Welcome to Financial AnalysiswithAcumen + Excel A Winning Combination!Acumen + Excel = Acumen4XLAcumen & Acumen4XL are Three D Graphics, Inc. proprietary products Excel is a Microsoft proprietary product : Welcome to Financial Analysis with Acumen + Excel A Winning Combination! Acumen + Excel = Acumen4XL Acumen andamp; Acumen4XL are Three D Graphics, Inc. proprietary products Excel is a Microsoft proprietary product
Why combine Acumen and Excel ? : Why combine Acumen and Excel ? Excel is a terrific product – with limitations! It is the most popular spreadsheet despite limitations such as marginal modeling capability, cumbersome data manipulation, and restrictive top-down what-if determination.
Acumen is a terrific product. It is a comprehensive financial analysis and modeling application with unequaled richness in features and benefits.
By combining the 'acumen' of Acumen with the data repository expertise of Excel, the result is a financial analysis powerhouse.
Data manipulation becomes a piece of cake.
What-If determination, top-down and bottom-up, is newly defined.
For developers, extended modeling to achieve expert customization is as easy as A+B = C.
This is why the combination of Acumen + Excel is called Acumen4XL.
Next, consider its purpose. Discover for yourself the value it represents.
With Acumen4XL : With Acumen4XL Witness the power of multi-variable transactions enabled through predictive analytics.
Discover the expanded meanings of 'what if' looking back and 'what could be' projecting forward.
Learn about the effect of applying 'ranges' or 'bounds' to every variable.
Understand the consequence of seeking performance outside these bounds.
Appreciate unrivaled ease of use, together with a comprehensive array of features and their attendant benefits
With Acumen4XL : With Acumen4XL At both the Executive and Operating Levels , Acumen4XL will respond instantly and interactively to a wide range of queries related to the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Statement and Financial Ratios – including the pertinent and contributive food chains.
And at every Level, the issues can be both top-down and bottom-up. Get started with a Definition of Terms.
Definition of Terms : Definition of Terms Top-Down: a computation that produces downstream results from a change in the value of an upstream root or input variable. Example: 'What will be the results on Profit (downstream) from a change in Sales or a particular Cost or Expense (upstream)?'
Bottom-Up: a computation that results from determining the change in the value of a root or input variable (upstream) necessary to achieve a specific 'Goal Value' (downstream). Example: 'What must change in Sales or a particular Cost or Expense in order to achieve a specific Profit?'
Definition of Terms : Definition of Terms Range: the reasonably expected or practical bounds in the value of a specific variable. Without this attribute, a predictive analytics product of any nature is incomplete and subject to substantial inaccuracies.
Best Solution: the Bottom-Up result in the event the computed upstream value exceeds its Range. In such event, the Goal Value is modified or lessened as necessary to keep the upstream value within the Range. Acumen4XL gives you the option to extend the range or (effectively) ignore the Range.
Definition of Terms : Definition of Terms Quality: Segmented color coding that can be assigned to a variable to denote 'acceptable', 'marginal' and 'unacceptable' values. Quality color coding is visible in other Acumen4XL views: What-If, Input Sliders, Gauges, etc.
Model: a customized template that is designed to enable responses to user queries when populated with the pertinent input/root variables and assigned the relevant formulas. Example: A specifically arranged Operating Statement.
continue with the first step ..
Transfer your Financialsfrom Excel to Acumen4XL with a Single Click : Transfer your Financials from Excel to Acumen4XL with a Single Click Transfer financial data automatically Financial data ready for What-If exploration
Slide9 :
What-If View Variable Properties Dialog To ensure that you are exploring feasible solutions:
Establish realistic ranges for all pertinent variables.
You can restrict calculations to the range and adjust the analysis if a range is exceeded.
Or, you can allow calculations outside the range, enable an audible alarm, and send a message to the status view when a range is exceeded.
Define Realistic Ranges Recognizing realistic ranges and dealing with the consequence is a major feature that differentiates Acumen4XL from other products. It is the key to meaningful financial analysis.
Slide10 : What-If View Variable Properties Dialog Quality Dialog To further enhance Acumen4XL forecasts and simulations, apply subjective color coded quality/performance measures Quality Color Coding
Slide11 : Quality Color Coding Quality colors are shown in What-If sliders, gauges and tables.
