Methodology
How to read the evidence.
Understand what a number represents before using it. Our model pages distinguish sources, assumptions, calculated results, and analysis.
Four evidence labels
An observation, quotation, or statistic from a traceable source, with its date, geography, and scope.
A dated equipment quote with installation and delivery exclusions.A selected input for a stated planning case. A source may inform the value, but applying it still requires judgment.
The expected number of guests served per open day.A calculated output from a particular workbook release and assumption set.
Minimum cash in the named Base scenario over a defined forecast.An interpretation of the evidence and its limits, rather than a new source observation.
An explanation of which operating resource constrains service.One idea, different operations
- Business idea
- A family of related activities, such as a restaurant.
- Operating format
- A specific way to deliver the product or service, with a defined revenue mechanism and capacity constraint.
- Financial model
- A workbook for a stated operating scope, tied to its own release and assumption set.
One page, clear boundaries
The financial-model page presents the product and operating explanation together. Catalog descriptions identify the format; the workbook description identifies what the released file actually models.
Combining different operations can require changes to shared customers, staff, capacity, and assets. Adding two complete forecasts can count those resources twice.
What a financial illustration needs
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Units, currency, and period | A monthly amount, annual total, and per-unit figure are different measurements. |
| Operating scope | The site, capacity, services, and exclusions determine what the forecast represents. |
| Workbook and scenario | An output belongs to its specific formulas and selected assumptions. |
| Source and selection | A quoted value is not automatically the right input for another location or specification. |
| Financial definition | Accounting profit, available cash, and investment recovery answer different questions. |
| Uncertainty | An unknown value remains unknown. A negative result or payback not reached remains a valid result. |
What sources can establish
A related operator or category link can provide useful context. It does not alone establish the economics of the exact operating configuration.
Local demand, property conditions, supplier quotes, and financing terms need evidence that applies to the intended case. A modeled result is not an industry average.
What release checks establish
The workbook, description, and any worksheet previews must match the same release. File integrity and financial checks are distinct from software compatibility and commercial readiness.
A verified workbook can be documented on this site while purchasing and downloads remain unavailable.
Make assumptions traceable
Record the source, unit, effective date, and reason for each material input.
Found a possible error? Prepare a correction with the page, statement, and supporting evidence. The notes tool saves locally and does not send messages.