makes two changes to the OA system:
It allows for Opportunity Forecasting in CRM Module
It provides Reporting and Inquiry functionality for that Opportunity Forecast data
2. Opportunity Forecasting
3. On the Details tab of the Opportunity, the Location/Dates Section is expanded to include Forecast info as well. (Figure 9.) The Value and Margin data entered in the Main Section will flow here as Cost and Revenue. Specifically this section is used to choose the kind of Recognized Revue and Forecast Type for this opportunity.
4. The Forecasting Tab shows the monthly forecasts as they are created, with the Forecasted Revenue based on the win probability.
5. Diving into the Forecast hyperlink shows Forecast Details, including the Projected vs. Forecasted Cost and Revenue.
6. The Work in Hand/Cash Flow Tab shows Costs, Billings, Revenue, and Cash forecasted movement for each forecast period.
7. These Opportunity Forecasts can be seen on their own workbench here.
8. Opportunity Forecasting Inquiries and Reports
9. The Opportunity Forecast Inquiry is similar to the Job Forecast Inquiry mentioned above as it’s able to display Opportunity Forecast data by a variety of sorting criteria, including by Opportunity, by Company, by Client, or by Sales Rep. This inquiry shows basic financial information, Key Dates, and a Yearly Analysis.
10. Forecast by Period Report shows financial information on selected Opportunities forecasted out for a calendar year. It can be run globally, or for the current company, and can show either movement or cumulative values.