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Go to Screen Tips for specifics in using Dashflow.
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Optimized for portrait orientation on mobile phones.
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Getting Dashflow™
Is Dashflow on sale now?
Yes. Contact [email protected]
Can we see a demo?
Yes.
For those in central London, we run monthly breakfast sessions. But this is now suspended as part of the coronavirus precautions. For anyone anywhere in the world, we run regular on-line demos. We can also provide these events for an in-house group. When the pandemic passes, we will again offer in-house events in London for groups of 6 or more.
For more info, contact [email protected]
For those in central London, we run monthly breakfast sessions. But this is now suspended as part of the coronavirus precautions. For anyone anywhere in the world, we run regular on-line demos. We can also provide these events for an in-house group. When the pandemic passes, we will again offer in-house events in London for groups of 6 or more.
For more info, contact [email protected]
How do I purchase Dashflow?
Contact [email protected]
Dashflow is sold to businesses, but individuals can download the app from the App Store following purchase of subscriptions by the business. For maximum data control and data security, the firm should get all licenses via the VPP Store and organise managed distribution via MDM software.
Dashflow is sold to businesses, but individuals can download the app from the App Store following purchase of subscriptions by the business. For maximum data control and data security, the firm should get all licenses via the VPP Store and organise managed distribution via MDM software.
Can I get a free trial?
Yes. As with all Apple iOS apps, the free trial comes with a purchase. If you cancel before the end of the free trial, you get a full refund. There is no cost for a trial: it is cost-free and risk-free.
What equipment do I need?
Dashflow requires an iOS mobile device: either an iPhone or iPad capable of running iOS 11, and preferably iOS 12 or iOS13.
Which iPhone and/or iPad models are best?
The choice between an iPad or iPhone is a matter of personal preference, but you can try both with the one subscription. The iPad provides a much larger screen (up to A4) and the base version is cheap, while the iPhone is ultra-convenient and can be slipped into your pocket.
Use on any iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini or iPad Pro capable of running iOS v11.
We recommend using models released within the last 2-3 years for the best experience. Earlier models will be usable, but they lack some technology and may run frustratingly slow or even time-out in complex deals.
Use on any iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini or iPad Pro capable of running iOS v11.
We recommend using models released within the last 2-3 years for the best experience. Earlier models will be usable, but they lack some technology and may run frustratingly slow or even time-out in complex deals.
Using Dashflow™
How do I get started with Dashflow
No special training is required for Dashflow: you can depend on the familiarization that comes with everyday use.
Just start playing with app. Enter figures. Tap on anything that is blue and see what happens. Start with a simple deal or import an Argus rent roll to get confidence. A good place to get an overview of the app is the Quick Start Guide, which can be accessed in the app from Settings > Info.
Now that Dashflow is more sophisticated than when first released, time spent familiarising yourself with it is time well spent.
Remember:
Just start playing with app. Enter figures. Tap on anything that is blue and see what happens. Start with a simple deal or import an Argus rent roll to get confidence. A good place to get an overview of the app is the Quick Start Guide, which can be accessed in the app from Settings > Info.
Now that Dashflow is more sophisticated than when first released, time spent familiarising yourself with it is time well spent.
Remember:
- If you think you should be able to do something, then you probably can.
- The more complex screens have a light bulb Guide icon: tap it to get an overlay with advice.
- Screen Tips is a website support page available for users.
- You can always contact support if you are stuck.
How do I get more help with Dashflow
For more help while using Dashflow, tap on the Settings icon visible in the main system screens. Then visit Info to access a variety of support resources including the option to send an email to customer support explaining your issue.
How do I ask questions of other Dashflow users?
We will provide a forum when there is an evident wish for this website function. Until then, please contact us with any queries.
How do I stop Dashflow logging me out?
We are very sorry but, to protect your firm, Dashflow automatically logs a user out every 14 days. This cannot be altered by the user.
