We’ve improved autocomplete in Model Builder formulas to make building formulas faster, more intuitive, and less error-prone:

1. Datasets grouped by category – Datasets in the autocomplete list are now grouped by category, making it easier to find the right one quickly.

2. Improved time period filtering –

   • The formula popover now shows “Filter time…” instead of the “.” trigger (the system will insert the “.” operator automatically).

   • Time options are reorganized into clear sections:

     • Relative: Last Month, Last 6 Months, Last 12 Months, Month Last Year, Custom Past Months, Custom Future Months. On actuals, Last Month, Month Last Year, Custom Past Months options are available.
     • Fixed: Specific months (e.g., Jan25, Feb25…)
3. “WHERE” renamed to “Filter rows…” – Selecting this in autocomplete now automatically generates a WHERE clause, making its purpose clearer.
4. Smarter date suggestions – Only relevant date columns are suggested when using functions with the new grammar, reducing errors.
5. Consistent operator styling – Operator groups (variables, datasets, operators, etc.) now appear in lowercase for better readability.

You can now review and input values for percentage variables in a more natural format within the Manual Input Panel. For example, you'll see and type 10% instead of 0.1.

How it works:

• Want to apply a 60% growth rate? Just type 60 or 60%.
• Copy-pasting from Excel or Sheets works seamlessly, no need to reformat.
• This update only affects how values are displayed and entered, all calculations remain unchanged. Behind the scenes, values are still processed as decimals (e.g., 0.1) in all computations.

Considerations:

• ⚠️ This logic only applies in the Manual Input Panel interface. In the downloaded version data file are still shown and managed as raw decimals (e.g., 0.6).

new Manual inputs can now be downloaded and uploaded per scenario, not just the default one.

This gives you greater flexibility when managing forecasts or budgeting multiple scenarios.

⚙️ How does it work?

Just like with the default scenario, you can download an Excel file containing either all manual inputs or the full version data for any non-default scenario.

Simply edit the manual input values in Excel, then upload the file back to Abacum and your changes will be applied to the selected scenario.

• Variable descriptions: If defined in the model, descriptions are now shown for additional context.
• Clearer formulas: Formulas are displayed using the same visual formatting as in Models.
• Dataset tabs: Each dataset is organized into tabs instead of using a radio button.
• Measure and filters overview: See which measure and filters are applied directly above the dataset table.
• Open Dataset button: Quickly jump to the full dataset viewer.
• Table filters: Analyze data directly within the modal by applying filters—no need to export to Excel for quick checks.

We’re excited to introduce Duplicate variable functionality.This lets you instantly create a copy of an existing variable, so you can build your models faster and avoid repetitive work when modeling similar logic. 

Why is it important?

Many models include variables that are nearly identical — they share structure, formulas, and input logic, with just a few changes needed. Previously, you had to recreate these variables manually, which was time-consuming and error-prone.

Now, with Duplicate variable action, you can clone an existing variable and make small adjustments, significantly speeding up your workflow and improving consistency across your models.

How does it work?

When you click Duplicate, a cloned version is created immediately below the original and saved automatically. The duplicate includes:

• All version formulas
• All manual inputs for each version

If the original variable has unsaved changes, a confirmation modal will prompt you to save them before duplicating.

This feature is designed to reduce friction, save time, and help you stay focused on what really matters: building your model.

Note: This feature is being rolled out in batches. If you don't see it yet, please contact Abacum Support to have it activated for your organization.

Experiencing delays or lockouts while saving changes or waiting for model refreshes can be highly frustrating—especially when working on tight timelines. To streamline your workflow and reduce friction during modeling and budgeting, we’ve adapted how updates work across the platform. You can now continue working on the model while variables refresh in the background, with real-time visual feedback that shows what’s updating and when it’s ready.

Why does this matter?

This release introduces a more fluid, collaborative way of working: you no longer need to pause while the system catches up. Variables refresh independently, and updates are applied automatically—so you can focus on the task at hand, not system status.

