CHAPTER 3
Rules and Calculations

Structures and hierarchies alone will not provide the detail and data the application needs to provide full consolidated numbers. The way you can add this into HFM is by using rules. Rules are an incredibly powerful and flexible way to add calculations to the application.

There really is not any part of HFM that can do more to make your project more valuable and more customized than the rules. Unfortunately, poorly written rules are most often the reason for poorly performing applications. No other part of this tool impacts everything else in quite the same way as rules do. Rules that are not done correctly can make every part of HFM—grids, forms, reports, security, lists, even logging on—a real chore. However, when rules are done well, they can reduce reconciliation, prevent errors, automate many data tasks, and bring the most value to your project. This potential for problems and issues scares people. But you don’t have to be afraid. I want this chapter to set you free! You will be free to look at the rul....