You can immediately see when a value is critical, marginal, or acceptable
What-If View Variable Properties Dialog
Table of Contents : Table of Contents What If:
What If – Top Down
What If – Bottom Up
A General Company Usage Example
Traditional Usage Examples in Detail:
Gross Margin Analysis
Percentage Relationships
Excess Overhead Absorption
Sale of Excess Inventory
Discount Receivables
One Time Events
Loan Covenants
Multi-Variable Sensitivity Analysis
Customized Pro-forma
Scenario Compare
Gauges
Charts
Quality Goals andamp; Performance
Acumen4XL 'Under the Hood' Click on a topic to explore…
What-If: All financials are connected : What-If: All financials are connected In an Acumen4XL template, all variables are tied together and cross-linked ready for What-If exploration. What will happen to the company financials if customer Able purchases twice as many units ?
What-If: All financials are connected : What-If: All financials are connected In an Acumen4XL template, all variables are tied together and cross-linked ready for What-If exploration. What will happen to the company financials if customer Able purchases twice as many units ? The powerful computational engine is aware of the relationships between the user’s data and assumptions and displays the results instantly.
Top-Down is straight forward: A change in Sales affects Net Profit : Top-Down is straight forward: A change in Sales affects Net Profit Asking a question and getting an answer is as simple as dragging a slider in Acumen4XL... What happens to profit if I increase the Unit Selling Price from 545 to 700 ?
Top-Down: A Change in Sales affects Net Profit : Top-Down: A Change in Sales affects Net Profit Asking a question and getting an answer is as simple as dragging a slider in Acumen4XL... What happens to profit if I increase the Unit Selling Price from 545 to 700 ? Answer: Net Profit will increase from 133K to 603K
Bottom-Up is more interesting and potentially more valuable: What are some ways to achieve a desired Net Profit? : Bottom-Up is more interesting and potentially more valuable: What are some ways to achieve a desired Net Profit? Specify an end goal and let Acumen4XL calculate a way to achieve it ... What Unit Selling Price will achieve a Net Profit of 400K ?
Bottom-Up: A typical way to achieve a desired Net Profit : Bottom-Up: A typical way to achieve a desired Net Profit Specify an end goal and let Acumen4XL calculate a way to achieve it... What Unit Selling Price will achieve a Net Profit of 400K ? Answer: Increase the Unit Selling Price from 545 to 633
Bottom-Up: Another typical way to achieve a desired Net Profit : Bottom-Up: Another typical way to achieve a desired Net Profit Specify an end goal and let Acumen4XL calculate a way to achieve it ... How can I change Selling andamp; Marketing expenses to achieve a Net Profit of 400K ?
Bottom-Up: Another typical way to achieve a desired Net Profit : Bottom-Up: Another typical way to achieve a desired Net Profit Specify an end goal and let Acumen4XL calculate a way to achieve it... How can I change Selling andamp; Marketing expenses to achieve a Net Profit of 400K ? Answer: Reduce Selling andamp; Marketing expenses from 740K to 280K
Bottom-Up: Proportional allocation of necessary changes... : Bottom-Up: Proportional allocation of necessary changes... Acumen4XL can proportionally allocate the necessary change in Total Selling andamp; Marketing expenses to all or selected constituent variables. How can Selling andamp; Marketing expenses be reduced from 740K to 280K ?
Bottom-Up: Proportional allocation of necessary changes... : Bottom-Up: Proportional allocation of necessary changes... Acumen4XL can proportionally allocate the necessary change in Total Selling andamp; Marketing expenses to all or selected constituent variables. How can Selling andamp; Marketing expenses be reduced from 740K to 280K ?
Answer: See the new values assigned to the constituent variables (in the yellow box).
In another Bottom-Up example, Proportional Allocation reveals a realistic problem : In another Bottom-Up example, Proportional Allocation reveals a realistic problem Choose root variables to relax (allowed to change) to achieve the desired 'bottom line'. In this example all 5 retail products are relaxed.
How must the retail Sales of all 5 products be proportionately increased to achieve a Net Profit After Taxes of $4.00M?
Bottom-Up Solution with Proportional Allocation : Bottom-Up Solution with Proportional Allocation Choose root variables to relax (allowed to change) to achieve the desired 'bottom line'. In this example all 5 retail products are relaxed.
Drag the slider or type a new value for Net Profit After Taxes
Acumen4XL will proportionally allocate and show the necessary changes to achieve the desired Net Profit After Taxes of $4M
Bottom-Up Solution with a Single Allocation : Bottom-Up Solution with a Single Allocation Choose a root variable to relax to achieve the desired 'bottom line' (e.g., Retail -Video Camera).