This benefits everyone across the planning process:

• Budget owners can input data even while others are editing or saving.
• Finance teams can build, edit, and sync models in parallel—without getting blocked.
• Refreshes are faster and smarter, minimizing downtime and speeding up workflows.

What’s new?

• Variable refreshes now run independently and in parallel, reducing wait times.
• A new status column in the Model Builder shows real-time activity per variable.
• Tables, space blocks, and dashboards display live loading indicators during updates.
• Errors are shown at the variable level only, without halting the broader update process.
• Model refreshes have been decoupled from dataset syncs, so one failure won’t block everything.

Learn more about all the changes here: Link.

How It Works

All changes are managed through a new queuing system that processes updates in the correct order. You’ll see visual indicators—like spinners and status tags—so you always know what’s happening and when it’s done. Only the affected variable is locked during its refresh; everything else remains available.

• When a table contains at least one manual input cell, an Edit values button will appear when hovering the table.
• Clicking the button activates edit mode, which:
  • Clears all table colors
  • Highlights editable cells in light blue
  • Makes it clear where users can input data
• You can exit edit mode by clicking Back to view.
• Double-clicking an editable cell also opens the panel and activates edit mode.
• Refreshing the page resets the view to the default (view mode).
• If the table includes only non-editable values (e.g. only actuals), the Edit button is not shown.
• Members without that "Can edit values" permission won’t see the button, even if the table contains manual inputs.

• This is a visual-only toggle — it doesn’t change any data or permissions.
• Detached scenarios and inherited manual inputs (e.g. not on the variable’s level) won’t show purple or striped cells in this mode — this is a simpler view.
• This is just the first step — more enhancements to budgeting workflows are coming soon!

We’ve refreshed the design of Model Builder blocks to make your modeling experience cleaner, more intuitive, and easier to distinguish.

✨ What’s new:

• Visual clarity: Each resource type now includes an icon, so you can identify them at a glance.
• More compact layout: Block height and spacing have been reduced for a cleaner, denser view.
• Improved readability: Font colors and padding have been adjusted for better legibility and alignment.

We’ve also started updating the grammar used in Model Builder. The new style offers a clearer structure and ensure that only the right parameters are offered on the autocomplete — for example:

From: AVERAGE (balance) FROM dataset
To: AVERAGE (dataset, balance)

Currently, only the AVERAGE() function uses this new grammar and styling. As we gradually migrate other functions, they will also adopt the updated look and feel — with blocks split by resource and aligned with the new format.

Stay tuned!

You can now pull Actuals values directly from your Abacum models into your Excel spreadsheets using the Abacum connector for Excel!

This latest improvement enables you to seamlessly combine the power of Abacum with the flexibility of Excel, and leverage the connector to suit your specific needs.

How it Works

1. Go to Excel and open the Abacum Connector for Excel.
2. Set up a new Pull connection.
3. Select the Abacum model you wish to pull data from.
4. In the version selector, choose Actuals.
5. Save the connection and click Pull. Your actuals data will appear instantly in your Excel sheet!

Ready to Get Started?

Reach out to your customer success agent to upgrade and enable the Abacum connector for Excel. Learn more about how it works in the Abacum Academy.

You can now save your filter setup for any version dataset space block! This powerful update means you can easily customize what data is displayed in your Space, ensuring everyone sees exactly what's most important, without any unnecessary noise.

Key Benefits

• Reduced data noise: Admins can filter out unnecessary information, ensuring users see only what's relevant.
• Tailored user experience: Provides a cleaner, more focused view of the version dataset block for all users.

How it Works

Whenever you apply a new filter, modify an existing one, or remove a filter within your version dataset space block, you'll see two new buttons appear in the block header:

• Save for everyone: This will save your current filter setup and apply it as the default view for all other users.
• Reset: This will clear any unsaved changes and revert to the last saved filter configuration.