ECM Command Reference Manual - Cognition...

Command Reference Manual

Version 8.0

August 2016

- ECM Command Reference Manual 8.0.0 -

Copyright Cognition Corporation 1999 - 2016

All Rights Reserved


Page 2 of 286

ECM 8.0 – Command Reference Manual

This document, as well as the software described in it, is provided under the terms of Cognition Corporation’s Program License Agreement (PLA), which sets forth Cognition’s sole warranty.

COGNITION CORPORATION DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL COGNITION CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES EVEN IF COGNITION HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH IN SAME ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LEIU OF ALL OTHERS.

Except as permitted by license, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means without the prior written permission of Cognition Corporation.

Use of this document is reserved exclusively for Cognition’s customers, potential customers, and personnel. The information and graphics contained herein are the sole property of Cognition and shall not be divulged to any third party without prior written permission of Cognition.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Cognition assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear in this document, although every effort has been made to ensure correctness.

Knowledge Center is a registered trademark of Cognition Corporation.

Enterprise Cost Management is a trademark of Cognition Corporation.

Cognition Cockpit is a trademark of Cognition Corporation.

Adobe Acrobat is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

BasicScript is a registered trademark of Summit Software.

InstallShield is a registered trademark of InstallShield Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft.

Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft.

MATLAB is a registered trademark of The MathWorks, Inc.

Minitab is a registered trademark of Minitab, Inc.

ObjectStore is a registered trademark of Progress Software Corporation


Page 3 of 286


WOS is a trademark and Work Object System is a registered trademark of Process Dynamics, Inc.

General Notice: Some of the product names used herein have been used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers and sellers.

Published and printed in the USA.

Cognition Corporation

24 Hartwell Ave, 2nd Floor

Lexington, MA 02421-3139

Tel 781-271-9300

Fax 781-271-0813

Internet http://www.cognition.us

Email [email protected]


Page 4 of 286


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.cognition.us/

Table of Contents

1. CLASS HIERARCHY...........................................................................................................5

2. GLOBAL COMMANDS.....................................................................................................8

2.1 Global Display Commands............................................................................................................................................8

2.2 Global Edit Commands................................................................................................................................................18

2.3 Global Execute Commands..........................................................................................................................................19

2.3.1 Custom Execute Command...................................................................................................................................19

2.3.2 Administration Commands...................................................................................................................................20

2.3.3 Change Current Project.........................................................................................................................................22

2.3.4 Create Commands.................................................................................................................................................22

2.3.5 Licensing Commands............................................................................................................................................25

2.4 Global File Commands.................................................................................................................................................26

2.5 Global Report Commands...........................................................................................................................................29

3. CLASS COMMANDS......................................................................................................32

3.1 Framework Classes.......................................................................................................................................................32

3.1.1 Framework Commands.........................................................................................................................................32

3.1.2 Person (COG_Person)...........................................................................................................................................32

3.1.2.1 Person Edit Commands....................................................................................................................................32

3.1.2.2 Person Navigate Commands............................................................................................................................33

3.1.2.3 Person Operation Commands...........................................................................................................................34


Page 5 of 286


3.1.2.4 Person Report Commands................................................................................................................................35

3.1.3 Login User (COG_User).......................................................................................................................................36

3.1.4 COG_Session (User Session)................................................................................................................................36

3.1.5 Group (COG_Group)............................................................................................................................................36

3.1.6 Data Record (COG_Data_Record)........................................................................................................................39

3.1.7 Import Event..........................................................................................................................................................39

3.2 Process Format (COG_ImportFormat)......................................................................................................................40

3.3 Company Information..................................................................................................................................................41

3.3.1 Operation Commands............................................................................................................................................41

3.3.2 Edit Commands.....................................................................................................................................................48

3.3.3 File Commands.....................................................................................................................................................50

3.3.4 Navigate Commands.............................................................................................................................................53

3.4 ECM Base......................................................................................................................................................................56

3.5 Cost.................................................................................................................................................................................57

3.5.1 Labor Cost.............................................................................................................................................................61

3.5.2 Material Cost.........................................................................................................................................................64

3.5.3 ODC......................................................................................................................................................................66

3.5.4 Setup Cost.............................................................................................................................................................66

3.6 Object Base....................................................................................................................................................................68

3.6.1 Element Database..................................................................................................................................................69

3.6.2 Object Database.....................................................................................................................................................71

3.6.3 Agent Action.........................................................................................................................................................71