Can I achieve a Net Profit After Taxes of $4M by increasing sales of Retail – Video Cameras ?
Bottom-Up Best Solution when a practical constraint limits a desired goal : Bottom-Up Best Solution when a practical constraint limits a desired goal Choose a root variable to relax to achieve the desired 'bottom line' (e.g., Retail Video - Camera)
When you enter the desired NPAT ($4M), the Best Solution dialog tells you: 'you can’t get there from here!'
Option #1: Accept the maximum NPAT of $3.56M (the Best Solution given the andlt;$35M constraint on Retail Video Camera revenue)
Option #2: Change constraints on Retail Video Camera to achieve the desired NPAT
The following are some typical examples where Acumen4XL proves it is an excellent tool for analyzing various aspects of business operations. : The following are some typical examples where Acumen4XL proves it is an excellent tool for analyzing various aspects of business operations.
Top-Down Gross Margin Analysis : Top-Down Gross Margin Analysis What happens to NPAT if Gross Margin – Stereo is increased from 42.60% to 65% ? Use Acumen4XL to analyze how a change in Gross Margin for a specific product (e.g., Stereo) will affect NPAT. Simply drag the slider to the desired percentage:
Top-Down Gross Margin Analysis : Top-Down Gross Margin Analysis What happens to NPAT if Gross Margin – Stereo is increased from 42.60% to 65%?
Answer: NPAT will increase from 2.17M to 2.69M Use Acumen4XL to analyze how a change in Gross Margin for a specific product (e.g., Stereo) will affect NPAT. Simply drag the slider to the desired percentage.
Gross Margin Analysis: Establish Min/Max Range : Gross Margin Analysis: Establish Min/Max Range Use the Variable Properties dialog to establish and control variable properties.
In this example, it is used to set the Realistic Range of values for Gross Margin - Computers to: -40%...+50%.
Bottom-Up Gross Margin Analysis: Select a Goal : Bottom-Up Gross Margin Analysis: Select a Goal Use Acumen4XL to explore solutions for achieving a desired overall Gross Margin of 50% by relaxing a single input variable (e.g., Gross Margin – Computers).
Simply drag the slider or type the desired value in the edit field for Gross Margin.
Bottom Up Gross Margin Analysis: Best Solution : Bottom Up Gross Margin Analysis: Best Solution When you specify the desired overall Gross Margin (50%), Acumen4XL shows the Best Solution Dialog:
Solution found but Gross Margin - Computer is out of bounds.
You can accept the 'best solution' of 46.86% given the current constraints for Gross Margin – Computer
You can Change Bounds of Gross Margin – Computer to achieve the desired 50% overall Gross Margin.
Practical/realistic constraints are ESSENTIALif you need real-world answers to questions such as:“What does it take to achieve a specific goal?”Financial Analysis applications that advertise “what if” or “bottom up” or “goal attainment” or “predictive analytics” will produce misleading or false results if they fail to consider the realistic boundaries of root variables. : Practical/realistic constraints are ESSENTIAL if you need real-world answers to questions such as: 'What does it take to achieve a specific goal?' Financial Analysis applications that advertise 'what if' or 'bottom up' or 'goal attainment' or 'predictive analytics' will produce misleading or false results if they fail to consider the realistic boundaries of root variables.
Percentage Relationships: Top-Down and Bottom-Up : Percentage Relationships: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Analysis can be programmed to include percentage change relationships.
Percentage Relationships: Top-Down : Percentage Relationships: Top-Down Analysis can be programmed to include percentage change relationships.
A 5% Change in Revenue will result in a 40% change in Net Profit After Taxes.
Percentage Relationships: Bottom-Up : Percentage Relationships: Bottom-Up Analysis can be programmed to include percentage change relationships.
A 10% Change in Net Profit After Taxes will only require a 1% change in Revenue.
If the maximum realistic increase in Revenue is 0.5%, the desired 10% increase in Net Profit will not be possible (leading to a calculated Best Solution).
Effect of Excess Overhead Absorption : The effect of excess overhead absorption is quickly revealed by dragging a slider. What happens if I only manufacture as many units (5.5K) as the customers purchased ? Effect of Excess Overhead Absorption
Effect of Excess Overhead Absorption : The effect of excess overhead absorption is quickly revealed by dragging a slider. What happens if I only manufacture as many units (5.5K) as the customers purchased? Net Profit will change from positive to negative.
