- F2C Forecast to Cash
What remains is a tool the company uses every month.
What you'll have when I'm finished, and what I'll need from you along the way.
- THE END RESULT
One single file, that can be run again rather than rebuilt.
It contains a 24-month cash flow forecast, built from the sales forecast and linked to the budget. Each month, it can be run again with updated data, without having to rebuild it from scratch.
- Is it worth accepting that order, considering its impact on cash flow during the months in which it is fulfilled, rather than just the margin it generates?
- How low will cash reserves fall next year, and will the available credit facility cover the shortfall?
- From which month will the investment planned for autumn become financially sustainable?
- What happens in November if that customer pays thirty days late, as they usually do?
- At what point can the company afford to make that new hire?
- WHAT MAKES F2C DIFFERENT
Four features that set it apart from a forecasting spreadsheet.
The methodology is always the same, but the tool never is: it is built around the way your business operates — how you sell, what you sell and how you collect payments. How much can be automated depends on your ERP system and your people: it is more craftsmanship than science, and we document this from the outset.
01 — Data Reliability
Every figure indicates its level of certainty.
A confirmed order, a sales estimate and an established practice carry different levels of certainty. If half of a total is based on estimates, F2C makes this clear.
02 — Accountability
Every spreadsheet has a designated person responsible.
Each spreadsheet is assigned to a named individual who is accountable for it.
03 — Transparency
Missing information remains visible.
A dedicated spreadsheet lists what is missing, so that gaps remain visible rather than being hidden within an overall figure.
04 — Single Source of Truth
Every piece of information has a single source.
Data flows in one direction only, and every piece of information has a single source. This is why the tool continues to work after I leave.
- The Chain
The Chain – Three Links That Often Remain Disconnected.
Sales forecasts, budgets and cash flow forecasts already exist in many SMEs. However, they may be kept in different places and updated by different people. Taken individually, they offer little insight into what will happen eight months from now.
Sales Forecast
in the sales team's spreadsheet
Budget
in the ERP system
Cash Flow
in the experience of whoever manages supplier payments
Taken individually, they offer little insight into what will happen eight months from now.
With F2C: one integrated process, a 24-month forecasting horizon, and a designated person responsible for each stage.
- F2C IN NUMBERS
Timeframes and commitment
for a standard engagement.
of forecasting
Looking beyond the short term.
in the standard engagement
My estimated time commitment.
from the first interview to full autonomy
An estimated 3–4 months to complete the process.
- The forecasting horizon is 24 months. The 37 days and approximately 15 weeks refer to the standard engagement. Timeframes and commitment are defined according to the complexity of the business.
- HOW WE GET THERE
Four stages,
from listening to handover.
Each stage makes clear what I need from you, what I do and what you will have at the end.
Building the system
Historical data is cleaned up and F2C is built around the company's data and ERP system.
Handover
The tool is fine-tuned, designated staff are trained and the company becomes self-sufficient.
- HOW WE GET THERE
Four stages,
from listening to handover.
F2C si costruisce sulla realtà dell’azienda, non il contrario. Parte dall’ascolto e dai dati esistenti, collega forecast, costi e cassa e lascia un sistema che l’azienda può continuare a gestire in autonomia.
Listening
Interviews, data and processes to understand how the business really operates.
Agreeing on processes
Sales forecasts, costs and cash flow rules are defined and documented.
Building the system
Historical data is cleaned up and F2C is built around the company's data and ERP system.
Handover
The tool is fine-tuned, designated staff are trained and the company becomes self-sufficient.
