3-Way Forecasting: Automated Cashflow Forecasting Made Easy | Reach Reporting (2024)

Here at Reach Reporting, we have developed a feature that disrupts the financial planning and analysis (FP&A) industry and changes the way that 3-way forecasting will be done moving forward. One of the biggest problems with setting this up is the time and expertise. Luckily, our tool does this for you.

Was that bold enough?

How about now?

What used to take days/weeks/months to set up now takes a couple of minutes and automatically updates moving forward.Some of you reading this might still need more information. So let me share the top 4 questions that we hear the moment we mention 3-way forecasting for the first time:

What is a 3-way budget?

A 3-way budget is a strategic financial plan that aligns three essential financial statements: the P&L, the Balance Sheet, and the Cash Flow Statement. It is typically set once a year. Unlike a simple revenue and expense projection, a 3-way budget considers the impact of budgeted activities on various financial aspects of a business. It allows organizations to evaluate the effects of their operational decisions on cash flow, assets, and equity over a specific period, providing a holistic approach to financial planning.

What is a monthly 3-way forecast?

A monthly 3-way forecast is typically an adjustment of your budget as the year goes on and is also a financial projection that integrates the three key financial statements: the Profit and Loss Statement (P&L), the Balance Sheet, and the Cash Flow Statement; otherwise known as the 3 financial statements in a financial model. This forecasting approach provides a comprehensive view of a company’s financial health, performance, and anticipated cash flow for each month. It helps businesses plan for future expenditures, revenue growth, and capital needs while ensuring alignment between these critical financial components.

What is a 4-way forecast?

A 4-way forecast is an advanced financial projection that encompasses not only the three main financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement) but also introduces an additional layer, often referred to as the fourth dimension. This dimension could include non-financial performance indicators, key performance indicators (KPIs), or operational metrics that further enhance the forecast’s accuracy and relevance. A 4-way forecast offers a more comprehensive understanding of the relationships between financial and operational aspects of a business.

What is a 3-year cash flow forecast?

A 3-year cash flow forecast is a financial projection that predicts a company’s future cash inflows and outflows over a period of three years. This forecast provides insights into how cash will be generated and utilized, helping businesses make informed decisions about investments, financing, and operational strategies. A longer-term perspective allows organizations to identify potential cash crunches, allocate resources effectively, and plan for sustainable growth.

Ultimately, a 3-year cash flow forecast is an essential element of both a 3-way and 4-way forecast. It contributes to a comprehensive understanding of a company’s financial health, operational efficiency, and overall strategic planning.

Now, let’s list some of the reasons WHY you would want a 3-way forecast.

Future-Proof Your Business

Set your business up for success by getting a true reflection of your financial health. With Reach Reporting’s three-way forecasting, you can confidently say yes to growth opportunities and make informed decisions that drive success.

Clear Business Projections

Our platform provides clear cash projections, enabling you to make better business decisions. We help you become proactive with your cash flow and identify potential issues and shortfalls before they become problems.

Save Time & Effort

With Reach Reporting, you can set up workflows to automatically sync with your financial data and send reports straight to your inbox. Our platform saves you time, so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business.

Fast & Easy Reports

Three-way forecasting can be complex and time-consuming. Reach Reporting simplifies the process, allowing you to spend less time forecasting and reporting, and more time taking control of your business.

3-Way Forecasting in Reach Reporting

  • Truly Integrated 3 Statement Model: Seamlessly combine your Profit and Loss (Income) Forecast, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Forecast into a comprehensive, integrated forecast.
  • Future Cash Flow Projections: Project your cash flow for up to 3-5 years ahead, providing a clear view of your company’s financial position.
  • Automated Report Generation: Sync your financial data and generate reports with ease, enabling you to focus on making data-driven decisions.
  • Customizable Dashboard: Visualize your key metrics, track financial health, and identify trends with our customizable dashboard.

