9.2 - Bidirectional simulations in Scenarios

Learn how to create bidirectional simulations that automatically distribute values down hierarchies and aggregate values to totals. Simulate multiple rows and column values simultaneously by using the bulk edit feature. Explore direct scenario value entry and distribution methods to allocate values to descendants.

Bidirectional simulations

1. After creating a scenario, navigate to the Scenario ribbon, and then choose Simulation from the Input Method dropdown to begin simulating values.

1. To simulate the value of a cell, select the cell, and then use the simulation slider to increase or decrease the value.

1. Review the simulated values at lower hierarchy levels. Values automatically aggregate to higher hierarchy levels across both rows and columns, with variances displayed next to the values.

1. Simulate values at the total or subtotal level to automatically distribute values down the hierarchy.

1. Review the simulated values displayed at the top of the planning sheet after the simulation is applied.

1. Select Show variance to show or hide variances in the planning sheet.

1. Select Slider settings to configure variance settings for scenario measures.

1. Configure the variance value range and define whether increases in variance are treated as favorable values. In this example, the variance value range is set from -100% to +100%. Positive variances are displayed in green, and negative variances are displayed in red.

Bulk edit

1. Select Bulk Edit in the Scenario ribbon to simulate multiple cells simultaneously by applying filters and selecting specific row or column hierarchy levels.

1. Select the measure that must be simulated from the measure dropdown. In this example, the Revenue Projection measure is selected.

1. Select Add Filter to create a new filter for the simulation.

1. Configure the filter values for rows or columns. Multiple filters can be applied simultaneously to narrow the selection. In this example, the filter is configured for the brand hierarchy and includes values such as Artisan Ale, Cosmic Craft Brews, and Eclipse Light.

1. Use the Apply to Row Level dropdown to select the row hierarchy level that must be edited. In this example, the variant hierarchy level is selected.

1. Use the Apply to Column Level dropdown to select the column hierarchy level that must be edited. In this example, the month_short_name hierarchy level is selected.

1. Use the simulation slider or text box to configure the simulation value. In this example, the simulation value is set to 4.

1. Select Apply to apply the simulation to the filtered selection.

1. Review the updated values for the filtered brand selection after the bulk edit operation is applied.

Distribution method

1. Select Distribution from the Input Method dropdown in the Scenario ribbon to directly enter and distribute scenario values.

1. Double-click a cell, and then use the formula bar to enter a value. In this example, the value 15b is entered.

1. Review the distributed values. By default, values are distributed according to the weights configured for the input column. In this example, the Revenue Projection column uses the PY Revenue measure as the default weighting series, so the scenario values are distributed by using the same weights.

1. To change the distribution method, select a cell, and then open the distribution menu.

1. Select a distribution method to allocate values across descendants by using equal distribution, trends, or weighted values from an existing series.