---
title: Locked Forecasts
description: This article helps resolve situations where forecast values cannot be edited because the forecast or planning period has been locked. Forecast Locking is a normal part of the planning process and is used to protect approved forecasts from unintended changes.…
url: "https://safiosolutions.com/knowledge-base/locked-forecasts/"
updated: "2026-06-30"
category: Forecasting / Forecast Troubleshooting
---

# Locked Forecasts

This article helps resolve situations where forecast values cannot be edited because the forecast or planning period has been locked. Forecast Locking is a normal part of the planning process and is used to protect approved forecasts from unintended changes.

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## Symptoms

You may be experiencing one or more of the following:

- Forecast values cannot be edited.
- Forecast cells appear read-only.
- Changes cannot be saved.
- An error indicates that the forecast or planning period is locked.
- The system prevents updates to an approved forecast.

---

## Possible Causes

The issue may be caused by one or more of the following:

- The planning period has been locked after forecast approval.
- Your user role does not have permission to modify locked forecasts.
- The forecast has already been published.
- Your organization has restricted editing for completed planning periods.

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## Resolution

**1. Verify the Planning Period**

Confirm that you are editing the correct planning period and that it has not already been finalized.

**2. Review the Forecast Status**

Determine whether the forecast has been approved or locked as part of your organization’s planning process.

**3. Confirm Your Permissions**

If other users can edit the forecast but you cannot, your security role may not include permission to modify locked forecasts.

**4. Contact the Forecast Owner or Administrator**

If the forecast legitimately requires changes after it has been locked, contact the appropriate planner or system administrator to determine the next steps.

**5. Review the Forecast Audit Log**

If you are unsure when the forecast became locked or whether changes were recently made, review the Forecast Audit Log for additional information.

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## Preventative Tips

To reduce future occurrences:

- Complete forecast reviews before planning periods are locked.
- Follow your organization’s monthly planning workflow.
- Verify forecast values before requesting approval.
- Understand your organization’s locking schedule.
- Communicate significant forecast changes before the planning period is finalized.

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## Related Topics

- [Forecast Locking](https://safiosolutions.com/knowledge-base/forecast-locking/)
- [Forecast Audit Log](https://safiosolutions.com/knowledge-base/forecast-audit-log/)
- [Forecast Editor](https://safiosolutions.com/knowledge-base/forecast-editor/)
- [Monthly Planning Workflow](https://safiosolutions.com/knowledge-base/monthly-planning-workflow/)
- [Why Numbers Changed](https://safiosolutions.com/knowledge-base/why-numbers-changed/)
- [Forecast Lifecycle](https://safiosolutions.com/knowledge-base/forecast-lifecycle/)