A Simple Mapping Experience
This exercise introduces you to the Castaway mapping process using a sample 70-line model. You may have used mapping in other business modelling tools before - the goal here is not to explain what mapping is, but to show you how mapping works in Castaway and give you a feel for the most effective way to get started.
The focus of this exercise is on the process rather than the numbers - the values in the sample data are not important.
Exercise Steps
- Set up your Project
- Connect the Sample Data
- Map your Chart of Accounts
- Import your Data
Set up your Project
To begin, download the attached Integration Sample Data.xlsx file at the bottom of this page.
- Open Castaway and create a New Project.
- Select Build Manually.
- Give the Project a name.
- Choose your Country and Currency - any selection works for this exercise.
- Set the Financial Year to Jul-Jun, Project Start Month to July 2024 and Duration to 2 years.
- Click Build My Project.
For detailed guidance see: Setting up a new project
Connect the Sample Data
- Navigate to Forecast > External Sources.
- Under Add a New Data Source, click the Excel icon.
- Click Select Excel File and locate the file 'Integration Sample Data.xlsx' saved earlier.
For detailed guidance see: Overview: Importing Actuals Data via Integrations
Map your Chart of Accounts
- Click Map to open the mapping screen.
- Begin mapping your accounts. You can drag and drop multiple accounts at the same time.
- Save your mapping regularly as you work.
For detailed guidance see: Mapping your Chart of Accounts (CoA)
Import your Data
- Once mapping is complete, set your Active Actuals Month to September 2024.
- Go to External Sources > Import Account Values > Opening Balance and click Import Opening Balance for June 2024.
- Expand the Actual Value dropdown, check the boxes for July 2024 to September 2024 and click Import Actual Values.
- Navigate to Actuals Data, scroll to the bottom and enter any out of balance amount in Retained Earnings.
For detailed guidance see: Importing and Reviewing your Actuals Data
Mapping in Castaway is designed to be a smooth, almost game-like experience. Now that you have seen it in action, try it with your own data when you are ready. Try our next exercise to get a hands-on introduction to Castaway's modelling capabilities:
Trial Exercise 2: Coffee Shop Model
Any questions as you evaluate Castaway Cloud? Contact the team at: support@castawayforecasting.com