Updated Articles

  1. Support & Help

    Issues accessing or operating in Vena? Contact finance@hbanet.org . In the future, office hours will be launched to provide additional support, but in the meantime, please email for urgent issues. Other planned enhancements include dashboard views...
  2. Reports and Data Updates

    Data syncs from Sage (HBA Accounting System)  daily Reports can: Be viewed in Vena Be automatically emailed as Excel files Pro tip: Even without access, reports can still be shared to other leaders as static files. This is helpful to send...
  3. Key Usage Tips & Best Practices

    Do: Always enter through Vena (not saved Excel files) Use blue cells only for inputs Click Save Data to Vena frequently Use scratchpad for calculations Use line item detail for clarity Don’t: Don’t rely on saving the Excel file alone Do...
  4. Tracking Changes Over Time

    Use “Drill Save” View past versions of your data See how numbers have changed over time Download previous versions of your template This is useful for: Auditing changes Reviewing reforecast evolution ...
  5. Using the Scratchpad (recommended)

    The Scratchpad is your working space inside the file. Use it to: Build calculations Track assumptions Store event planning details Keep supporting documentation NOTES: - Saved with your template - External file links will NOT persist B...
  6. Adding More Detail (Recommended for Reforecasting)

    Use Line Item Detail Found under Data Input Tools Add sub-line items (e.g., individual events) Example:  Instead of: “Event Revenue: $50,000” You can break into: Event A: $15,000 Event B: $10,000 Event C: $25,000 This provides cl...
  7. How to Analyze Your Financials

    Drill Down (summary → detail) Understand what makes up a total number Drill Transaction (to Sage data) View underlying transactions See notes/comments tied to entries This is your primary tool for investigation and transparency ...
  8. How to Enter or Update Data

    Where to input Only edit blue cells How to input Type values directly OR use Excel formulas When done, click: “Save Data to Vena” Critical rule: If you don’t click “Save Data to Vena,” your updates will NOT be saved Formulas sav...
  9. Understanding the Template

    What you’ll see: Chart of accounts structure (Revenue, Expenses, etc.) Data aligned to your region/location Columns including: Prior year (if available) Current year actuals (from Sage) Budget Budget remaining Reforecast (if applicabl...
  10. Opening Your Financial Template

    Click  “Input Data” Download the Excel file Open it and: Accept the Vena add-in (first time only) Select your region (auto-filled for most users) Good to know: No software installation required Works on PC, Mac (Excel 365 required),...