The
basic level is exclusively focused on the elementary data and functions
which are necessary in any planning system. This level intends to be as simple
as possible, in order to make a basic learning process as easy as possible.The Administration page has a button that allows you to select options using the software.
General Tab
A general comment (for example the name of the user or the reference of the case) can be entered, the maximum size of which is 150 characters. This comment is then displayed on the general menu window.
Note: When entering the comment, it is necessary to click on Shift Enter in order to go to the new line down.
The Statistics Start Date has to be defined. The statistics programs record only movements which occur after this reference date. The calendar button permits to easily select this date. Note that this date is displayed on the Control Panel.
The password allows a user to protect his folders with respect to other unauthorized users.
The user has to enter his password twice. It is worth noting that the field is case sensitive. This password is required each time the folder is opened. When nothing is entered in these fields, no password is associated to the folder.
Options Tab
Three levels of complexity are available for this software.
The complexity of the different windows, tabs and dialog boxes depends on the selected complexity level (also called Version level). This feature permits an easier learning process by successive training steps: first, focused on the basic version level, in order to study the basic functions and processes, then completed by more sophisticated version levels, once the basics are mastered.
The
basic level is exclusively focused on the elementary data and functions
which are necessary in any planning system. This level intends to be as simple
as possible, in order to make a basic learning process as easy as possible.
The
intermediate level includes numerous additions to the basic level,
concerning the type of data as well as concerning the available functions.
The
advanced level includes numerous additional data types and complex
functions, as it is the case for professional software.
It is not advisable to use the software at a lower level or without specific functions after the folder has been created.
This option permits restricting the software exclusively to the data and function which are necessary for the planning and control of a trade activity (i.e. when there is no production process). Under this option, the menus and functions related to the production process are not displayed, with the result that the windows are simpler.
This option permits selecting only the functions which are used in the training program. These functions are fully described further in this manual. In summary, these functions are the following:
•
Multimedia
documents
•
Costing
•
Sales and Operations
Plans
•
Global Flow
Analysis
• Distribution
Management
•
Accounts
Receivable & Accounts Payable
•
General Ledger
The selection of functions to activate also allows to present only what is necessary according to the educational objectives. Each of the optional features is described in a separate chapter:
•Global Flow Avalysis
•Project Monitoring
•Forecasting Model
•Co-products Management
•Tree Routings
•Sub-contracting
Inventory Cost Tab
This tab is available when the general
Costing option is selected. The data entered in this dialog box is
used in order to compute the economic lot sizes (for procurement or production).
The annual demand rates are entered in the Item Reorder Policy windows The item cost is assumed to be given by the standard cost, computed by the Item Costs Rollup function.
For purchased items, the purchase transaction cost is equal to the Release clerical cost.
For manufactured items, the setup cost is equal to the sum of the Release clerical cost and of the fixed cost associated to the production routing.
The annual inventory holding cost rate is given as a percentage of the item cost.
The optimal lot sizes are computed via the well known EOQ formula.
The holding cost rate is also used in the S&OP in order to estimate the costs associated to the different plans.
A penalty for deliveries with excessive lead times can also be entered. These penalties are displayed in the Sales Statistics figure. The penalty is expressed as a percentage of the sale price per daily lead-time.