Preparation for Data Entry 
This function enables you to prepare a data matrix for the entry of financial data. During preparation, Interactive Excel blocks certain cells in the matrix and makes other automatic settings, as described below. It then imports existing financial data from the database as a reference for data entry.
Preparation for data entry ensures that data is entered correctly. It can be carried out by a parent before distribution of matrices to subsidiaries, or it can be performed by the subsidiaries themselves.
Prerequisites
You have defined a matrix locally or received a predefined matrix from a parent, for which the Data entry matrix indicator is set. For more information, see Definition of a Column and Row Layout.
You have access to the backend system in which you want to save the data.
Features
Blocking of Cells Against Data Entry
Interactive Excel checks all cells in the data area to determine whether they are valid for data entry. Cells that are not valid for data entry (for example those in which totals items or invalid characteristics are located) are locked and their content cannot be saved to the database.
Caution
If you enter data in invalid cells and try to export it to the database, a warning message is issued and you can then correct the error. Once you have corrected an error, data can be exported to the database. You do not need to rerun the preparation.
If you do not correct a recognized error and you try to export data to the database again, data is transferred; however, the data with errors is not saved in the database, and an entry is made in the error log. This procedure enables you to save correct data to the database without having to first correct any data with errors.
You can use the Information about the Origin of Data function to display cells that are blocked for data entry.
For more information, see Information about the Origin of Data.
Insertion of Totals Formulas for Hierarchy Nodes
Values for hierarchy nodes are replaced by totals formulas, which automatically calculate the sum of data entered for all items below the nodes.
Caution
Due to the insertion of totals formulas, preparation for data entry is not suitable in the following cases:
If you use hierarchies of companies/consolidation units in the matrix:
Only summarization within a hierarchy of consolidation items can produce a value that is valid for consolidation purposes.
If you have specified that you want to use the Values as per item sign debit/credit sign logic:
Since the majority of values are entered/displayed as positive using this logic, the total calculated at the hierarchy nodes will be incorrect.
A cell comment contains information from the SAP system about the reason why the update cannot take place. Some reasons might be:
Subassignments were not transferred from the SAP system.
The company addressed does not exist.
The item is a totals item.
A matrix was deactivated.
After a matrix has been prepared for data entry, it is deactivated. The connection to the database is not terminated, but if you subsequently change the definition of the matrix, data is not automatically refreshed. However, you can manually trigger a refresh of data.
Example
You prepare a matrix with actual data for the year 2014. You then redefine the matrix for the entry of 2015 plan data and use the actual data for 2014 as a reference for data entry. When you change the year to 2015, the data is not refreshed automatically.
Data Import
Any data that exists in the database for the combination of characteristic values in your matrix definition is inserted into the matrix and serves as a reference that can simply be typed over.
Activities
You can run the preparation function as follows:
When you save a matrix definition, click
Data matrix 
Change Import data 
.Click
Data Matrix Import data and then the relevant work area.