Disclosure Studio - Linked Numbers

Linked numbers are financial numbers drawn directly from your financial statements in the Multidimensional Financial Model (MDFM). Linked numbers are a crucial source of automation in the narrative sections of your ACFR or other report type.

A few things to know about Linked Numbers:

• Since all data management, including statement configuration and creation, is driven by MDFM, the variables will be created based on MDFM rather than directly from the statements. 
• This is important because any changes made in MDFM, such as updates to linked rules, new adjustments, rounding changes, etc., will automatically be reflected in both the narrative and the statements.
• This ensures consistency and reduces the need for manual updates.

Pro-Tip: When setting up variables, account for the narrative context as well as the data. Ensure that wording automatically adapts to changes—such as whether a value increases or decreases—so the report remains accurate and consistent in future periods.

Insert a Linked Number

1. From your preferred report, navigate to the page you want to link a number into your narrative text. Select the area where you’d like to insert the number.
   
2. Now select the Insert Variable option from the text editor.
   
3. Next, select the Number option from the dropdown menu.
   
4. In the Import Number pop up, select the Source data and Pivot View report to choose the number to insert into your text.
   
   • A Pivot View in Disclosure Studio is an automated financial statement table where you can select fields, apply filters, and customize data display.
   • It allows combining multiple filters to create tailored views of financial data, which can be saved and exported for analysis.
5. Select the Next button to continue to the pivot view.
   
6. Select the number you wish to insert into your narrative. Then select the Next button.
   Pro-Tip: In the Import Number panel, you will be able change how your financial figure will appear in your narrative. See the image and details below for the various options.
   
7. Optionally, select the Prefix, Number Format, Scale, and Suffix. An outline each of these options can be found below. When you are ready, select the Finish button.
   

Now your number will be inserted into the narrative!

Number Formatting Options

1. Prefix allows you to automate a phrase regarding that financial figure. For instance, an increase or decrease of net position. The prefixes will automatically change in relation to prior year data.
2. Number Format sets the presentation of the amount, so whether it is a dollar amount, a percentage, or absolute value. 
3. Scale automatically changes the decimal places of the value selected. If your figure is $4,000,000, and you set the scale to millions, it will be automated as “$4 Million”. 
   • Note: Auto will select the largest scale possible for your figure. For instance, $4,000 will become $4 thousand; $4,000,000 will become $4 million, and so on. 
4. Suffix enables you to automate the phrase attached to the figure. For instance, a $4 million increase or decrease. Similar to the prefixes, the wording will change automatically based on prior year data.
5. The preview shows you what the calculated variable will look like in your report.
6. Select the Back button if you need to go back and modify your figure.
7. Once complete, select the Import button to insert this calculated variable into the report.

View a Step-By-Step Walkthrough