Gross Margin drops to 25%.
However, you will have more cash andamp; a higher Acid Test Ratio. Effect of Excess Overhead Absorption
Sale of Excess Inventory : Sale of Excess Inventory Use Acumen4XL to explore the consequences of giving a discount to sell excess inventory. What happens if I reduce Excess Inventory from 1.4M to 500K and receive only 40% of the normal selling price per unit ?
Sale of Excess Inventory : Sale of Excess Inventory Use Acumen4XL to explore the consequences of giving a discount to sell excess inventory. What happens if I reduce Excess Inventory from 1.4M to 500K and receive only 40% of the normal selling price per unit ? Inventory will be sold at a loss
Profit goes down
Gross Margin decreases significantly.
Sale of Excess Inventory : Sale of Excess Inventory Use Acumen4XL to explore the consequences of giving a discount to sell excess inventory. What happens if I reduce Excess Inventory from 1.4M to 500K and receive 60% (vs. 40%) of the normal selling price per unit?
Sale of Excess Inventory : Sale of Excess Inventory Use Acumen4XL to explore the consequences of giving a discount to sell excess inventory. What happens if I reduce Excess Inventory from 1.4M to 500K and receive 60% (vs. 40%) of the normal selling price per unit? Inventory is sold at a profit
Gross Profit Increases
Total Assets Increase
NPAT Increases
Discount Receivables : Discount Receivables Use Acumen4XL to visualize how discounting receivables affects the bottom line. What happens if I collect 300K of receivables by giving a 10% discount ?
Discount Receivables : Discount Receivables Use Acumen4XL to visualize how discounting receivables affects the bottom line. What happens if I collect 300K of receivables by giving a 10% discount ? Profit after Taxes will decrease from 133K to 119K
Cash to Total Current Liability ratio improves from 0.26 to 0.45 at a cost of a 30K decrease in Total Current Assets Note: Loss from Discounting Receivables visible
Effect of One-Time Events : Use Acumen4XL to discover the effect of one-time events. What happens if I sell 100K of Land at 200% of book value? Effect of One-Time Events
Effect of One-Time Events : Use Acumen4XL to discover the effect of one-time events. What happens if I sell 100K of Land at 200% of book value? Total Assets increase from 3.8M to 3.9M
Profit after Taxes increase from 113K to 212K Effect of One-Time Events Note: Combined Tax Rate was changed from 42% to 36% as a result of the lower tax rate on long term capital gains.
Loan Covenants : Acumen4XL can suggest how to achieve a specific ratio and show the consequences of achieving it. How can I change Long Term Debt to achieve a Current Ratio of 2.0 ? Loan Covenants
Loan Covenants : Acumen4XL can suggest how to achieve a specific ratio and show the consequences of achieving it. How can I change Long Term Debt to achieve a Current Ratio of 2.0 ? Increase Total Long Term Liabilities from 200K to 412K
The consequences are immediately reflected in other related ratios. Loan Covenants
Multi-Variable Sensitivity: with the effect upon bottom line : Acumen4XL can automatically generate sensitivity or projection data based on user defined criteria. A single click transfers the data to a chart that graphically shows the results. Multi-Variable Sensitivity: with the effect upon bottom line How will a change in the current (base) Selling Price in increments of +/- $25 affect NPAT? NPAT Breakeven point is visible at a unit price of approximately $500
Multi-Variable Sensitivity:with the effect on bottom line : NPAT Breakeven point shifted to a unit price of approximately $440 You can change the criteria for the calculation of the sensitivity tables by simply dragging a slider. Acumen4XL automatically updates the table and associated chart. Multi-Variable Sensitivity: with the effect on bottom line How will a change in the current Unit Selling Price in increments of +/- $25 affect NPAT if the Total Units Purchased had been 7K ?
Multi-Variable Sensitivity: with bottom goal : Acumen4XL can generate sensitivity tables that include a top-down variance and, at the same time, solve for a bottom line goal. Multi-Variable Sensitivity: with bottom goal How many units must be sold to achieve 100K of Profit after Taxes if I change the current Unit Selling Price in increments of +/- $25 ?
Multi-Variable Sensitivity: with bottom goal : The chart updates dynamically to reflect the new goal and calculated sales requirements. The bottom line goal can be changed by typing a new number in the sensitivity table or by dragging a What-If slider. Acumen4XL automatically updates the table and associated chart. Multi-Variable Sensitivity: with bottom goal How can I achieve a Profit after Taxes of 150K ?
