Cash & Liquidity ManagementCash ManagementHow to design a cash flow forecasting model

How to design a cash flow forecasting model

Any cash forecasting process relies upon a well-designed forecasting model, and getting that model right can significantly improve the accuracy of the end result. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution; each model must be tailored to the needs and objectives of each specific business.

One of the first steps in setting up a new cash flow forecasting process is designing a forecasting model.

If the forecasting model is well-designed from the outset it can drastically improve the quality of reporting outputs, thereby helping to achieve overall business objectives. However, it must be noted that there is not a universal solution. Well-designed, in this instance, means perfectly tailored to the precise business objectives identified at the outset.

Below is a high-level view of the key steps that can be taken to ensure this stage of the cash forecasting process is built well and fit-for-purpose.

Design the model outline upfront

A forecasting model is the reporting structure and associated logic that produces the required forecast output. A forecast model has two dimensions and typically collects two types of cash flow data.

The image below is a simplified version of a typical forecasting model:

The two dimensions of a forecasting model are

  1. Reporting periods – these might be daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the forecasting horizon and granularity.
  2. Cashflow classifications – these typically group cash flows to a “management reporting” level of detail. Depending on the needs of the business these could be more granular, e.g. receipts could be categorized at a customer level.

The two types of cash flow data in the model are:

  1. Actual data
  2. Forecast data

Choosing the right granularity and forecast horizon

When choosing the level of granularity for both the reporting periods and cash flow classifications it is important to strike a balance that meets business objectives. This means not getting bogged down in more detail than is needed, while at the same time not taking a view that’s too broad to highlight important data points.

To assist those currently deciding on the appropriate time horizon for their cash forecasting process, CashAnalytics are in the process of releasing a short series of articles which map objectives to horizons. The first explores the practical applications for the 13-week cash flow forecast.

The table below includes some illustrative business objectives. It suggests which forecast horizon, reporting date granularity, cash flow classifications, and frequency of creation would be suitable for each.

The key point is that the structure of the model chosen must be able produce the range of reporting outputs needed to meet the business objectives.

Including actual data

Actual cash data allows the forecast model to produce both trend and variance analysis which strengthens the process by providing supplementary analysis capabilities to the base forecast.

As was the case with the granularity decisions, choosing how much actual data to include will depend on the business objectives.

The above is an abridged version of a CashAnalytics article which outlines how to design a forecasting model in greater detail.

Setting a up a new cash forecasting process

CashAnalytics recently produced a guide to serve as a resource for anyone intending set up a new cash forecasting process. The guide is built on the experience CashAnalytics has in helping large, multinational organizations to automate their forecasting processes.

As a specialized cash flow software company, CashAnalytics has helped companies across a wide variety of industries, and has developed a thorough yet efficient set-up process that enables quick and easy integration. To download the pdf guide please click here.

www.cashanalytics.com

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