Last actual date
The Last actual date is the last period of actual data in a model. The forecast starts in the next period.
The Last actual date is a period of the model. That period and every period before it are actual periods. The next period is the first forecast period. Set it to the latest period whose source data is complete, usually the last closed month.
The Last actual date is a model setting. It does not change your transactions, invoices, or accounting records.
1. Set the Last actual date
- Go to Scenario planning → open a model.
- Select Model settings.
- Turn on Last actual date.
- In the period list, select the period, such as
Sep '26. The list uses the same names as the grid headers. - Select Apply changes.
When you turn it on for the first time, Eigenn selects the last period of the model. Change it to your last closed period before you apply.
To remove the Last actual date, turn off Last actual date and select Apply changes. The model then has no actual periods.
In a monthly model, Import actuals sets the Last actual date when the model has none. It selects the previous calendar month if that month is in the model range. Refresh actuals does not move a Last actual date that is already set.
2. What changes at the boundary
| Item | Actual periods | Forecast periods |
|---|---|---|
| Data-linked variable | Shows the source value. The cell is read-only. | Runs the formula of the variable, or takes typed values. |
| Formula variable without a data link | Runs the formula | Runs the formula |
| Input variable | Takes typed values | Takes typed values |
| Scenario change | Not applied | Applied |
If a scenario change falls on a period that becomes actual, Eigenn keeps the change but does not apply it. If you move the date back, the change applies again.
3. Find the boundary in the grid
- An orange line marks the right edge of the last actual column.
- Forecast columns have a diagonal hatch.
- The grid header shows the last actual period, such as Sep ‘26. With no date set, it shows Actuals.
- Select that button, or the calendar button (Jump to last actual date), to scroll to the boundary.
4. Use the boundary in a formula
lastActualDate gives the position of the last actual period. timeStep gives the position of the current period. The first period is 0.
This formula is on a variable named Revenue forecast. It copies Revenue in actual periods. In forecast periods, it adds 2% to its own value of the period before:
if timeStep > lastActualDate then Revenue forecast[previous] * 1.02 else RevenueWhen the Last actual date moves, the growth starts from the new last actual value. This formula needs a Last actual date. Without one, the result is blank in each period.