The Resource Flow Plan tool provides an excellent method for budgeting and tracking resource inflows and outflows on a month-to-month basis. This concept is familiar to anyone who has used cash flow budgeting. The upper section of the Resource Flow Plan worksheet is used to record inflows of resources expected over each month from various sources. Outflows for all uses are recorded in the lower section with an ending balance calculated for the end of each month and carried forward to the beginning of the next.
Used diligently, the Resource Flow Plan provides the information necessary to monitor all resource balances and provide feedback on how all resources are being used. Timely use of the Resource Flow Plan tool will allow management to budget resource needs, monitor actual flows, and adjust as needed throughout the production season to follow previously set guidelines and prevent potential damage caused by resource shortfalls.