What distinguishes “actuals” from “forecast” in OneStream?

The distinction between "actuals" and "forecast" in OneStream is crucial for effective financial management and reporting. Actuals represent historical financial data, which encompasses what has actually happened in terms of revenue and expenses. This data is derived from recorded transactions and is used to assess performance against the budget or prior periods.

On the other hand, forecasts are projections made about future financial outcomes based on various assumptions and inputs. These predictions can pertain to revenues, expenses, and other financial variables, providing insight into expected performance over the specified future period.

By understanding that actuals reflect verified financial outcomes from past periods and that forecasts aim to estimate what will happen in future periods, users can better analyze variances and make informed strategic decisions. This foundational knowledge is key to leveraging OneStream's capabilities effectively.