Using
EnCalcOU |
Version:
1.4
Size: 479KB
Released
14-October-2009
|
 |
 |
|
 |
What ever purpose the program is used for you need to enter two
sets of tank readings taken on specific dates. The program will
calculate the cost between these two dates and if 'Predict' is
not 0 will predict the oil cost for the specified number
of months ahead based on the amount used as calculated from
the readings entered. The prediction accuracy will improve the
greater the time between the two sets of tank readings. Be warned
the prediction accuracy will also be affected by seasonal variations
such as weather.
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 Tank Reading data input boxes or the mouse pointer to select individual
boxes.
Entering invalid data will cause
an error pop up to appear explaining what is wrong when the calculate or Save Data buttons are clicked. These errors
must be resolved before the calculate or save defaults 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.
Set Up
Before using the program set up how you want to use it. Set the capacity of the tank(s) and if using depth measurements un tick the volume tick box and set the depth of the tank(s). Select the units of measurement you want to use
First Use
Set Tank Reading Date 2 to the current date and the Tank 2 Reading(s) to the current value(s). Set Tank Reading 1 Date to 3 days earlier than the current date and the Tank Readings to 0. Set Delivery Date 1 to the current Date and add the oil cost data to Delivery 1. Click Calculate and then Save. Doing this sets up a record of the starting point for oil left and it's value. If no costs are entered then the residual value of the oil left will not be saved and no costs will be calculated in subsequent calculations.
Get Last
The Get Last button is used to retrieve
the last date and tank readings. Each time data is saved the
last set of readings are saved and are available for retrieval. You must use this button to retrieve the last readings for every calculation if you want to calculate costs. If this is not done the residual value of the oil left will not be saved and hence if will not be possible to calculate the value of the oil used in subsequent calculations. If this occurs by accident you can either remove the last line from the history file (be careful to maintain the format) or repeat the Set Up instructions above.
Oil Deliveries
Oil deliveries can be entered either with tank readings or on their own. Any deliveries entered on their own will be recalled when the next set of tank readings are entered if the delivery has been saved and the delivery date is between Tank Reading Date 1 and Tank Reading Date 2 when Get Last is clicked.. Deliveries are not automatically added to the tank readings. If there is no oil use when a delivery is added (i.e. the tank readings at the end equals the starting tank readings plus the oil added) no costs will be shown, the value of the delivery will be added to the residual value of the oil. Only one delivery per day can be entered. If you change any delivery data obtained by clicking Get Last the program will display an error message. A maximum of 2 deliveries can be entered between any 2 tank reading dates.
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 Feds 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 will be treated as an error.
Tank And Oil Data
The tank capacities and shapes, the prediction period, whether the program
runs on top 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 default information. These
details should be entered and saved before you first use the
program. This information can be obtained from your last oil
bill or from the supplier.
Depth To Volume Conversion Errors
WHen using depth measurements the depth is converted to volume, because volume is measured in whole gallons or litres there may be a small conversion error due to rounding. This is very small and is only noticeable when tank readings are small and the amount left is half the depth at the start.
Logging
The results 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 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 tank readings and oil value saved plus a delivery log which stores details of oil deliveries saved.
|
