Troubleshooting Common Issues with a 3 Way Financial Model

Introduction

A three-way financial model is a powerful tool for businesses to assess their finances and gauge the financial performance of their current operation. Modeling involves assessing historical financials, forecasting future financial performance and budgeting for different scenarios. This approach can provide a company with better insight into their business and how to best manage resources.

While a 3-way financial model can provide great benefit, it can also cause issues if not used properly. Typical issues that arise when using a 3-way financial model include inaccurate data, incorrect assumptions and incorrect calculations. These issues can spell disaster for a business, so it is important to be aware of how to troubleshoot the most common issues with a 3-way financial model.

Key Takeaways:

• Assess historical financials
• Forecast future financial performance
• Budget for different scenarios
• Ensure accurate data, assumptions and calculations

Data Inputs

Ensuring the accuracy of your 3 way financial model can often be affected by a number of data-input issues. In order to accurately troubleshoot any issues that arise, it is important to recognize the three most common data-input issues-missing values, wrongly formatted data, and incorrect data entered.

Missing Values

Missing values are probably the most common issue that can appear in any 3 way financial model. Missing values can manifest as “N/A” or “NaN”, or in some cases can appear as totally blank cells. When troubleshooting these errors, it is important to make sure that the correct data is used in the correct cells. This can be done by manually entering the data, or by using various software tools to ensure that the data is correctly formatted.

Wrongly Formatted Data

When a data is inputted into a 3 way financial model, it often times has to be formatted correctly in order to be accurately represented in the financial model. Such examples include using the proper decimal separator, currency formatting, etc. If a data is incorrectly formatted, then it can lead to inaccurate financial outputs, so it is important to pay attention to details when entering in the data.

Incorrect Data Entered

The third most common issue with data inputs is incorrect data entry. This can occur when data entry is done manually, as it is often difficult to verify the accuracy of the data entered in. To troubleshoot this issue, it is important to double check the accuracy of the data, and cross-reference it against previous financial records. This will help ensure that the correct data is being used, and that the 3 way financial model is accurate.

Incorrect Calculations

The third most common issue with a 3 way financial model is incorrect calculations. Modelers must be sure to include only thorough and accurate calculations, from the smallest to the largest, in order to ensure the model accurately reflects reality. Below are a few errors that can lead to incorrect calculations.

Math Errors

If the model is not properly built, double checked, and reviewed, you may end up with a host of incorrect calculations due to simple math errors. For example, a basic addition error or a typo in a formula may lead to incorrect results throughout the model.

Mathematical Formulas Used Incorrectly

The other way a model can generate incorrect calculations is if the mathematical formulas are used incorrectly. To prevent this, it is essential to understand how each formula works and what each variable means. Additionally, use of add-on functions or specialized formula types should be double checked to ensure they are set up properly. Additionally, if the model is using calculations with multiple elements, such as ratios and cumulative values, it is essential to ensure that the proper formula and structure has been used.

• If the model is not properly built, double checked, and reviewed, you may end up with a host of incorrect calculations due to simple math errors.
• To prevent incorrect calculations due to incorrect formulas, it is essential to understand how each formula works and what each variable means.
• Use of add-on functions or specialized formula types should be double checked to ensure they are set up properly.
• If the model is using calculations with multiple elements, such as ratios and cumulative values, it is essential to ensure that the proper formula and structure has been used.

Chart Issues

When building a 3-way financial model, it is important to ensure all the associated charts are accurately reflecting the data from the model. Visual representation of the data is key when presenting the results. Here, we discuss some common issues that can arise when creating charts for a 3-way financial model.

Non-Dynamic Charts

It is easy to get carried away building numerous sheets and charts to present the model's results. However, the downside here is that these charts may not be dynamic and their value can change completely when the model itself is edited. Therefore it is important to build any charts with dynamic I-cells that can be easily edited if the model is changed. This is possible by ensuring that the charts in the workbook are built referencing the I-cells and are not hard-coded.

