The Modeling Process

Define a Time Series
A time series is a time span that is broken into smaller, equal periods. For example, this allows us to express Revenue for the year 2009 (time span) in quarters (time grain).

Create Dimensions
A dimension is a list of items that segment data to provide finer detail. For example, Revenue can be segmented by a list of products, Product A and Product B, to provide a revenue number for each product. Here, Products is a dimension with items Product A and Product B. This dimension can segment many variables.

Create Analysis Variables
An analysis variable is a building block of a model that captures a key concept of the model. For example, when modeling an income statement, typical analysis variables would be Revenue, Cost of Goods, Gross Profit, Operating Expenses, Operating Profit, Income Taxes and Net Profit. Dimensions and time series segment analysis variables.

Specify Formulas and Data
Formulas in ModelSheet capture key relationships between analysis variables. They are expressed in plain English instead of cell addresses. For example, the formula for analysis variable Profit would simply be Profit = Revenue - Expense. You type in the formula just once and ModelSheet applies it to all the cells for every quarter and in every product. You can also enter formulas that apply to only one cell or to a part of an analysis variable. Formulas can also include functions that are built into ModelSheet.

Numeric values can also be entered into specific cells by clicking on the cell, and typing the number in the formula bar.

Create Workbooks
Workbooks in ModelSheet are online representations of workbooks in Excel. You can move worksheets from workbook to workbook without ever having to manually adjust formulas.

Design Sheet Layouts
You specify the layout of analysis variables and title text and ModelSheet generates the detailed layout. The layout automatically adapts to changes. For example, if you add a product to the Products dimension, or change the time series, all the sheet layouts in the workbook adjust automatically. You can also apply formatting options to text and numbers.

Export to Excel
You can export workbooks from ModelSheet to Excel with a single click without losing any formulas or disturbing the layout. Report users cannot tell that the workbook was created in ModelSheet because the output is a fully functional Excel workbook. To see this first hand, please review our sample Excel output files.

Re-import to ModelSheet
When an Excel workbook generated by ModelSheet has been passed around and modified, you can re-import changes into ModelSheet.