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Reference scenario

Introduction

Together with the period, the scenario represents the time dimension of Tagetik. The scenario is used to insert data such as amounts, journals and consolidation data. For each scenario, the 'previous scenario' and the 'next scenario' can also be defined in order to perform all closing and carry forward journals across two fiscal years. Moreover, the scenarios can be associated with one another through the definition of five scenarios called 'reference scenarios'. This correlation is useful for:

  • comparing data in current, previous and following scenarios, according to a time-based logic.
  • comparing budget data or forecasts against actual data, for example during the reporting phase.

Intelligent Disclosure and Reference Scenario

To simplify the updating and management of complex documents, Intelligent Disclosure allows the selection of a Reference Scenario as a parameter for Tagetik data source objects. In such objects, in order to use the Reference Scenario as the parameter value, it is necessary that:

  • the Scenario parameter is an object parameter
  • the Scenario parameter is inherited from the document ("Inherited from document" button on)
  • the inherited Scenario parameter has only one value defined on the document

When both conditions are met, you can decide to select a reference Scenario of the inherited Scenario and update the document object based on the chosen reference. The objects from CCH Tagetik for which a reference scenario can be defined are: Chart Table, Amount and Rich Text. The Reference Scenario management function is available from the Parameters tab by opening the objects in Edit mode

The ability to select a Reference Scenario greatly simplifies document analysis and update tasks, and is particularly useful during the roll-forward process when moving from one year to the next. Using a reference scenario allows you to:

  • automatically apply filters consistent with the year or version of the document
  • minimise manual intervention when creating a copy of a document
  • make sure that all objects reading data from CCH Tagetik point to the correct scenario

Let's look at an example to better understand how the Reference Scenario works.

Example

Let's assume that our document contains two table objects: "Current year table" and "Previous year table", both using a data source from Tagetik form.

Table objects inherit the value of the Scenario from the document. Specifically, a Reference Scenario with the value Previous has been defined on the ‘Previous year table’, since the goal is to compare the data of the current scenario with those of the previous scenario

When preparing the document for the new fiscal year, the user performs a Roll Forward of the current document, specifying the new Scenario value.

For example, if the Scenario in the source document is 'FY2026', then 'FY2027' will be set as the new Scenario value during Roll Forward.

At the end of the Roll Forward, the user will first align and then update the copied document.

In this way, the data in the tables will be updated according to the new Scenario and the reference that is dynamically attached to the inherited Scenario, without the user having to open and modify each individual object.

For example:

  • if the Document Scenario is 'FY2026', the 'Previous' reference will automatically point to 'FY2025';
  • if the Document Scenario is 'FY2027', the 'Previous' reference will automatically point to 'FY2026'.

Important. In cases where the Scenario is defined as a mandatory parameter and the value of the Reference Scenario can no longer be retrieved — for example because the inherited Scenario is no longer available or because the Scenario parameter inherits more than one value — the object cannot be updated and the system will display an error message.

How to select the Reference Scenario

Word Add-in > CCH Tagetikribbon bar > Objects > Edit

This procedure allows a Reference Scenario to be selected from the Edit panel for a document object that inherits the value of the scenario parameter from the document itself.

  1. Open the document
  2. Select the object for which a Reference Scenario is to be defined and click on Edit in the ribbon
  3. Select the Parameters tab and then click on Show Options (only visible if only one value has been defined for the inherited Scenario)
  4. Select a Reference Scenario from those available for the inherited scenario value (hovering over the selected value displays the value of the reference scenario)
  5. Save

After saving, the document object will be updated according to the selected Reference Scenario .