Navigate the MDFM in Disclosure Studio

Select a section of the article below to navigate directly to it.

1. Key Terms
   • MDFM
   • Model Operations
2. Key Tasks
   • Upload and Map Data
   • Review Data
   • Set Up the Next Fiscal Year

Key Terms to Know

MDFM

• Data Model: Highest level of data that holds accounts, adjustments and the different tables used to create statements. Think of it like a Excel Workbook that has a thousand tabs with interlinking formulas and conditional formatting. Essentially, the model allows for a flexible way of mapping out your financial data, posting journal entries, and then exporting this to your financial data into your reports. 
  • Also known as a hypercube or “cube” within the system. 
  • Examples: Statements (Governmental Funds, Proprietary Funds, etc.) Government-Wide (Statement of Net Position, Statement of Activities), Management’s Discussion and Analysis. 
     
• Data Set: Holds the data uploads for both the trial balance, cash flow and any other data that is needed for the data models. The data used for a data upload is determined as part of the implementation and used as a foundation for building the data models and tables. 
   
• Dimensions: Helps to define the structure of the tables and data mapping. The two main aspects are the Reporting Funds and Statement Structure dimensions which will be specific to each data model and table.
  • ACFR Examples: 
    • Statement Structure: Dimensions that represent the specific areas of a statement that data sets are mapped to. 
    • Reporting Funds: Dimensions that represent the major and non-major funds that should be included within a data model.  
    • Period: A specific dimension that holds the values needed to assign the year to the data set. 
    • Metric: The defined balance of a data set. Typically Ending Balance, Beginning Balance, Actual Budget, Original Budget, Variances etc.
       
• Module Selector: Located in the upper left-hand corner of the MDFM navigation, the dropdown selector is a way to define what the MDFM data is meant for. Typically you will see ACFR, Budget Book or other report types. 
  • This is also known as a Label within the system. 
     
• Code: An internal key to help with the mapping of a statement and funds. This will not show within a report. 

Model Operations

• Map: A set of configurable rules to keep financial statement line mappings accurate as the chart of accounts changes over time. Select statement lines and fiscal periods ensuring all accounts are mapped without rule conflicts, and validate changes by previewing rule impacts to prevent future errors.
  • Mapped Accounts: Data from a data set that has been mapped using rules within the data model. 
  • Unmapped Accounts: Data from a data set that has not yet been mapped using rules within the data model. 
  • Local Rules: A custom configuration created to map unique Account Codes or Object Codes to specific Financial Statement Lines. Think of it as a bridge that tells the system: "Whenever you see this specific local account, place its value in this specific section of the report." 
  • Global Rules: The highest level of mapping that defines which funds should be mapped to the data model. 
  • Shared Rules: Mapping of funds at the data set level allows any model that uses that data to reuse the same Group, so mapping only needs to be maintained once. These can be adjusted within the data set. 
  • Formulas: Created to perform calculations as needed within a table with the mapped data. 
     
• Adjust: The Adjust option in each model provides a way to record journal entries related to a statement. These can be both two-way adjustments and rounding. Use a two-way adjustment for Conversion Entries. 
  • Posted Adjustments: List of previously created adjustments based on the filtering of the table. 
  • Pending Adjustments: Working space for adjustments. These must be posted in order to be utilized within the statement and can only be posted by the user who created the adjustment. 
     
• Tables: The specific mapping of data to a statement type within a data model that lets you create different pivot-based views of your data. Choose Fields to pick dimensions, data fields, and filters for automated financial statements. 
  • View: A pivot table of the data from the data model and dimensions. Sections of the table can be collapsed or expanded and other dimension fields can be added or removed using the field chooser. This is what allows you to slice and dice your data. Views are used as a template within a report and can be further manipulated as needed by users in a report. 
  • Check: Inside the Pivot Tables, we provide checks to perform validation that figures are balancing across the statement. Typically used for Rounding reviews. 
     
• Roll Forward: The process to set up the MDFM for the next fiscal year. This process, based on the period selected, will create new rules, formulas, adjustments and pivot tables for the next fiscal year. 

Key Tasks to Complete

During your implementation, much of the MDFM will be set up for you, but there are key tasks you will need to complete as a user year over year to ensure your report is accurately reflecting your data. 

Upload and Map Data

• Upload new Trial Balance Data
• Review for Unmapped Accounts

Review Data

• Review Rounding
• Review Major/Non-Major Funds
• Create New Table Views
• Create and Post Adjustments

Set Up the Next Fiscal Year: 

• Create a New Period
• Create and Edit Mapping for New Funds
• Roll forward the MDFM