Using
EnCalcLU |
Version:
1.4
Size: 391KB
Released
22-October-2008
|
 |
 |
|
 |
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 number of people using water.
For an overview of the data limits
including those which can be 0 or empty see Data Limits. When the Calculate or Save Defs 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 default cost values) or the mouse pointer to select individual
boxes.
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
function 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
These are defined by the settings in the computers Regional Settings
which can be accessed via Control Panel. Dates follow the format
of the Short Date setting. There is only limited space in the
date fields so short dates containing the full month will not
display properly. Currency symbols reflect the settings in the
Currency Tab.
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
Defs button. The Save Defaults button
will only work for users with administrative privileges. The Reset Defs 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.
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.
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 log file. A start up message is written
to the log file each time the program is started which shows
the program version. For an 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 date and meter reading entered.
|