How do I share a Dashflow deal with a colleague?
Use the Export option in the Master Dashboard to email a copy of your deal, whether fully or only partially completed. Be aware that you can only share this .dfd file with someone who also has Dashflow installed on their iOS device. BTW: Do ensure both parties are using the same (latest) version of Dashflow.
How do I use voice entry for data?
Voice entry only applies in certain fields where a full iOS keyboard appears to allow you to enter text e.g. in the MEMO screen or "Name" fields in many screens. Tap on the key with a microphone icon, speak your text and then tap "Done". The quality is amazing, but always check the results and fix minor errors.
Note:
• Spoken numbers will appear as digits rather than words.
• You can spell words—but certain letters that are words may not come out correctly e.g. saying 'u' appears as 'you'; and saying 'r' appears as 'are'.
• You can speak punctuation and special characters e.g. 'comma', 'asterisk'.
Note:
• Spoken numbers will appear as digits rather than words.
• You can spell words—but certain letters that are words may not come out correctly e.g. saying 'u' appears as 'you'; and saying 'r' appears as 'are'.
• You can speak punctuation and special characters e.g. 'comma', 'asterisk'.
How do I delete data inside my App?
You have various options:
Option 1: Delete deals one by one by going to SAVED DEALS and swiping from right to left and tapping on the red delete button that appears.
Option 2: Delete your app entirely from the Device HOME Screen in the normal way: which deletes all data as well.
Option 3: Go to Apple Settings > General > Storage > Manage Storage > Dashflow > Delete app. This deletes all data as well.
Option 1: Delete deals one by one by going to SAVED DEALS and swiping from right to left and tapping on the red delete button that appears.
Option 2: Delete your app entirely from the Device HOME Screen in the normal way: which deletes all data as well.
Option 3: Go to Apple Settings > General > Storage > Manage Storage > Dashflow > Delete app. This deletes all data as well.
How do I suggest features or improvements
At any point where you have an idea that might help other users or you just want to comment, shake the iPhone vigorously. That will activate our in-app reporting mechanism. You will have a chance to explain your thoughts including drawing on an image of the relevant screen.
You can always email us at [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the Screen Tips webpage.
You can always email us at [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of the Screen Tips webpage.
What do I do if the app crashes or freezes?
Don't worry! All your input is saved until the moment of the crash: just go to the SAVED DEALS screen, open the deal and continue working.
Any crash is automatically notified to our developers and fixing the issue becomes a top priority. It helps if you can give us information by activating our in-app reporting feature (see above). If you can replicate the crash, you may be able to confirm the issue and email us with more details.
Any crash is automatically notified to our developers and fixing the issue becomes a top priority. It helps if you can give us information by activating our in-app reporting feature (see above). If you can replicate the crash, you may be able to confirm the issue and email us with more details.
Understanding Dashflow™
What sort of IRR is used?
Dashflow applies the IRR method that is used worldwide by CRE institutional fund managers to report to their clients. This is often applied in Excel with a ready-made formula e.g. "=IRR ([array of distributions])" or "=XIRR([sequence of distributions], [sequence of respective timings])".
Does Dashflow™ calculate Project IRR and/or Equity IRR?
Dashflow is oriented to a CRE property deal and the calculated "Deal IRR" is a "Whole Project" IRR. For a single-investor-deal, the Project IRR is equivalent to the Equity IRR. With complex capital structures involving multiple investors, each with their own conditions and borrowings, a particular investor will probably wish to calculate their own "Equity IRR". At the present, the DashModel file very quickly provides a foundational fully functional Excel workbook that can be modified by such an investor to work our their Equity IRR (or indeed apply any special or proprietary approach to analyse the deal).
How do I know that the IRR and other calculations are correct?
There are two aspects to get confidence in the IRR as explained below.
