Manual Variable Entry

This article explains how to create and configure variables manually in Model Reef when you are not importing them from external files.

You will learn how to:

• Decide when manual entry is appropriate

• Create new variables from scratch

• Set type, category, branch and timing

• Link variables to drivers or enter values directly

When to use manual variable entry

Manual variable entry is useful when:

• You are adding new forecast lines that are not present in historical reports.

• You want to model specific hires, projects or contracts.

• You are testing ideas or building a model from scratch.

• Importing from files would add unnecessary complexity.

In practice, most models are a mix of imported historicals and manually created forecast variables.

Creating a new variable

1

Open the model and branch

Open the relevant model and navigate to the branch where the variable belongs.

2

Add a variable

Choose Add variable (or the equivalent action in your interface).

3

Name the variable

Enter a clear name, for example:

• Revenue - New Product

• Staff - New Sales Hire

• Asset - New Equipment

4

Select variable type

Select a variable type such as Revenue, COGS, Opex, Staff, Asset, Liability, Tax, Equity or Dividend. This tells Model Reef what the variable represents and how it should behave in the statements.

Setting category, subcategory and branch

Next, assign:

• A category that reflects how the variable should appear in reports.

• An optional subcategory for finer detail, if you plan to use it.

• Confirm the branch if you did not already create the variable inside the correct branch.

Examples:

• Revenue - Subscriptions category, Premium plan subcategory, UK branch.

• Opex - Marketing category, Paid search subcategory, Online division branch.

Consistent naming and categorisation make later reporting much easier.

Defining timing and frequency

Every variable should have clear timing settings, including:

• Start date and end date for when it is active.

• Frequency or schedule (for example monthly, quarterly, specific dates).

• Delay or payment terms if cash does not move in the same period as accrual.

Examples:

• A monthly subscription revenue line starting from 1 January 2025 with no delay.

• A one off asset purchase on 15 March 2025 with depreciation over 5 years.

• A quarterly tax payment with a delay relative to when profit is earned.

These settings ensure that the variable feeds P&L, Balance Sheet and Cashflow correctly.

Entering values or linking drivers

1

Direct value entry

• Enter numeric values per period directly into the variable.

• Use simple patterns such as constant amounts or manual adjustments over time.

• Suitable for small, specific lines where you know the values.

2

Driver based or formula based

• Link to drivers from the Data Library (for example volumes, prices, growth rates).

• Use preset formulas or simple arithmetic expressions to derive values.

• Suitable for lines tied to operational metrics, such as Revenue = Units × Price.

Driver based variables are easier to adjust when scenarios change, because changes to drivers propagate automatically.

Reviewing the impact of a new variable

After creating and configuring a variable, always:

• Check the P&L for the relevant branch and the group to see the line appear.

• Review the Balance Sheet and Cashflow if the variable has asset, liability or timing effects.

• Confirm that the variable shows up under the correct category in reports.

If something looks wrong, review:

• Type and category

• Branch assignment

• Timing and delays

• Any formulas or driver links

Practical tips

• Start with a few key manual variables for new assumptions and expand as needed.

• Use clear naming and categories so that manually created lines are easy to find later.

• Consider creating manual variables first, then wiring them to drivers once the model structure is stable.

Related articles

• Consumer Goods, FMCG & CPG Manufacturers

• Build a Central Assumption Library

• Imported Variable Behaviour

• Timing Modal Overview