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Review project cost forecast

Use the Cost Forecast widget to understand current and projected project costs, key performance indices, and main cost drivers.

Audience

This guide is designed for project manager.

Steps​

Step 1: Open the financial dashboard​

Navigate to the PlanOps dashboard and open the Financial or Cost section where the Cost Forecast widget is displayed as a card among other financial widgets.

Open the financial dashboard

Step 2: Check loading and refresh the data​

When the widget first appears, a loading skeleton is shown while data is fetched; once loaded, use the refresh button with the circular arrow icon to pull the latest cost forecast data at any time.

Check loading and refresh the data

Step 3: Review headline cost forecast metrics​

At the top of the widget, review key figures such as Estimate at Completion (EAC), Budget at Completion (BAC) and Variance at Completion (VAC), displayed in your project currency for a quick view of overall cost position.

Review headline cost forecast metrics

Step 4: Assess performance indices​

Use the badges and indicators for the Cost Performance Index (CPI), Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and To Complete Performance Index (TCPI) to understand whether costs and schedule are tracking above, below or on target.

Assess performance indices

Step 5: Examine cost trend over time​

Review the cost trend visualisation, comparing planned, actual and forecast cost by period to see where the project has deviated from plan and how costs are expected to evolve.

Examine cost trend over time

Step 6: Identify key cost drivers​

Scroll or look to the cost drivers list to see which items are contributing most to variances, using the up, down or stable trend indicators to focus on areas needing investigation or action.

Identify key cost drivers

Last updated: 2026-08-31