Customizing the Pro-Forma Definition : Use Acumen4XL to customize formulas for variables such as Pro-Forma Profit that are typically user-defined. Customizing the Pro-Forma Definition
Customizing the Pro-Forma Definition : Use Acumen4XL to customize formulas for variables such as Pro-Forma Profit that are typically user-defined. How can I show pro-forma as profit before taxes, goodwill amortization and one-time gain? Double click on the variable to show the Variable Dialog
Type the equation in the Formula field using English (not grid hieroglyphics)
Click [OK] and you’re done ! Customizing the Pro-Forma Definition
Customizing the Pro-Forma Definition : Acumen4XL calculates and shows the value of Pro-Forma Profit using the new formula:
Pro-Forma Profit = Profit Before Taxes + Goodwill Amortization – One Time Gain Customizing the Pro-Forma Definition
How one-time gain affects Pro-forma Profit : Pro-forma Profit was defined as profit before taxes, goodwill amortization and one-time gain. What happens to Profit if I sell 100K of Land at 200% of the book value ? How one-time gain affects Pro-forma Profit
How one-time gain affects Pro-forma Profit : Pro-forma Profit was defined as profit before taxes, goodwill amortization and one-time gain. What will happen to Profit if I sell 100K of Land at 200% of the book value ? Profit after Taxes will increase from 133K to 213K
Pro-forma Profit will only increase from 279K to 282K How one-time gain affects Pro-forma Profit
A Profit is a Profit is a Profit… (or is it?) : Acumen4XL can display Profit in as many ways as it can be defined. Imagination is the only limitation. What happens to 'the profit' if Sales increase from 3M to 4M ? A Profit is a Profit is a Profit… (or is it?)
A Profit is a Profit is a Profit… (or is it?) : Acumen4XL can display Profit in as many different ways as it can be defined. Imagination is the only limitation. What happens to 'the profit' if Sales increases from 3M to 4M? Everything changes.
The question is which profit or profits should a company report ? A Profit is a Profit is a Profit… (or is it?)
Scenario Compare : Scenario Compare Use Acumen4XL to compare different scenarios or simulations. It is extremely quick and easy.
Simply drag and drop any two scenarios on to a Scenario Compare view.
Differences are shown as a percentage and in absolute values.
Acumen4XL Dynamic Gauges : Acumen4XL Dynamic Gauges Use dynamic gauges to visualize specific variables. A change in Unit Selling Price from 545 to 700…
Acumen4XL Dynamic Gauges : Acumen4XL Dynamic Gauges Use dynamic gauges to visualize specific variables. A change in Unit Selling Price from 545 to 700… Net Profit changed from 133K to 603K
Acumen4XL Dynamic Interactive Gauges : Acumen4XL Dynamic Interactive Gauges Explore a 20% change in Seasonal Effect on Retail Sales by dragging the slider
Acumen 4XL Dynamic Interactive Gauges : Acumen 4XL Dynamic Interactive Gauges Explore a change in Seasonal Effect on Retail Sales of +20% by dragging the slider
Acumen4XL updates the circular gauges to reflect the new value.
Dynamic Interactive Gauges : Dynamic Interactive Gauges Explore a change in Seasonal Effect on Retail Sales of +20% by dragging the slider
Acumen4XL updates the circular gauges to reflect the new value.
With Seasonal Effect relaxed, you can also drag the needle on the Sales Revenue gauge to the desired value
Acumen4XL Charts : Acumen4XL Charts Charts are simple to create. The 'Intelligent Looks' technology automatically ensures great looking charts every time.
Charts are dynamic with What-If views. When a value changes in a What-If view, the results are shown in the chart (if that variable or any of the affected variables are present).
Acumen4XL Dynamic Charts : Acumen4XL Dynamic Charts Any change to the base assumptions in a What-If view (or anywhere else) will automatically be reflected in the chart Break Even Point
Acumen4XL Charts : Acumen4XL Charts Acumen4XL supports dozens of chart types including 3D, Multi-Y, and many more
Tool Tips display additional information
Acumen4XL Charts : Acumen4XL Charts Acumen4XL updates all charts immediately to display the state of an analysis in progress
Acumen4XL Charts : Acumen4XL Charts Acumen4XL updates all charts immediately to display the state of an analysis in progress
In this example, the change in Video Player Gross Margin from 15.4% to 70% is immediately shown in the chart.