Next Steps

To learn more, visit our features page to see all of the things that Reach is doing for businesses like yours.

320+ reviews on the QuickBooks Online app store can tell you exactly how it is going to go with Reach Reporting.

Thanks for reading. Happy automating!

3-Way Forecasting: Automated Cashflow Forecasting Made Easy | Reach Reporting (2024)

FAQs

What is a 3 way forecast in reach reporting? ›

3-Way Forecasting in Reach Reporting

Truly Integrated 3 Statement Model: Seamlessly combine your Profit and Loss (Income) Forecast, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Forecast into a comprehensive, integrated forecast.

What is a 3-way cash flow forecast? ›

A three-way forecast, also known as the 3 financial statements is a financial model combining three key reports into one consolidated forecast. It links your Profit & Loss (income statement), balance sheet and cashflow projections together so you can forecast your future cash position and financial health.

What are the three procedures in cash forecasting? ›

Typically, short-term cash flow forecasts are built using one (or a combination) of three different methods—a receipts and disbursem*nts methodology, sometimes referred to as a working capital approach; a bank data approach; or a business intelligence or statistical modeling approach.

What are the 3 most important components of forecasting? ›

-The forecast should be timely. -The forecast should be accurate. -The forecast should be reliable.

What is the 3 way statement model? ›

What is a 3-Statement Model? The 3-Statement Model is an integrated model used to forecast the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement of a company for purposes of projecting its forward-looking financial performance.

What are the three 3 main components of cash flow? ›

A company's cash flow is the figure that appears in the cash flow statement as net cash flow (different company statements may use a different term). The three main components of a cash flow statement are cash flow from operations, cash flow from investing, and cash flow from financing.

How do you write a cash flow forecast example? ›

For each week or month in your cash flow forecast, list all the cash you have coming in. Have one column for each week or month, and one row for each type of income. Start with your sales, adding them to the appropriate week or month. You might be able to predict this from previous years' figures, if you have them.

What are the golden rules of forecasting cash flows? ›

Start by creating a forecast for the coming month, then expand that forecast to encompass six months, and then 12 months. At the end of each month, review your cash flow forecast for accuracy and adjust for next month. Carry that adjustment through to the end of the year.

What are the disadvantages of cash flow forecasting? ›

6 Major disadvantages of cash flow forecasting1. Too much reliance on best estimates2. It doesn't account for unforeseen circ*mstances3. Dependency on limited and historical information4.

What are the three types of forecasting? ›

The correct answer is Economic, technological, and demand. Key PointsIn planning for the future of their operations, businesses rely on three types of forecasting. These include economic, technological, and demand forecasting.

What is cash flow projection for dummies? ›

To calculate projected cash flow, start by estimating incoming cash from sources like sales, investments, and financing. Then, deduct anticipated cash outflows such as operating expenses, loan payments, taxes, and capital expenditures.

How many months should a cash flow projection be for? ›

To keep your cash flow projections on track, create a rolling 12-month plan that you update at the end of each month. If you add a new month to the end every time a month is completed, you'll always have a long-term grasp of your business's financial health.

What does a cash flow projection look like? ›

In practical terms, a cash flow projection chart includes 12 months laid out across the top of a graph, and a column on the left-hand side with a list of both payables and receivables.

What are the 3 types of weather forecasting? ›

Short-range forecasts are predictions made between one and seven days before they happen. Medium-range forecasts are usually given between one week and four weeks in advance. Long-range forecasts are given between one month and a year in advance.

What are the three types of forecasting explain? ›

There are three basic types—qualitative techniques, time series analysis and projection, and causal models. The first uses qualitative data (expert opinion, for example) and information about special events of the kind already mentioned, and may or may not take the past into consideration.

What is the third form of forecast? ›

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense forecasts , present participle forecasting , past tense, past participle forecasted language note: The forms forecast and forecasted can both be used for the past tense and past participle.

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