Data Library Mapping
This article explains how data imported from QuickBooks Online is represented inside the Model Reef Data Library and how it underpins automatic variable creation and forecasting.
You will learn:
How each mapped account becomes a Data Library series.
How variables reference those series.
How updates and refreshes propagate through the model.
How to use QuickBooks sourced series as drivers.
From QuickBooks account to Data Library series
When you run an actuals import from QuickBooks after mapping the Chart of Accounts, Model Reef:
Create or update Data Library entries
Creates or updates a Data Library entry for each account, containing:
The series of values by period.
Units and frequency (typically monthly in base currency).
Metadata such as the QuickBooks account name and code.
Tags indicating that the series comes from QuickBooks.
Each Data Library entry is the canonical source for that account’s historical values within the model.
Variables linked to QuickBooks series
For each mapped account, a variable is created or updated with:
A branch assignment, based on your mapping (entity, division, location, etc.).
A variable type (Revenue, COGS, Opex, Staff, Asset, Liability, Equity, Tax, Dividend).
A category and optional subcategory for reporting.
A reference to the QuickBooks sourced Data Library series.
The variables use that series for their historical values, and you can attach forecast logic for future periods on top.
Viewing and auditing QuickBooks series
In the Data Library view you can:
Filter entries to show only those with QuickBooks as their source.
Search by account name, code or tags.
Inspect the time series for each account across all imported periods.
See which variables depend on each series.
This helps with validation, auditing and understanding how ledger data drives the model.
Adjusting or overlaying imported series
For most workflows, QuickBooks sourced series are treated as read only history, and any adjustments are applied on top. There are two main approaches:
Adjustment variables (recommended)
Create separate variables that add or subtract adjustments from the ledger derived line.
Keep the original QuickBooks series intact for transparency.
Present both reported and adjusted views in reports if needed.
Using adjustment variables preserves a clean link back to the accounting system while still allowing management level adjustments.
Propagation on refresh
When you refresh actuals from QuickBooks:
The Data Library series for each mapped account are updated with any new or changed values.
Variables that reference those series automatically reflect the updated history.
Statements, dashboards and valuation outputs are recalculated without further manual work.
Your forecast drivers and logic remain as configured unless you choose to adjust them after reviewing new data.
Using QuickBooks series as drivers
Because QuickBooks series live in the Data Library, you can reference them in formulas and drivers, for example:
Use historical revenue to calibrate unit pricing and volume assumptions.
Use historical cost trends to infer future cost curves.
Use historical headcount cost to inform staffing models.
QuickBooks data then becomes not only a source of actuals, but also part of your forecasting and scenario logic.
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