Module 1: Overview and Demonstration

This chapter gives students a general overview and demonstration of the product. The demonstration is designed to highlight the key features covered in the two-day course.

Lessons

• Demonstrate key features of Microsoft Forecaster 7.0
• Overview of topics in course

Module 2: Training Assumptions

This chapter introduces the organizational structures of the fictitious training companies, naming conventions, and basic navigation of the product.

Lessons

• Training companies organizational structure
• Period Naming Conventions
• Basic Navigation

Module 3: Application Setup

This course explores using the new application wizard to define the company name and segment structure. In addition students learn about the number of Segments, and how to update Segment information after the wizard completes.

Lessons

• New Application Wizard
• Segment Definition
• Segment Modifications

Module 4: Segments and Rollups

This chapter defines the Segments and their properties, creates Rollups, and reviews Rollup options. The chapter focuses on the fields and functionality of Segments and Rollups, and time is spent building multiple Rollups.

Lessons

• Center Segment
• Center Rollup
• Rollup Navigation, Properties, and Maintenance
• Account Segment
• Account Rollup

Module 5: Periods and Loading Data

This chapter provides an overview of the ways to store and load data, including file preparation. The chapter focuses on creating Periods and the Data Import Wizard is used to import balances. Time is spent verifying data.

Lessons

• Period Fields
• Period Wizard
• Data Import
• Import Errors

Module 6: Input Screen Setup

This chapter provides an introduction to Input Sets and their related building blocks. The chapter focuses on how building blocks determine the display of the Input screen, which includes Columns, Lines, and Calculations.

Lessons

• Input Set Overview
• Columns
• Sections
• Lines
• Calculations
• Input Set Definition
• Locked Accounts

Module 7: Account Input

This chapter reviews active icons on the toolbars, as well as a variety of data entry methods on both the Multi Row and Single Row tabs of the Input screen.

Lessons

• Input Set Selection
• Toolbars and Icons
• Spread Methods
• Multi Row Data Entry shortcuts
• Multi Row Data Entry Memos
• Multi Row Data Entry Line Items
• Single Row Data Entry

Module 8: Human Resources Setup and Input

This chapter steps through setting up Human Resources using Pay Types, Salary Grades, and Benefits. Employees are added through manual entry and by importing. Time is spent modifying screen layouts and creating custom Human Resource benefits. The Human Resources Master is explored, which shows users how to distribute employees and promote them.

Lessons

• Human Resources Setup
• Pay Types
• Salary Grades
• Benefits and Taxes
• Human Resources Input and Import
• Human Resources Distribution and Human Resources Master
• Custom Human Resources

Module 9: Capital Setup and Input

This chapter provides a review of Capital Types, including depreciation methods. Students enter data to the Capital tab and review the results.

Lessons

• Define Capital Types
• Depreciation Methods
• Capital Input

Module 10: Custom Setup and Input

This chapter provides an overview of the Revenue Setup screen, along with design customization options. Time is spent entering data to the Revenue tab using two methods of data display, and reviewing the results.

Lessons

• Custom Dimensions
• Define Markets and Products
• Create Product Lines and Calculations
• Associations
• Define Products and Rates
• Revenue Input
• Secondary Calculations

Module 11: Advanced Input

This chapter explores Input Set modification and advanced input options. The chapter focuses on creating overrides for the Input Set and using multiple Segments in the Input Set. Time is also spent reviewing Local Settings, Guidelines, and other data entry methods.

Lessons

• Local Settings
• Guidelines
• Input Set Overrides
• Multi Segment Input
• Input Shortcuts
• Other Data Entry Methods

Module 12: Input Examples

This chapter is an overview of advanced input screen designs that use calculation functions. The chapter focuses on the use of the Calculation Functions @LOOKUP and If/Then statements. Time is also spent looking at an additional Custom Input design.

Lessons

• Global Rates
• @LOOKUP
• If/Then Calculations
• Custom Units and Rates

Module 13: Security Overview

This chapter introduces the Group security options, including Users, Assignments, and the approval hierarchy. The chapter highlights the optional Workflow functions, and is an introduction to Security, which is covered in more detail in the Microsoft Forecaster 7.0: Supplemental guide.

Lessons

• Groups
• Users
• Assignments
• Workflow

Module 14: Web Access Overview

This chapter provides a high level overview of the optional Web Access functionality. The chapter focuses on an overview of the installation, sign on, and interface of the Web Access.

Lessons

• Web Access Install and Configuration
• Web Access Sign On
• Web Access interface

Module 15: Practice

This chapter provides students with an opportunity to set up a practice company. The chapter gives students a challenge in setting up what they learned over the two-day class. Files are provided for the student to practice with. The chapter contains high level and step by step instructions, so the user can practice at their own comfort level.

Lessons

• Define Segments
• Import Data
• Build Input Set
• Define Revenue
• Set Up Human Resources

Module 16: Appendix: Microsoft Forecaster Menu Structure

This appendix includes documents like navigation roadmaps, special character list, and reserved words in Microsoft Forecaster 7.0.

Lessons

• Menu Structure
• Special Characters
• Reserved Words