Overview
This article describes the following:
What is a model in Logica?
A model in Logica is a unique collection of logic, or calculations. A model in Logica is similar in concept to a workbook in a spreadsheet application.
Models perform calculations.
In a given model, any change to an input (from a user or programmatically) triggers a calculation and all affected outputs are updated automatically.
Models manage the time dimension.
In a Logica model, the time dimension does not need to be built or managed manually, such as in a spreadsheet. Logical models also handle time-based aggregation & disaggregation, such as rolling up monthly values to quarterly or yearly values.
Models are made for collaboration.
Models can be shared with other Logica users, and changes made by one person will automatically trigger a calculation and update affected outputs for all users, even users who are working in the same model and the same time.
What are the basic building blocks of a Logica model?
Logica models are built with just two basic elements: nodes and links. See this article to learn more.
What are the different types of Logica Models?
There are several types of Logica models that allow for different time discretization. These include:
Daily Models
Weekly Models
Monthly Models
Yearly Models
Custom Models
How does the time dimension work in a Logica Model?
Every model has a time dimension, which includes a start and end date and a period type. All nodes & links in a given model follow the same time settings by default. Based on those dates and the model period setting, the total periods in the model is displayed automatically.
Example 1: A one-year monthly model
The model settings would look like the image below, and 12 time steps would be created for every node in the model.
Example 2: A two-year monthly model
The model settings would look like the image below, and 24 time steps would be created for every node in the model.
Model Start and End Dates
The start and end dates determine the first and last periods of the model.
Model Time Periods
The model period type setting determines the lowest level of time discretization of the model. Options for node time-based aggregation and disaggregation are based upon the model time period.
Combined with the model start and end dates, this determines the total periods (i.e. time steps) that will be displayed and calculated for all nodes & links in the model.
Choosing a specific period type determines the time labels displayed in tables and charts:
Periods = Years
Periods = Months
Periods = Weeks
Periods = Days
Important Note:
Changes to the Periods and Start/End Date settings will affect the entire model and cannot be undone.
Increasing the number of periods (by changing the start/end dates OR by changing from Period = Years to Period = Months) will add columns to all variables, and automatically calculate all variables over the new time period. Any input variables will use the last value set, if any.
Decreasing the number of periods (by changing the start/end dates OR by changing from Period = Months to Period = Years) will remove columns, and any associated data. We do not recommend decreasing this number once set.
If only the start date is changed to a new date either in the future or the past, this is a labeling change only. All input values remain in the same relative order.
Example:
A model has a start date of January 2021.
A variable has an input of $1,000 per month in March 2021 (month 3 of the model).
The model start date is updated to January 2020.
The variable show $1,000 per month starting in March 2020 (still month 3 of the model).
Fiscal Year Start
The FY Start (or fiscal year start) setting determines the fiscal year period, which impacts the automatic time-based aggregation.
The FY Start date indicates the first month of the aggregation period - i.e. the first month of the 12-month period for "Years".
Note: This feature is only applicable in models with Periods set to Months. Yearly models do not have any time-based consolidation. The default setting for a new monthly model is "Jan", which means a calendar year/quarter consolidation.
Can I create more than one model?
Yes! The Logica platform allows for the creation of multiple models within a given account. The maximum number of models allowed is determined by the subscription tier.
To learn more about how to create a model, see this article.
To learn more about navigating between models, see this article.