Roll Forward Overview

Reports can be reused in future periods using the roll forward functionality. This can save a significant amount of time as XBRL tagging and data automation will not need to be repeated each reporting period from scratch.

Any numerical data object in any location of the report (for example in a table or in a paragraph of text) can be rolled forward.  This is achieved by creating relationships between data objects; an object can refer to another object from which it will retrieve its value on roll forward.

Creating Roll Forward Relationships

Roll forward relationships can be created:

1. automatically on the creation of new Data Objects; 
2. across rows or columns of tables using the right-click contextual command; or
3. individually using the Value Editor panel.

Automatically

Report Authority Professional will automatically create roll forward relationships between current and prior period numeric data objects in the following circumstances:

1. On the creation of Financial Tables.
2. When Data Objects are created by dragging and dropping a tag whilst holding the Alt modifier (which creates objects for both current and prior period.
3. When the Tag Selection Using Alternating Periods command is triggered from the Insert Tags split button as shown below:

Right Click Contextual Command

The roll forward relationships between many numerical Data Objects in a table can be easily set using a single command.  To do so, highlight the rows or columns which contain the numerical data objects, right-click, select Set Roll Forward Relationships and select one of the following two options:

1. Amongst Objects Across Rows.   Use this option to set the relationship between objects within a row - for example in a balance sheet where one column is the current period, and the other is the prior period. 
2. Amongst Objects Across Columns. Use this object to set the relationship between objects within a column - for example in a property, plant and equipment note where the top row represents opening balances and the bottom row closing balances. 

You can just as easily clear any relationships using the right-click contextual command Set Roll Forward Relationships -> Clear Relationships.

Setting Roll Forward Relationships Using the Value Editor Panel

You can set a Data Object's roll forward relationship manually by nominating another Data Object from which it should determine its value on Roll Forward using the Value Editor Panel.

To do so, select the prior period data object and click the Set Roll Forward Relationship button. 

The following form will open:

This form will list other possible Data Objects from which this prior period data object can retrieve its value during the refresh links process. 

Initialising a roll forward

To access this functionality, click the roll forward button in the “Data” ribbon bar:

The following form will appear:

The new closing period will be defaulted to be a year from the current reporting date.  This can be changed if not appropriate.