3.6.4 Estimate (Chiffrage).............................................................................................................................................72


Page 6 of 286


3.6.5 Context Object.......................................................................................................................................................79

3.6.6 Data File................................................................................................................................................................80

3.6.7 Business Group.....................................................................................................................................................81

3.6.8 Initiative................................................................................................................................................................82

3.6.9 LTA (Long Term Agreement................................................................................................................................91

3.6.10 Master Structure...............................................................................................................................................92

3.6.11 Element.............................................................................................................................................................96

3.6.12 Liaison............................................................................................................................................................102

3.6.13 Scenario..........................................................................................................................................................103

3.6.14 Model (Cost Model))......................................................................................................................................137

3.6.15 Project.............................................................................................................................................................138

3.6.16 Rate Table.......................................................................................................................................................139

3.6.17 Stored Report..................................................................................................................................................142

3.6.18 Study...............................................................................................................................................................142

3.6.19 Trace...............................................................................................................................................................144

3.6.20 Value Estimate...............................................................................................................................................144

3.6.21 Weight............................................................................................................................................................146

3.6.22 String..............................................................................................................................................................149

3.6.23 Change History...............................................................................................................................................149

3.6.24 Named Value..................................................................................................................................................150

3.7 Rate..............................................................................................................................................................................151

4. INDEX............................................................................................................................153


Page 7 of 286


1. Class Hierarchy

The class hierarchy of the ECM is included in this manual for reference. Since commands, methods, attributes, etc. are inherited down the class hierarchy tree, the list of commands available on any object are the union of the commands defined on that object and the commands defined on all classes superior to that object. As any example, the commands defined on the class "Master Structure" are also available on its subclasses "Liaison" and "Scenario (Priced Nomen)". Since it is also possible to override and disable a command at a lower level, this manual lists all of the commands that are active at each level for that object class.

ECM is comprised of three main areas: ECM_Base, COG_Base, and ASE_Base. The ECM_Base classes hold the bulk of the classes that are specific for ECM, including such classes as Element, Estimate, Scenario, and Cost. The ECM_Base classes inherit commands from the COG_Base class.

ECM_Base

Cost

LaborCost

LaborCost Local

MaterialCost

MaterialCost Local

ODC

ODC Local

SetupCost

SetupCost Local

Objet Base

Objet Nommé

Element Database

Object Database

Objet Daté et Nommé

Agent Action

Agent Action Local

Chiffrage

Chiffrage Local

Context

Context Local

Data File


Page 8 of 286


Entité d'Entreprise

Business Group Local

Initiative

Initiative Local

LTA

LTA Local

Master Structure

Element

Element Local

Liaison

Priced Nomen

Priced Nomen Local

Model

Dictionary Model

EXCEL Model

EXCEL Model Local

Parametric Model

TypeIn Model

Projet

Rate Table

Rate Table Local

Stored Report

Study

Study Local

Trace

EXCEL Trace

Excel Trace Local

Value Estimate

Value Estimate Local

Weight

Weight Local

String

Change History

Change History Local

Valeur Nommé U

Rate


Page 9 of 286


The COG_Base Framework is a collection of classes that are utilized in all Cognition Corporation Knowledge Center Applications. The common usage of these classes means that common functionality can be developed and maintained in a single location so that all applications can take advantage of it. Not all of the COG_Base Framework classes are used in ECM.

