Locking a Budget by Area finalises the invoices included in the current budget period and prepares the budget for reconciliation. All expenses must be allocated before you can lock.
How the Budget Lock Date Works
Invoices dated on or before the lock date are included in the current budget period. Invoices entered after the lock date are allocated to the next budgeting cycle.
When you roll over the budget, invoices with service dates within the locked period (but entered after the lock date) can be included in the new budget. If you start a fresh budget, invoices from a previously locked period are excluded by default — to include them, set their service date within the new budget period.
Before Locking: Allocate All Expenses
Navigate to the Expense to Schedule tab within the budget.
Ensure all expenses are allocated to the correct schedule.
The Lock button remains inactive until all expenses are allocated.
How to Lock the Budget
Confirm the budget period has concluded and you are ready to reconcile.
Click the Lock button.
Enter the Lock Date to define which invoices are included in the current period.
Read the warning message — while locking can be undone, its purpose is to prevent further expenses from affecting actuals for the current period.
Click Save to confirm. You can now begin reconciling the budget.
Budget by Area is referred to as Budgeted Outgoings in Asia-Pacific, Service Charge in Europe, and Operating Expenses in North America. For more information on regional terminology, see our Glossary of Regional Terminology.