Unsuitable Chart Types

In order to present the model's results in the easiest way possible, it is essential to use the most suitable charts. While certain charts may be popular and trendy, they may not be the best to present your data effectively. Here are some key points to consider when deciding which chart type to use:

• The nature of the data being presented
• The goal of the report/presentation
• The size of the audience
• The visual impact of the chart

Other Common Issues

A three-way financial model is an important tool for companies seeking to gain accurate financial forecasts and financial insights. While a three-way financial model can be an effective tool, it is not without its pitfalls. Here we discuss two of the other common issues that may arise when working with a three-way financial model.

Inaccurate Financial Forecasts

One of the potential issues that may arise when working with a three-way financial model is the potential for inaccurate financial forecasts. Financial forecasting is a complex process, and it requires that the underlying factors that drive the financial forecasts be accurately taken into account. Error in estimates or inaccurate assumptions can lead to an inaccurate financial forecast.

To mitigate this risk, it is important to take a rigorous and systematic approach to the development of a three-way financial model. Estimations should be based on sound data, and assumptions should be validated by industry experts. Additionally, it is important to constantly monitor the accuracy of the model and adjust accordingly.

Misaligned Reports and Variables

Another potential issue that may arise with a three-way financial model is misaligned reports and variables. When data points are not properly aligned, reports are not able to accurately represent financial activity. This can lead to inaccurate readings and analysis.

To avoid this issue, it is important to take special care in aligning data points when creating a three-way financial model. Reports should be tested and reviewed prior to running the model to ensure accuracy. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all variables are correctly set to ensure a proper analysis.

6. Common Fixes

For any 3 way financial model, common issues that can arise include errors in input fields, errors in formulas and calculations, and errors when creating automated reports. Below we'll discuss common fixes for each of these scenarios to help you troubleshoot quickly and effectively.

A. Verifying Inputs

When there are errors in a model's inputs, it's important to first check that each value has been entered correctly. This may involve manually verifying each input that has been entered, especially for those which have been manually entered by an individual. Where possible, it can be helpful to cross-reference these inputs against source documents. Additionally, any automated inputs from other sources should be checked to make sure they have been imported correctly.

B. Double-Checking Calculations and Formulas

Errors in formulas and calculations can cause a wide range of issues, from small discrepancies to completely inaccurate results. To find and fix these errors, you should go through each formula or calculation step-by-step and confirm that the logic used is correct. It can also be helpful to introduce a reality check at this point by cross-checking the outputs against real-world assumptions. This can help to identify any potential errors or mistakes that have been made.

C. Automating Reports

One of the biggest advantages of a 3 way financial model is the ability to automate reports. However, errors can occur during this process, either due to incorrect inputs or incorrect formulas. In such cases, it's important to double-check the inputs and formulas being used, as this is the source of most automated reporting issues. Once the inputs and formulas have been verified, you should also review the output itself to ensure that all the information is being correctly reported.

Conclusion

Having a basic understanding of 3 Way Financial Models and how to troubleshoot them is essential for financial professionals. As such, it’s important to review the most common issues and the ways in which they can be prevented and tackled if they arise.

Summary of Common Issues and How to Fix Them

The common issues that can arise in 3 Way Financial Models can largely be boiled down to mistakes in data sourcing and integrity, miscalculations in formulas and equations, and user error. To address these issues and counter them, effective data validation and data quality checks should be employed, formulas should be checked and double-checked, and user edits/inputs should be checked and tailored to the specific model.

Benefits of Troubleshooting 3 Way Financial Models

Troubleshooting 3 Way Financial Models can increase the accuracy and efficiency of the models, as well as help to ensure the integrity of the financial decisions being made. Secondly, troubleshooting these models can help financial professionals develop a better understanding of their given finances and the mechanics of their models, as well as identify potential issues or areas of improvement. Finally, a well-maintained financial model can increase confidence within the internal and external stakeholders that rely on these vital documents.