# Build a Unified Forecast from Multiple Inputs

This guide shows how to use Model Reef to combine multiple data sources into a single model. Typical sources include PDF or Excel management packs, accounting actuals from Xero or QuickBooks, CSV based data and stock ticker fundamentals.

## Before you start

Collect:

* Any management packs or board packs in PDF or Excel format.
* Access to Xero or QuickBooks if you plan to import actuals.
* Any CSV data you want to integrate.
* Any stock tickers whose fundamentals you want to model.

## What you will build

* A model with a coherent branch structure.
* Imported historicals from one or more sources.
* Data Library entries representing each imported series.
* Variables that blend imported history with driver based forecasts.
* Unified statements, Cash Waterfall and valuation outputs.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Set up the model and structure

* Create a new model with:
  * Currency.
  * Base periodicity.
  * Start and end dates.
* Create branches for:
  * Business units or entities.
  * Any special segments (for example Online, Retail, Projects).

This gives you a target structure for imported data.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Import historicals from PDF or Excel

* Use the **PDF or Excel import** tool.
* Upload management packs, financial statements or trial balances.
* Let Model Reef detect:
  * Tables and date columns.
  * Units and contextual labels.
* On the mapping screen:
  * Map each detected line to:
    * Variable type (Revenue, COGS, Opex, Staff, Asset, Liability, Equity).
    * Category and sub category.
    * Branch.
    * Units and frequency.
* Confirm and import.

This creates Data Library entries and variables populated with historical series.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Import accounting actuals from Xero or QuickBooks

* Connect to your accounting system.
* Import:
  * Chart of Accounts.
  * Historical account balances by period.
* Map accounts to:
  * Variable types.
  * Categories and branches.
* Import and allow Model Reef to:
  * Create Data Library entries.
  * Create or update variables.

These series can complement or replace PDF or Excel based imports.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Import CSV or external data

For CSV or other external series:

* Use CSV or manual import to create Data Library entries:
  * Macro drivers.
  * Operational series (for example traffic, leads, utilisation).
  * External indices.
* Assign:
  * Name.
  * Type (Driver, Modifier or Custom).
  * Units and frequency.
* Use these entries to drive variables via formulas.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Import stock ticker fundamentals

If relevant:

* Use the **Stock Ticker import**.
* Enter ticker symbols.
* Import historical fundamentals such as:
  * Revenue.
  * COGS.
  * Opex.
  * EBITDA.

These become Data Library entries for external benchmarks or drivers.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Blend historicals and forecasts

For each major line:

* Use imported series for historical periods:
  * Mark them as historical in the Data Library where appropriate.
* For future periods:
  * Apply:
    * Growth drivers.
    * Regression based formulas.
    * ML forecasts.
* Ensure that:
  * Forecasts pick up at the end of historical periods.
  * Historical actuals are left untouched.

This creates smooth transitions from historical data to modelled forecasts.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Reconcile and review unified statements

* Review P\&L:
  * Confirm historical periods match source financials.
  * Ensure forecast periods evolve as expected.
* Review Balance Sheet:
  * Check opening balances imported correctly.
  * Confirm Assets = Liabilities + Equity.
* Review Cashflow and Cash Waterfall:
  * Ensure cash patterns reconcile with historic cash movements where available.
    {% endstep %}
    {% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}

### Check your work

* All important data sources are mapped into branches and categories.
* Historical periods in P\&L and Balance Sheet match original sources.
* Forecast periods are clearly driven by explicit drivers, not random extrapolation.
* The Cash Waterfall and Cashflow Statement reconcile.
  {% endhint %}

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>Duplicated lines or double counting</summary>

Ensure you are not mapping the same source line into multiple variables or categories.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Gaps between historical and forecast periods</summary>

Check model start and end dates and the range of imported series.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Inconsistent figures across sources</summary>

Decide a priority order (for example accounting system over PDF) and align mapping accordingly.

</details>

## Related guides

* [Capital Projects & Infrastructure](/use-cases/capital-projects-and-infrastructure.md)
* [Money Multiple Calculation](/help/financial-outputs-and-valuation/money-multiple-calculation.md)
* [Historical Fundamentals Imported](/help/stock-ticker-fundamentals/historical-fundamentals-imported.md)
* [Operational Driver Fields](/syntax/drivers-syntax/operational-driver-fields.md)


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