Generating periods

This function enables you to generate a set of periods records for the model horizon defined by the Model Start Date and Model End Date.

You define the Period Interval using two fields: one indicating the time unit (Days, Weeks, Months, Quarters, Years), and the other for the number of these units in each generated period.

For example, if you want time periods that are 2 weeks in length, select Weeks and enter 2 as the number of weeks.

The Start Date for each period is based on the start date of the model horizon. For example, if the model horizon start date is 1/15/2016 and you generate monthly periods, their start dates will be 1/15/2016, 2/15/2016, 3/15/2016, etc.

Generate periods

1. Open the Periods input table.
2. Click Generate Periods. You see the Generate Periods flyout. The current model horizon Start Date and End Date are displayed.
3. If required, change the Start Date and End Date to reflect the desired model horizon.
4. In the How long would you like each period to be? section, enter the number of time units in one period. For example, enter 2 with a time unit of Weeks selected to create periods that are 2 weeks in length.
5. Select the time unit for your time periods – one of Days, Weeks, Months, Quarters or Years.
6. If you do not want to overwrite existing periods, uncheck the Overwrite existing periods setting.
7. Click Generate. The Periods table is populated with the generated periods.