Take snapshots automatically

A snapshot freezes the forecast data at a moment in time. The frozen data includes aggregate column values, manual adjustments, and underlying record fields that directly affect the forecast. You can use these snapshots to see how the forecast and its underlying data have changed over time.

Snapshots are taken automatically each day and while configuring the forecasts you can enable the option. When enabled, the snapshots are taken daily for that forecast and you can view deal flows and trend data based on the snapshots.

Note

• Premium forecasting must be enabled for the snapshot feature.
• You can enable or disable snapshots any time while a forecast active. When disabled, the previously taken snapshots are still available.

License and role requirements

Requirement type	You must have
License	Dynamics 365 Sales Premium More information: Dynamics 365 Sales pricing
Security roles	System Administrator or Forecast Manager More information: Predefined security roles for Sales

To enable the snapshots

1. While configuring a forecast, the Snapshots step is displayed.

   More information: Configure forecasts by using a custom rollup entity

   

2. Set the Daily snapshots toggle to Enabled. After the forecast is active, snapshots are automatically taken daily. The initial snapshot might take a few hours to generate.

   

   Note

   • For a forecast that's in progress, the snapshots are taken from the date the option is enabled.
   • For a forecast that's scheduled for future, the snapshots are taken from the start date of the forecast.
   • The final snapshot of a forecast is taken on the final day of the forecast.
   • Snapshots aren’t taken when a forecast is in inactive state or for the past dates.

Important

While configuring columns for a forecast, ensure that each column is unique and the Selector option doesn't have duplicates. If duplicates exist, when you activate the forecast an error will be displayed that states that snapshots can't be enabled for the forecast.

Can't find the options in your app?

There are three possibilities:

• You don't have the necessary license or role.

• Your administrator hasn't turned on the feature.

• Your organization might be using a custom app. The steps described in this article are specific to the out-of-the-box Sales Hub and Sales Professional apps. Check with your administrator for exact steps.

See also

About premium forecasting
Analyze deals flow between snapshots