Solving for one or two input values to achieve a desired result in a calculated field

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Using the Result Finder dialog - Solve Mode tab, you can solve for the dollar amount for one or two input (data-entry) fields in order to achieve a desired result in a particular calculated field. After you have solved for these values, you will have the option to transfer results to your plan.

To use the Result Finder to solve for a dollar amount for one or two input fields, perfomr the following steps.

  1. With a plan open, choose Tools > Result Finder.
  2. If your plan has more than one alternative or year, the Result Finder - Column Selection dialog opens. Select the alternative and year that contain the input field you would like to solve for and click OK.
  3. Click the Solve Mode tab.
  4. From the Input field field, select an input field for which you would like to solve. To select a field, click the drop-down arrow or press F4 to view a list of fields to select from. In the Result Finder - Row Selection dialog, expand the buttons listed in the Buttons / Tabs list. Highlight a row in the Available Rows list and click OK. Only federal input fields are available to choose.

    Note: If the cursor is in a federal input field in the main data-entry window when you start this procedure, the name of that field appears as the default in the Input field field.

  5. If desired, you can have the Result Finder find values for two input fields. To solve for a second input field:
    • Mark the Use Companion field checkbox.
    • Select an input field from the Companion field field by clicking the drop-down arrow and selecting a row from the Row Selection dialog.
    • Indicate which direction you would like the Result Finder to adjust the Companion field when it is solving for the fields. To adjust the Companion amount in the same direction as the Input amount, click the Change in the same increment as the input field above option. To adjust the Companion amount in the opposite direction, click the Change in the opposite increment (multiply by -1) option.
  6. From the Result field field, select the name of the calculated field for which you have a desired value in mind. To select a field, click the drop-down arrow or press F4 to view a list of fields to select from. In the Result Finder - Row Selection dialog, highlight a row in the Available Rows list, and click OK. Only federal calculated fields are available to choose.

    Note: If the cursor is in a federal calculated field in the main data-entry window when you start this procedure, the name of that field appears as the default in the Result field amount field.

  7. In the Result field amount field, enter the desired amount.
  8. If desired, select up to five more calculated fields in the Watch fields group box. The Result Finder will show how those fields will be affected if the Input and Companion amounts change.
  9. Click the Start button. The Result Finder solves for the input field amount(s) that correspond with the desired amount for your calculated field (or as close to it as possible if the exact amount cannot be found). The Result Finder then displays input field amount(s) next to your selections in the Input field and Companion field fields.

    Note: If the desired result cannot be found, then the Computed Result field displays "Result not found" and no Input field or Companion field field amounts are displayed.

  10. To transfer the amounts in the Input field and Companion field fields to your plan, click the Transfer Results button. The field(s) in your plan will now contain the value(s) that the Result Finder solved for.

    Note: If data already exists in the input field in your plan, the Result Finder will replace it with the new amount. If allocation data already exists in the input field, Planner CS will indicate the difference between the two in the Allocation window for that field.

  11. To solve for a different value, select new Input and Result fields, enter a desired result, and click the Start button.
  12. To close the dialog without transferring results, click the Close button.

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