Setting Up Spreads

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Article Summary

This article explains how to set up and apply spreads in templates to distribute annual values across period columns. It covers how to configure spread patterns such as Evenly, 4-4-5, or History Scenario, insert and define spreads during Template Setup, and apply them via the Structured Planning Control Panel. Readers will learn to configure spread options, save setups, and apply them to templates for more accurate forecasting and budgeting.

eddy_summary: Learn how to configure and apply spreads in templates to distribute annual data evenly or by pattern in Planful.
eddy_keywords: spreads, template setup, structured planning, 4-4-5, annual value, forecasting, budget distribution, Planful templates
eddy_intent: Informational
eddy_module: Structured Planning
eddy_synonyms:
spread = distribution, allocation, pattern
template setup = planning template setup, configuration
structured planning = control panel, planning interface
eddy_questions:
- How do I set up spreads in a Planful template?
- What is the 4-4-5 spread method?
- How can I apply spreads in Structured Planning?
- how do I create a custom spread method?
- Where do I find the Spreads Setup option in Planful?

Spreads allow users to distribute annual value to period columns based on a selected spread method. Select an option (i.e. evenly, 4-4-5, etc.) to apply the spread to the template row that the user can modify. Spreads are optional and may be used. You may opt to spread based on historical data (History Scenario).

You can decide on the time period and spread pattern for each spread you add. Spreads must be enabled in templates when the template is added and setup during template setup. You might, for example, set up a spread when you are forecasting Workforce expenses for a year and want the projected budget to be spread evenly each month.

Let’s understand this with an example. Alex wants to use the spreads setup to spread the data. He can either do that evenly throughout the year for all the months, or he can choose to do it using 4-4-5 option.

How to Set Up Spreads During Template Setup?

  1. Navigate to Maintenance > Templates > Template Setup.


  2. Select a scenario from the scenario dropdown.

  3. Select the template in which you want to set up the spread, and navigate to Setup > Spreads Setup.

  4. Using the Insert Spread option, insert the desired number of rows.


  5. Enter a spread name and code to identify the spread. Then, enter period data based on how you want it to be spread. You can spread data evenly throughout, or you can divide them on a monthly or weekly basis.



    Once you are done spreading the data, click Save.


Now when the template is accessed via the Structured Planning > Planning Control Panel, the spread will be available for selection to be applied to a line as shown below:

How to Apply Spreads to a Template in Structured Planning?

To apply spreads to a template accessed via the planning control panel, do the following:

  1. Navigate to Structured Planning to open the Planning Control Panel.

  2. Select a Scenario, Budget Entity, and template.

  3. Open it in the Input mode.

  4. Click the Methods tab and select Annual Value. The spreads are displayed.

  5. Select a spread and click Apply. The spread code cell is updated for the line.

  6. Enter data and press enter and the data will be reflected in the corresponding periods for that year.