You can compare data in report widgets to analyse performance across different periods and datasets.
Common comparisons include:
Actual data against forecasts
Forecasts against other forecasts
Actual data against prior year actuals
One reporting period against another
Compare reporting periods
Table widgets support comparison columns that help you compare values across different periods.
When building a widget, use the Columns section to add comparison columns.
Available comparison options include:
Variance
Percentage variance
Period comparisons
Summary columns
đ TIP: Use percentage variance when you want to compare the size of changes between periods.
Setting Up Period Comparisons
To compare figures from one period to another, such as the previous month of the current year versus the same month of the previous year:
Create Two Widgets: Add two separate widgets to your report.
Customize Date Ranges: Use the 'Custom month' option in the Date range settings for each widget. Set one widget to display data for the current yearâs month and the other for the same month of the previous year.
Place Widgets Side-by-Side: Position the widgets next to each other for easy comparison.
Compare actual data against forecasts
Use multiple datasets to compare actual performance against forecast data.
Select the datasets you want to compare.
Choose Actual data and one or more forecasts.
You can compare multiple forecasts in the same widget.
Compare forecasts
Use multiple forecast datasets to compare different forecast scenarios.
Select the datasets you want to compare.
Choose the forecasts you want to display.
You can compare as many forecasts as required.
Compare actual data against last year's actual data
Compare current performance against the same period from the previous year.
Select the datasets you want to compare.
Choose Actual data and Prior year actuals.
Select the required date range.
For example, compare:
This financial year against the last financial year
This quarter against the same quarter last year
This month against the same month last year
Creating Year-to-Date Comparisons
To create a YTD comparison table up to a specific date (e.g., May 31) without including data from subsequent months:
Use the 'Financial Year to Report End' Option: This setting calculates data up to the specified date rather than the current date.
Set Up Widgets:
Create one widget to display the current YTD data up to the desired date.
Create a second widget with the same setting for the previous financial year.
Compare Side-by-Side: Place the widgets next to each other for a clear comparison. Note: The 'FY to report end' column is only available when selecting a single dataset per widget.
Custom Calculations for Forecasting
To compare actual figures against forecasted amounts, such as calculating the difference between "Other Revenue" and "Consulting":
Open Your Report: Navigate to the report where you want to add the calculation.
Create a Formula Row:
Select the option to create a formula (calculated row).
Build the formula by combining relevant account codes, e.g.,
Other Revenue - Consulting.
View the Results: The report will display the calculated forecasted amount alongside actuals for comparison.