Performing Allocations

There are two ways to run an allocation in a story:

1. From the tools menu.
2. Using a data action button.

Allocations processes can be run from the ribbon in a story. In this case, you also have the option to create a private version for simulation purposes.

The toolbar option offers alternatives such as booking the allocation to a new private version and confirming the scope of the allocations.

• To run the allocation on a new private version, select a public version to copy from and type a name for the new version.
• When confirming the scope of the allocation, you've three options:
  1. Use Point of View: The scope of the allocation step will be restricted using the filters that are currently applied to the view.
  2. Refine Filters: For dimensions that are not added to the table, you can choose members that will be included in the allocation. By default, the current point of view is applied, but you can select dimensions from the list in the Selected filters dialog to choose members to filter.
  3. No Filters: The allocation is performed on all available members in the model.

Allocations can also be run in the story with data actions.

In the example below, the Utilities cost center expenses for electric, water, and telephone are allocated based on kilowatt hours and number of people.

In this example, the Utilities cost center is being treated as a pass-through for the electric, water, and telephone costs. Correspondingly, the same accounts that collect the costs are also being used as the sending accounts.

As a result, the Utilities cost center is zeroed out.

In the example below, you can see that the HR cost center expenses are allocated based on the number of people in the receiving cost centers.

In this example, the HR expenses are allocated using a separate sending account: Human Resources. As a result, the HR cost center is zeroed out in total, but a comparison can still be made between actual and plan values since a separate account is being used for the allocation.

You can monitor all allocations that have been run by users from the Allocation Jobs screen.