This is what happens in the video
When you export forecasts to Excel in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you set up the export through a series of option fields. You define a starting date, a forecast name, the number of periods, and the period length. You choose between sales forecast, component forecast, or both. You can split the forecast by item categories and limit the export to lines that actually contain quantities.
Be careful when mixing period lengths. If some of your forecasts run in weeks and others in months, the export becomes complex and harder to manage.
Limiting the export to lines with quantities keeps the file clean by leaving out items with no movements or forecast.
Setting the starting date and forecast name
The first thing you do is enter the starting date. This is the first date you want the columns to be built from. Next, you select the forecast name that you want to export to.
Choosing the number of periods and the period length
You select how many periods you want to include. The more periods you add, the longer the export takes, especially if the calculation is heavy.
You then select a period length, which you can define yourself. This should reflect your normal forecasts. Be aware of the setup if some forecasts work in weeks and others in months, because that combination can get complex. Know what you are doing before you mix period lengths.
Selecting the forecast type: sales, component, or both
You can select the forecast type as sales forecast, component forecast, or both. This applies to the standard forecast types in Microsoft Business Central.
Dividing the forecast by item categories
If you use item categories on your item card and want the forecast divided accordingly, you can split the export into item categories. You get a bundle of item categories at the beginning and the next ones later on, and so on.
Including only lines with quantities
You can choose to include only lines with quantities. If you have many items with no movements or no forecast, those items are left out of the export. This keeps the exported file focused on the lines that matter.
Summary of the option fields
These are the fields you work with on the option tab when you export forecasts to Excel. Once you have set the starting date, forecast name, periods, period length, forecast type, item category split, and the quantity filter, you are ready to run the export.
Q&A
What does the starting date field control in the Excel forecast export?
The starting date is the first date the columns are built from in the exported file.
Does the number of periods affect export performance?
Yes. The more periods you select, the longer the export takes, particularly when the calculation is heavy.
Which forecast types can you export from Business Central?
You can export sales forecast, component forecast, or both. These match the standard forecast types in Microsoft Business Central.
Can I split the forecast export by item category?
Yes. If you use item categories on your item card, you can divide the forecast into those categories so each category appears in its own grouping.
How do I avoid exporting items with no activity?
Select the option to include only lines with quantities. Items with no movements or no forecast are then left out of the export.
What should I watch out for when setting the period length?
Make sure the period length reflects your normal forecasts. Mixing forecasts that run in weeks with forecasts that run in months can get complex, so confirm your setup before exporting.