How to Use the COATES Test Version for Budget Experimentation

Learn how to safely experiment with budget data using the COATES Test Version before entering information into the live FY27 budget. Step-by-step guide for switching versions and testing scenarios.

April 8, 2026 By Dimitri Aroney

In this guide, we'll learn how to use the COATES Test Version to experiment with budget data before entering it into the live FY27 budget version. This approach helps you test changes and understand potential outcomes without affecting real data.

Let's get started

In this session, we will look at using the test version to experiment before entering data into the live budget version. To start, click on the top right. You'll see a list of different versions.

The current version, Budget Current, is the live FY27 budget version.

Step #2: Click on "Budget (" — Click on "Budget ("

Only actual FY27 budget data should be loaded into this version. If you want to experiment, you can click here and change it to the Coates Test Version. This is available on any sheet that you can see.

Step #4: Click on "Coates Test Version" — Click on "Coates Test Version"

Here is our COATES Test Version. You are free to edit and add different data. The models should behave very similarly to the official budget version. This allows you to experiment and enter data to see potential outputs.

It's not just available on the Personnel Sheet. The version appears in other sheets and even on dashboards. Here is the steps to see it on the dashboards.

Step #5: Click on "|||" — Click on "|||"

Step #6: Click on "Dashboards" — Click on "Dashboards"

Step #7: Click on "Personnel Review" — Click on "Personnel Review"

Step #8: Click on "Coates Test Version ✓" — Click on "Coates Test Version ✓"

It's a consistent layout. Look for that version in the top right and find the Coates Test Version.