How do I use the provisions module?

This article explains how you can use the provisions module.

This data enables our software to build your financial statements (balance sheet, P&L, cash flow statement), which can then be downloaded along with your business plan.

It’s fast and easy to do.

inventory write-off and lawsuit provisions entered into the business plan software

What are provisions?

Provisions are accounting adjustments which allow you to set aside part of your profits to cover an expected liability, even though the exact probability of the liability materializing or the specific cost to the business might be unknown. They have no direct impact on your cash position, they simply allow you to record the existence of this potential liability on your balance sheet. 

Examples include product warranties and future legal fees.

The best practice when doing business plans is to avoid using provisions, and instead to create two scenarios: one where the risk materializes (worst case), and one where it doesn't (best case). This enables you to get a better picture of your cash flows.

Our recommendation is therefore to only use this module if you have an existing business which has provisions created by an accountant.

How does the manage provisions module work?

At the centre of the module, you will find a table which details each provision and its corresponding value and classification

You can view data for your provisions for up to 5 years from when you started the business plan

You can edit, copy and delete provisions by using the buttons in the table

You can reorganise provisions in the table using drag and drop

How does the manage provisions module impact my financial forecast?

The Business Plan Shop's Our software will use your provision data to create your forecasted financial statements (P&L, balance sheet and cash flow statement). 

These statements also form part of the financial plan section of your business plan. 

As soon as you save a new provision amount, the software will automatically recalculate everything to ensure that your financial forecast is up to date. It’s fast and simple, meaning that your plan will always be ready to export.

When building your forecasted financial statements:

  • We’ll use the amount entered to build the relevant expense section in your P&L (D&A, financial or exceptional expenses) and adjust the balance sheet. 
  • Provisions don’t impact your cash flow forecast directly, but they reduce your corporation tax liability which can impact your cash flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add new provisions to the table?
  • Simply, click on the add a/an "provisions" button above the table how to add a new provision

Notes:

  • In this example, we have used a screenshot from the business lines module which works in a similar way as the provisions module
How do I edit existing provisions in the table?

If you are on desktop:

  • Choose the row that you want to edit
  • Hover your cursor over that row. An edit button will now appear. editing provisions on desktop
  • Click on the button
  • You should now be able to edit the provisions

If you are on mobile:

  • Choose the row that you want to edit
  • Click on the settings button at the end of the row. An edit button will now appear. editing provisions on mobile
  • Click on the edit button
  • You should now be able to edit the provisions

Notes:

  • In this example, we have used a screenshot from the business lines module which works in a similar way as the provisions module
  • You can also click on the name of the provision in the table to edit it for both desktop and mobile.
How do I re-order provisions in the table?

Notes:

  • You can re-order provisions by dragging and dropping them inside the table
  • In this example, we have used a screenshot from the business lines module which works in a similar way as the provisions module

If you are on desktop:

  • Click on the drag handle at the beginning of the row reordering provisions by dragging and dropping
  • Click and hold on the icon simultaneously, while dragging it to your chosen location in the table. 
  • The provisions should now be placed in your desired position in the table
How do I export provisions?

If you are on desktop:

  • Choose the row that you want to export
  • Hover your cursor over that row. An export button will now appear. exporting either a single provision or the entire table of provisions on desktop
  • Click on the export button
  • The file will automatically download as a CSV
  • You can either view the downloaded file or save it

If you are on mobile:

  • Choose the row that you want to export
  • Click on the more options icon at the end of the row. An export button will now appear. exporting a single provision on mobile
  • Click on the export button
  • The file will automatically download as a CSV
  • You can either view the downloaded file or save it

Notes:

  • In this example, we have used a screenshot from the business lines module which works in a similar way as the provisions module
  • If you are on desktop, you can also click on the "export to CSV" button beneath the table. This exports the entire table, rather than a single provision. In this case, you'll also be given the choice to export either monthly or yearly data.
How do I delete provisions?

If you are on desktop:

  • Choose the row that you want to delete from the table
  • Hover your cursor over that row. A delete button will now appear. removing outdated provisions on desktop
  • Click on the delete button
  • That row will now be deleted from the table

If you are on mobile:

  • Choose the row that you want to delete from the table
  • Click on the more options icon at the end of the row. A delete button will now appear. removing outdated provisions on mobile
  • Click on the delete button
  • That row will now be deleted from the table

Notes:

  • In this example, we have used a screenshot from the business lines module which works in a similar way as the provisions module
How do I restore provisions?
  • Click on the name of any provisions in the table
    • For other ways to edit an provisions, check out our FAQ above
  • You'll now be taken to the edit view page
  • Scroll down and click on view version history, just beneath the table viewing previous versions of the provisions table
  • Use the filters located above the table to find your deleted provisions

The final step will depend on whether your on desktop or mobile:

If you are on desktop:

  • Click on the "activate" button in the table to restore the provisions restoring accidentally deleted provisions on desktop

If you are on mobile:

  • Click on the "more" button at the end of the row
    • Click on the "restore provisions" button that appears restoring accidentally deleted provisions on mobile

Notes:

  • In this example, we have used a screenshot from the business lines module which works in a similar way as the provisions module
  • Provisions can only be restored in edit view

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