đź“Ś Summary

cofi.ai is organized into Workspaces and Blocks that make it easy to move between data, models, and reports. This article walks you through the main areas of the platform so you can quickly find what you need.

🔑 Key Concepts

🧭 Primary Navigation Blocks

  1. Data Sources in cofi.ai are tables generated from a single data input, such as an automated connector (e.g. API or integration) or a manual upload (e.g. SFTP or CSV file). Each Data Source has its own schema, defining its structure, and supports customization through calculated columns created via formula fields or mappings. This allows users to transform or enrich raw data directly within the Data Source.
  2. Databases in cofi.ai are a unified collection of multiple Data Sources that represent the same business concept or entity (e.g. "Customers" or "Orders"). It has its own schema, which can include calculated columns, and consolidates data through source-to-database column mappings. This structure enables users to aggregate and harmonize data from various sources into a cohesive, queryable dataset for analysis or reporting. For instance, a Database for "Orders" could aggregate a Data Source from an e-commerce platform (order details) and another from a payment gateway (transaction status) to provide a complete view of order activity.
  3. Models in cofi.ai are spreadsheet-like work areas designed for creating financial projections, budgets, and forecasts by querying a Database directly. Unlike traditional spreadsheets that rely on cell references (e.g. Gross Profit = A5 - A6), Models use concept-based logic, allowing users to define formulas based on business concepts (e.g. Gross Profit = Income - COGS). Users can build formulas, apply filters, and run scenarios to analyze different outcomes. Models are revisioned, enabling version control to track changes, and permissioned, allowing admins to manage access for collaboration or security. For example, a Model might query a "Financials" Database to calculate net profit by combining revenue and expense data, with scenarios to test various cost assumptions.
  4. Dashboards in cofi.ai are a dynamic interface for visualizing and reporting insights derived from calculated variables in a Model. Users can create interactive charts, tables, and financial statements to present data clearly and effectively. Dashboards pull data directly from Models, ensuring real-time updates as underlying data changes. For instance, a Dashboard might display a bar chart of monthly revenue trends or a table summarizing key financial metrics, all built from a Model’s calculations, enabling stakeholders to monitor performance at a glance.
  5. Settings in cofi.ai provides a centralized hub for configuring and managing your account, workspace, and data integrations. Users can update account details, set workspace preferences (e.g. currency or time zone), manage user roles and permissions, and configure calendars, scenarios, and dimensions for tailored financial analysis. Additionally, Settings allow you to establish integrations with external systems, such as HRIS (e.g. Workday), CRM (e.g. Salesforce), or ERP (e.g. NetSuite), to seamlessly pull data into cofi.ai via connectors. For example, you might set up a Salesforce connector to import customer data or define a fiscal calendar to align financial reporting with your organization’s schedule.

➡️ Typical User Flow in cofi.ai

  1. Connect Your Data: Import data into Data Sources using automated connectors (e.g. APIs for CRM or ERP systems) or manual uploads (e.g. CSV or SFTP).
  2. Standardize and Structure: Aggregate and organize Data Sources into a unified Database with a consistent schema for analysis.
  3. Build Models: Create forecasts, budgets, or calculations in Models by querying the Database and applying concept-based logic.
  4. Visualize and Share: Display insights from Models in Dashboards using interactive charts, tables, or financial reports.