Quality Goals & Performance : Quality Goals andamp; Performance To enhance the validity of simulations, color coded quality/performance indicators can be applied to variables. A change in Unit Selling Price from 545 to 700…
Quality Goals & Performance : Quality Goals andamp; Performance To enhance the validity of simulations, color coded quality/performance indicators can be applied to variables. A change in Unit Selling Price from 545 to 700… Net Profit changed from marginal to acceptable
Quality Goals & Performance : Quality Goals andamp; Performance The Quality dialog assigns different colors to a range of values for a given variable. When the variable's value is within the assigned range, the colors are shown in the other Acumen4XL views (e.g., What-If views, Gauges, Tables, ...)
In the following use casea Clothing Company has forecast its performance for the year ending 12/31/2005.Acumen4XL has been employed to confront a number of typical issues that relate to Operational and Executive levels. : In the following use case a Clothing Company has forecast its performance for the year ending 12/31/2005. Acumen4XL has been employed to confront a number of typical issues that relate to Operational and Executive levels.
What would Profit be if Total Sales increased by 15%?(All other factors being equal) : What would Profit be if Total Sales increased by 15%? (All other factors being equal)
What would Profit be if Total Sales increased by 15%?(All other factors being equal) : What would Profit be if Total Sales increased by 15%? (All other factors being equal) Profit would increase from $2,926 to $4,140 (41.5%)
By what percentage would Total Sales need to be increased to increase Profit (Net Income) by 20%? : By what percentage would Total Sales need to be increased to increase Profit (Net Income) by 20%?
By what percentage would Total Sales need to be increased to increase Profit (Net Income) by 20%? : By what percentage would Total Sales need to be increased to increase Profit (Net Income) by 20%? A 7.23% increase in Total Sales would result in a 20% increase in Profit
The market value of T-shirts is likely to decrease by 25%. Salesman commissions will be reduced by 2%. Can increased T-shirts Sales maintain the forecast Profit? : The market value of T-shirts is likely to decrease by 25%. Salesman commissions will be reduced by 2%. Can increased T-shirts Sales maintain the forecast Profit?
The market value of T-shirts is likely to decrease by 25%.Salesman commissions will be reduced by 2%. Can increased T-shirts Sales maintain the forecast Profit? : The market value of T-shirts is likely to decrease by 25%. Salesman commissions will be reduced by 2%. Can increased T-shirts Sales maintain the forecast Profit? Increasing T-Shirt sales to $23,737 will maintain the forecast profit
Given that increased T-Shirt Sales are unlikely, how much increase in Gross Margin will be needed to achieve the objective? : Given that increased T-Shirt Sales are unlikely, how much increase in Gross Margin will be needed to achieve the objective?
Given that increased T-Shirt Sales are unlikely, how much increase in Gross Margin will be needed to achieve the objective? : Given that increased T-Shirt Sales are unlikely, how much increase in Gross Margin will be needed to achieve the objective? Gross Margin for T-Shirts needs to be increased from 25.42% to 52.27%
Overall Gross Margin will change from 30.77% to 43.20%
What is the impact on Cash if I increase collections from the current forecast of 47 days to 55 days? : What is the impact on Cash if I increase collections from the current forecast of 47 days to 55 days?
What is the impact on Cash if I increase collections from the current forecast of 47 days to 55 days? : What is the impact on Cash if I increase collections from the current forecast of 47 days to 55 days? Cash will decrease from $38K to -$489K (a total cash impact of -$527K)
What is the multi-variable sensitivity ofCollection Days vs. Cash Level? : What is the multi-variable sensitivity of Collection Days vs. Cash Level? Acumen4XL clearly shows that a change in the collection rate of a single day (from the forecasted 47 to 48 days) will decrease cash level below zero!
… the foregoing were typical queries applicable toan Operational and/or Executive Level.Continue to learn more about Acumen4XL:* User-Friendly User Interface* Power Underlying its Versatility : … the foregoing were typical queries applicable to an Operational and/or Executive Level. Continue to learn more about Acumen4XL: * User-Friendly User Interface * Power Underlying its Versatility
Aumen4XL Application Interface : Aumen4XL Application Interface Acumen4XL provides a hieroglyphics-free method of handling formulas and variable names in plain English. You do not need to keep track of cell assignments.
