Questions? We have answers.

What is an analysis period?

  • Updated

Summary

An analysis period is a specific date range that reflects the period of time being analyzed within MindBridge.  

MindBridge offers 2 types of analysis periods:

  1. *Current (analysis) period: For many, this period represents the current fiscal year being analyzed, but the current analysis period start and end dates can be configured to represent any period of time. All entries and transactions in the current period will be scored for risk when the analysis is run.
    • Note: The current analysis period is first defined during analysis creation, but can be adjusted when importing files.
  2. Prior (analysis) period(s): These periods represent historical data. Most analysis types allow you to add and analyze prior periods of data — this allows MindBridge to provide you with a robust view of the data over time. Learn more about prior periods in MindBridge
Note: Analysis periods within the same analysis cannot overlap.
*Note: In a general ledger ("GL") analysis, the analysis time frame affects the current period dates:
  • Full: Used to analyze a complete GL. Analysis period start and end dates should span the full period of time you want to analyze. Learn more about the full GL analysis
  • Interim: Used to analyze an incomplete GL prior to year-end. Analysis period start and end dates should span the full period of time you want to analyze, with an interim as-at date that occurs after the start date. The "current period" dates in your analysis will reflect the start and as-at dates determined during analysis creation. Learn more about the interim GL analysis
  • Periodic: Used to analyze GL data on an ongoing basis (such as monthly or quarterly). Analysis period start and end dates should span the full period of time you plan to analyze. Learn more about the periodic GL analysis

Change the analysis period

You can update the analysis periods after an analysis has been created, provided the new dates do not result in gaps or overlapping dates between periods.

Note: Once a file has completed the import process, you will not be able to update the analysis period into which the file was imported, however, you can replace files or restart the import process at any time, even after the analysis has run, which will subsequently allow you to update the analysis period.

Analysis period changes on the Data page

Update the analysis period dates on the Data page. 

Current period

  1. Select the edit icon ( Edit icon) in line with the current period.
  2. Select the Start date or End date field.
    A calendar will appear.
  3. Use the calendar to select the desired start and end dates.
  4. When you are satisfied, Save your changes.

Select Cancel anytime to discard your changes and go back to the Data page.

Prior periods

  1. Open the more actions menu ( More actions menu icon ) in line with the desired prior period.
  2. Select Edit period.
  3. Select the Start date or End date field.
    A calendar will appear.
  4. Use the calendar to select the desired start and end dates.
  5. When you are satisfied, Save your changes.

Select Cancel anytime to discard your changes and go back to the Data page.

Analysis period changes during the import process (Analysis Period step)

On the Analysis Period step of the import process you will see a summary of the imported data, a graph that displays in-period and out-of-period entries, and integrity checks related to the analysis period dates.

  1. On the left side of the screen, select Edit next to the analysis period dates.
    A pop-up window will appear.
  2. Select the date fields to reveal the calendar tool, then select the:
    • Analysis period start date
    • Analysis period end date
  3. When you are satisfied, Save your changes.
    The Analysis Period page updates automatically to reflect your new selection.

Select Cancel anytime to discard your unsaved changes and go back to the Analysis Period step.

GIF showing how to edit the analysis period dates during the import process


After the data is imported, the analysis period affects a number of areas across MindBridge, including:

Note: Out-of-period entries (for the current period) can be viewed within the data table to provide a reference for cut-off procedures, but are not scored for risk. To see out-of-period entries, you must change the data table view to show entries "After Current Period".

Anything else on your mind? Chat with us or submit a request for further assistance.

Was this article helpful?