Spurious Small Values in Data Files

Scenario

When importing forecast data into IFP using Excel files that contain calculated values it is possible to include some very small, but non-zero values. This can produce some unfortunate effects, e.g. when running variance reports the variance percentage column can contains massive percentage variances for actual vs. forecast value.

Solution

The easiest solution is to export the current data from the forecast file into a Standard IFP format text file and then reimport this file.

Exporting to a Standard IFP File

From IFP Home select Databases / Files > Data File Manager.
Select the summary file which contains these small values and from the toolbar select Tools > Export
Set a name for the export file and ensure the export type is set to "Standard IFP". Click Next.
Ensure that all items are selected.
Select the base level of detail for the database.
Click Finish.

Importing From a Standard IFP File

From IFP Home select Databases/Files > Data File Manager
Select Import from the toolbar.

Select the Summary folder corresponding to the year
Select the target File
From the toolbar select Tools > Import

Select Standard IFP.

Select Standard IFP, Click Next.
Select the Period to Import
Set the import Currency.
Check Units and A.S.P.
Set conversion table (none).
Check Add to Existing Values.
Check Clear Target File First.
Select the file to import, e.g. “IFP.txt"

Check for errors.

Click Finish
Ensure that all items were imported successfully

Articles in this section

Scenario

Solution

Exporting to a Standard IFP File

Importing From a Standard IFP File

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