Using
EnCalcLU |
Version: 3.0
Size: 551KB
Released
10-August-2010 |
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What ever purpose the program is used for you need to enter two
sets of meter readings taken on different dates. The program
will calculate the cost between these two dates and if 'Predict'
is not 0 will predict the water cost for the specified number
of periods ahead based on the amount used as calculated from
the readings. The prediction accuracy will improve the
greater the time between the two sets of meter readings. Be warned
the prediction accuracy will also be affected by seasonal variations
such as weather and the number of people using water. See the log files and screen shot for examples of use.
For an overview of the data limits
including those which can be 0 or empty see Data Limits. When the Calculate or Save Data buttons are clicked
any relevant fields set to zero will be cleared. Hovering over
the various data boxes with the mouse pointer will cause the Tool
Tips to be displayed which give information as to what the box
is for and what the data limits are if it is for data entry. Use
the tab key to move sequentially between data input boxes (not
the water values) or the mouse pointer to select individual
boxes. Negative numbers are displayed in orange without the minus sign.
Entering invalid data will cause
an error pop up to appear explaining what is wrong when Calculate
is clicked. These errors must be resolved before the Calculate
or Save Data functions will work. If an internal program error occurs data will
be written to the log file if possible and an error number will
be displayed. Any errors of this type should be reported since
they indicate a bug.
Meter Readings
Meter readings are entered in cubic metres to one decimal place.
Currency And Date Formats
This is defined by the settings in the computer Regional Options
which can be accessed via the Control Panel. The currency symbol
reflects the settings in the Currency Tab. The date format in
the log file reflects the Short Date format setting in the Date
Tab. The currency or date settings can be changed with the program
running. Currency changes will be reflected next time Calculate. Reset Data or Clear are clicked. Date format changes will be effective for the next
new calculation. Entering a different currency symbol to that selected in the Regional Options Currency Tab is treated as an error.
Volume Units
By default EnCalcLU works in cubic metres, however ticking the Volume Units checkbox changes the program to work in 1000 gallon units.
Default Values And Get Last
The cost of water and sewage, the prediction period, whether
the program runs on top, the prediction period size and how save
works can be saved as default values by clicking on the Save Data button. The Save Defaults button
will only work for users with administrative privileges. The Reset Data button is used to restore the saved
default values. These details should be entered and saved before
you first use the program. This information can be obtained from
your last water bill or from the supplier. The Get Last button
is used to retrieve the last date and meter reading. Each time
a calculation is saved the last date and readings are saved and are available
for retrieval. The last readings saved are also retrieved on start up.
Actual Period, Prediction
Period And Fixed Charge Calculation
Water suppliers are not noted for the predictability of their
billing dates and although the nominal period may be 6 months
the dates do vary, also the billing period is unlikely to align
with a real month start date. For these reasons the 6 month period
calculation is a compromise which allows for an extra ten days.
This is to stop fixed charges being incorrectly
calculated. This does mean that if the actual period being costed
is just over one year the fixed charges may still be incorrectly
calculated. This possible error does not occur with predicted results.
For the actual formulae used click here.
The Actual and Prediction Period is in either in six month increments
or monthly increments (If the Monthly box is ticked). Fixed charges
are multiplied by either the Actual Period to the nearest next six
month increment or the Predicted Period for predicted results. The
Predicted Period is calculated from the earliest date entered. Fixed charges cover either 6 months or one month dependent on whether the monthly option is checked. For the actual
formula used click here.
Cost per Day
The program will display cost per day for both the actual and predicted results. These two figures can be slightly different to each other due to the effect of fixed charges and discounts over the actual and predicted time periods.
Discount 1
Discount 1 is a fixed or percentage discount subtracted before VAT/Tax and is multiplied by the number of 6 month or 1 month periods for the both the actual and predicted calculations. To calculate Discount 1 as a percentage check the Discount 1 % checkbox. Discount 1 can be used to handle discounts for early payment. For the actual
formulae used click here.
Discount 2
Discount 2 is either a discount multiplied by the number of 6 month or 1 month periods for both the actual and predicted calculations applied after VAT/Tax or a fixed amount subtracted from the actual results only. Discount 2 can be used to allow for one off credits due to over payment. For the actual
formulae used click here.
Logging
The main log file can be used to capture the results of calculations
Each entry is date and time stamped. Any internal program errors
will also be written to the results log file. A start up message is written
to the log file each time the program is started which shows
the program version. For a real example of using the program and
more details about the log files look at Log Files. There is also a history log which which stores a running
record of the last set of data entered. By clicking on the Archive button the results log file can be saved and a new one created. The results log file can be archived, see Log File for details of the location and naming of archived files. It is also possible to clear the results log with out archiving it by clicking on the Archive button and selecting No when prompted.
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