•Validity: You can check whether the result of any calculation is accurate by performing the same calculation using a different method. The Dashflow app provides this confirmation of accuracy because it generates two different forms of IRR calculation. The Dashflow interface shown in the CASH FLOW screen uses and innovative artificial intelligence mechanism, while the exported DashModel uses Excel functions and formulae. These two methods of calculation should generate the same IRR. In practice there may be minor differences of ±5% that are a consequence of the slightly different assumptions intrinsic to the two methods (e.g. handling rounding). The actual discrepancy is always available in the DashModel workbook and should be checked.
•Veridicality: But the two methods may simply agree on a wrong result. So there must be a way to ensure that this result represents the actual IRR correctly. There is such a way: you can check the IRR for yourself, just as we have done repeatedly. Unlike other commonly used software, the DashModel is totally transparent. The whole IRR analysis is laid our clearly in Excel. All your inputs are there in a well-organised legible fashion with all formulae visible by selecting the cell. For example, you can quickly scan the monthly cash flow to check if lease covenants (start, rent review, expiry, void event etc) are being applied with the correct timing sequence/logic. It will take you a few hours, but you could also do your own independent IRR modelling as a check. Unfortunately, unless you are an Excel wizard, surveys repeatedly reveal that your model will contain errors. For more—read our White Paper.
•Validity: You can check whether the result of any calculation is accurate by performing the same calculation using a different method. The Dashflow app provides this confirmation of accuracy because it generates two different forms of IRR calculation. The Dashflow interface shown in the CASH FLOW screen uses and innovative artificial intelligence mechanism, while the exported DashModel uses Excel functions and formulae. These two methods of calculation should generate the same IRR. In practice there may be minor differences of ±5% that are a consequence of the slightly different assumptions intrinsic to the two methods (e.g. handling rounding). The actual discrepancy is always available in the DashModel workbook and should be checked.
•Veridicality: But the two methods may simply agree on a wrong result. So there must be a way to ensure that this result represents the actual IRR correctly. There is such a way: you can check the IRR for yourself, just as we have done repeatedly. Unlike other commonly used software, the DashModel is totally transparent. The whole IRR analysis is laid our clearly in Excel. All your inputs are there in a well-organised legible fashion with all formulae visible by selecting the cell. For example, you can quickly scan the monthly cash flow to check if lease covenants (start, rent review, expiry, void event etc) are being applied with the correct timing sequence/logic. It will take you a few hours, but you could also do your own independent IRR modelling as a check. Unfortunately, unless you are an Excel wizard, surveys repeatedly reveal that your model will contain errors. For more—read our White Paper.
How does Dashflow™ handle a user's arbitrary alteration to parameters?
Dashflow™ permits you to make arbitrary alterations e.g. to the term of the investment, to the hold period &c. When those alterations are made, other assumptions may be forced to alter.
Example
What happens to the amortisation if the hold period is changed? Dashflow could keep the "Sell LTV %" constant, which would mean that the annual amortisation would change; or it could keep the annual amortisation amount or percent constant, which would mean that the "Sell LTV %" changes. At present, the option chosen has been to keep the Sell LTV % constant.
In future versions, users will be allow to select options where they exist. Till then, email us your preferences in such things.
Example
What happens to the amortisation if the hold period is changed? Dashflow could keep the "Sell LTV %" constant, which would mean that the annual amortisation would change; or it could keep the annual amortisation amount or percent constant, which would mean that the "Sell LTV %" changes. At present, the option chosen has been to keep the Sell LTV % constant.
In future versions, users will be allow to select options where they exist. Till then, email us your preferences in such things.
Why must every Unit in the Leasing Screen be either Tenanted (T) or Vacant (V) or Non-rentable?
Correct calculations depend on a completed property plan. So you must complete the plan using your best knowledge and guesses. When you know more, you can change your inputted values. Unlike competing methods, this is a matter of seconds or a minute at most.