Acumen4XL logic and values are manipulated and shown in different graphical views: Interactive Sliders, Tables, Charts, Gauges, and Reports.
Acumen4XL views let the you see the same situation from a different perspective. This enhanced view of any situation/scenario facilitates quick assessment and creates the foundation for future exploration.
Drag and drop is available throughout the application. You can graph a variable by dragging it onto a chart. You can drag 2 scenarios onto a scenario compare view and immediately see the difference (in absolute values and percentages).
Acumen4XL Application Interface : Acumen4XL Application Interface Initiating a Multi-Variable What-If scenario is as easy as dragging a slider.
Comprehensive analysis assignments are easy with the slider-enabled query and virtually instant response (visualized in numerous different views).
Color coded information qualities (unacceptable, marginal, ideal) can be applied to variables.
A quick glance at a gauge or table will tell you if a situation is in the 'red'.
Audible Alarm/Threshold Alerts.
Acumen4XL can generate an audible alarm to alert you when you explore solutions in unrealistic or unobtainable ranges.
Underlying “Intelligent” Engine : Underlying 'Intelligent' Engine Best Solution interface:
Acumen4XL does NOT tell you that no solution is possible to a given request.
Acumen4XL shows you the 'Best Solution' given the current constraints and offers suggestions that may help you obtain a result that first appeared unreachable.
Circular References require minimal user interaction:
Acumen4XL will ask you to specify a seed value.
After the initial setup, everything is calculated and solved automatically as long as the circular error (maximum change) stays small.
If the error exceeds a threshold, a dialog will give you 2 options: increase the number of iterations or accept a larger circular error.
Model Interactions : Model Interactions Modeling
Engine Model Editor
Acumen4XL Logic History Editor
Base Values/Data
(Future) Reports Scenario Storage
Data Scenario Compare Range Dialog… Quality Assignment… Variable View…
Food-chain Editor
(Future) Relaxed Variables… External Data
Automatically Entered Edit Links /
Update Links Gauges Charts Input Sliders What-If Sliders Forms
(Future) Manually entered
data Autogenerate
Scenarios…
Logic: Formulas & Functions : Logic: Formulas andamp; Functions Acumen4XL provides a hieroglyphics-free method of handling formulas and variable names in plain English.
Enter formulas such as: Profit = Sales – Cost rather than C6=C4-C5 or R6C3=R4C3-R5C3
Formulas are easy to access. They can be entered/changed in the Model Editor, Formula Toolbar or Variable Properties dialog.
Formulas are verified immediately. Acumen4XL recognizes circular references instantly and lets you provide a seed value or correct the formula. Other error messages are sent to the status view with a detailed description that allows you to change the formula before proceeding.
Logic: Formulas & Functions : Logic: Formulas andamp; Functions Auto complete shows a list variable names that can be used in a formula.
Auto complete minimizes typing and reduces data entry errors.
Selection list appears when a single character is entered
Acumen4XL Templates : Acumen4XL Templates Acumen4XL templates include different levels of logic and predefined views to accommodate the needs of individual modeling tasks.
Acumen4XL templates adhere to general accounting practices.
With minimum, top level financial data, numerous accounting ratios provide a quick glance evaluation of a company’s finances.
External Data : External Data Acumen4XL supports data import from a variety of sources.
From the Acumen4XL Worksheet, you can import the entire file (data and logic), import selected items only, or map a selected 'external' item to a variable in an existing template.
“Realistic” Ranges : 'Realistic' Ranges Define realistic ranges for key variables to enhance the validity of simulations and prevent exploration of unrealistic options.
You can enable an audible alarm or restrict the engine from considering solutions outside the defined range.
Input Sliders : Input Sliders Input Sliders can be used to introduce relevant biasing effects that typically aren’t readily available in traditional calculations but contribute to the bottom line (e.g. seasonal effects, exchange rate, interest income rate, etc.).
Response to a Query : Response to a Query What-If views are used to interactively experiment with variables in a model and directly control their values.
Results of What-If exercises can be shown dynamically in gauges, charts and reports and can be stored in scenario storage.
The effect of an increase in design expenses is immediately visible in Total Fixed Expenses and Net Income
Relaxed Variables Dialog : Relaxed Variables Dialog This dialog is used to select input variable(s) that can be changed when the value of the current (bottom up) variable is changed in a query.
The left side of the view shows all variables that are used in the calculation of the Current Variable.
If more than one variable is selected, necessary changes are proportionally allocated.