We are aware that in everyday commercial dealings, all relevant data are rarely (or never) immediately available. There may also be uncertainty as to the validity of some data and even whether a unit is vacant or leased. Often what you think you know turns out to be wrong or out-dated. That is why Dashflow constantly refers to data inputs as "assumptions" and that is why it is designed to respond instantly to changes in those assumptions.
We are aware that in everyday commercial dealings, all relevant data are rarely (or never) immediately available. There may also be uncertainty as to the validity of some data and even whether a unit is vacant or leased. Often what you think you know turns out to be wrong or out-dated. That is why Dashflow constantly refers to data inputs as "assumptions" and that is why it is designed to respond instantly to changes in those assumptions.
What is the Dashflow™ deal file?
The Dashflow deal file is what you create when you use the Dashflow™ app to make an investment appraisal. It contains all the information that you provide as various default assumptions. The file is in .dfd format, which is not a format that your computer understands. So you cannot use the deal file outside the Dashflow™ app. You can share deal files, and if there is a persistent issue or crash, you may be asked to send this file to Dashflow support for analysis.
Why is all data labeled as assumptions?
Data rarely has the certainty that you imagine it has. It may be plain wrong due to errors during collection or transcription. Even good data has problems: it may get out of date, or it may get corrupted electronically. Put another way: whenever you use data, you necessarily accept it as the best info you have, and you assume that it is valid, up to date, and not corrupted.
How can I make the numbers show what I want others to see?
You can fiddle your figures but you cannot fiddle the calculations based on them. Remember that Dashflow™ treats a fiddled figure the same way as an erroneous assumption.
Not recommended: If you wish to fiddle the calculations for any reason, you can do that on the worksheet in the DashModel by altering formulae or just replacing a formula with the specific value that you want. IAI does not support dishonesty.
Not recommended: If you wish to fiddle the calculations for any reason, you can do that on the worksheet in the DashModel by altering formulae or just replacing a formula with the specific value that you want. IAI does not support dishonesty.
Communicating Dashflow™
What can I share with my team, boss or client?
You can share the whole deal at any stage in its development if the other party also has Dashflow installed. But, don't worry, your Private Memos are not shared.
From within Dashflow:
From within Dashflow:
- share a Word file of key lease events
- share a picture of the building in its location with key data
- share highlights of the investment
- share a draft Presentation in powerpoint.
- share the DashModel Excel workbook
- share special screens which have an uploading icon
- share any screen at all by taking a screenshot, which becomes a photo that can be shared using the Apple Sharer/Uploader.
Do I have access to printing and other iPhone apps?
Any complete screen or any selectable text on a screen, can be sent to a printer, to Skype, to your Notes, to Dropbox and similar services via Apple's Sharer/Uploader.
What equipment is need for presentations?
You can present locally in 3 ways:
1. Using your iPhone or iPad in a café or other intimate setting with one or two people.
2. Using your computer screen in the office with the aid of free Zoom or cheap AirServer.
3. Using large HDTVs or projectors with the aid of Airplay or Apple's Digital AV Adapter: see more here.
If the other party is in another location:
1. Use the "share screen" facility of Zoom (available from zoom.us)
1. Using your iPhone or iPad in a café or other intimate setting with one or two people.
2. Using your computer screen in the office with the aid of free Zoom or cheap AirServer.
3. Using large HDTVs or projectors with the aid of Airplay or Apple's Digital AV Adapter: see more here.
If the other party is in another location:
1. Use the "share screen" facility of Zoom (available from zoom.us)
How do I show the location of the property?
Tap on the globe icon in the SAVED DEALS screen to input the address without worrying about data-field constraints. You can then access your preferred appearance—standard map, satellite (2D) or topographic (3D)—by selecting the rotate icon. This map-image can be manipulated in orientation or via zooming and shared by tapping on the uploading icon.
- Share this enhanced photo in the normal way
- The exact orientation and zoomed view of the building can be adjusted when you create and export a powerpoint presentation.