COG_Base

COG_ContactInfo

COG_AddressInfo

COG_EmailInfo

COG_LocationInfo

COG_PhoneInfo

COG_Data_Record

Data_Record

COG_DBObj

COG_Division_Base

COG_Division

COG_Document_Base

COG_Document

Import_Event_Base

Import Event

COG_Organization_Base

COG_Organization

COG_Site_Base

COG_Site

COG_Dialog

COG_CreateAdminHelperDlg

COG_DateDlg

COG_DateCalendar

COG_DateRangeDlg

COG_DateRange_With_Checkbox

COG_DateRange_With_Search_String

COG_FindDBObjDlgHelper

COG_ImportExportDlgs

COG_ExportDlg

COG_ImportPeopleDlg

COG_ImportXMLDlg

COG_MsgBoxDlg

COG_AskBoxDlg

COG_AskSaveDlg

COG_ThreeInputBoxDlg

COG_TwoInputBoxDlg

COG_InputBoxDlg

COG_CheckListDlg


Page 10 of 286


COG_ListBoxDlg

COG_NotificationDlg

COG_PickFromListDialog

COG_SelectPeopleAndGroupsDlg

COG_ShowObjectsDlg

COG_SelectObjectsDlg

ECM_BasisOfEstimate

ECM_SelectEstimates

COG_WebBrowserDlgHelper

ECM_ChooseDictionnaryConfigurationAction

ECM_ImportScenarioHelper

COG_Dictionary_Base

Dictionary

Dictionary Local

COG_Employee_Base

COG_Employee

COG_ExtConnectable

COG_Notification

COG_ActionItem

COG_Message

COG_Task

ECM_Task

COG_ExternalDomain

COG_ExternalFileWatcher

COG_FileVersion

COG_ImportFormat

COG_LogEntry

COG_MailServer

COG_NameInfo

COG_Privilege

COG_ReportObject

Report

ReportableAttribute

ReportBody

ReportDlgHelper

ReportFormat

ReportHeader/Footer

ReportFooter

ReportHeader

ReportItem

ReportLine

ReportProprMsg

ReportSection

ReportSubLine

ReportTable

ReportTableEntry


Page 11 of 286


RFBody

COG_ServicedObj

COG_AppObj

Company Information

Company Information Local

COG_DomainManager

COG_GroupedObj

COG_Group_Base

COG_Group

COG_Person_Base

COG_Person

COG_PersonGroupMgr

COG_ServiceMgr

COG_AccessMgr

COG_HistoryMgr

COG_LogMgr

COG_ObjFactMgr

COG_SeqMgr

COG_GroupedObjSeqMgr

COG_IDMgr

COG_NoticeSeqMgr

COG_RootSeqMgr

COG_SessionSeqMgr

SSC_AppObj_Base

SSC_AppObj

COG_Session

COG_StoredEmail

COG_Transient

COG_ChangeDisplay

COG_ChangeEntryDisplay

COG_ChangeLineDisplay

COG_Email

COG_TempNotification WosLicenseHelpers

WosCheckedoutLicenseData

COG_Style

WosUser

COG_User

COG_WorkspaceMap


Page 12 of 286


The WosAse_Base Framework is a collection of classes that are utilized in the Advanced Search Engine query and report capability in the Knowledge Center. These classes allow various Cognition Corporation applications to share the development of ASE, bring significant capability to these applications at a low cost.

WosAseBase

WosAseBuilder

AseAttribute

AseFunction

AseMethod

AseChoiceList

AseCollation

AseCommand

AseQuery

AseConstructor

AseData

AseFilter

AseForm

AseGetObjectList

AseImportFormat

AseImportNode

AseMenu

AseNotification

AsePage

AseReport

AseSection

AseSnippet

AseSort

AseTableDef

AseVisualTheme

AseRegistrar

AseRegistrar_Local

AseSchemaHelper

WosNamedObject

WosAttribute

WosGlobal

WosClass

WosMethod

WosAseRuntime

AseWebServices

Static

WosAseStaticHelper


Page 13 of 286



Page 14 of 286


2. Global Commands

Global Commands are those commands that are available regardless of the data that is currently displayed or selected in any ECM window. Global commands are found in the Display, Edit, File, Execute, and Report menus.

2.1 Global Display Commands

Global Display Commands create a new answer collection that is displayed in the active window. The format of the display will be determined by the View Style that is selected for that window. The new answer collection will replace the existing answer collection. The resulting collection is not affected by the collection that was present at the time the command was issued. Not all commands are available to all users. Users have the ability to turn commands on and off in groups according to the applications within ECM that they are using. Each object in the database must pass the CanDisplay() test in order to be shown to the user (see the Security Manual for more details). The Display menu shows the following:


Page 15 of 286


Custom Display Command…

Allows a user to run custom display command built using the ASE environment. Normally, these custom commands are built and added to the system by an administrative user.

ASE Builder Mode

The ASE Builder Mode allows an administrative user to create Advanced Scripting Engine commands for other users.


Page 16 of 286


Company Information Object

The Company Information Object allows an Administrator to access the Company Information object to modify site/domain specific data.

Contents of the Current Project

ECM displays the Scenarios (top line item), Studies, and any other objects that are associated with the current project. This is the best command to have as the default command at login (saved under the Knowledge Center Preferences command).

Current Project

ECM returns the currently selected Project. The user's current project is stored on the user's object and will be remembered between login/logouts.

The Display All menu selection will present a different set of options depending on the user level and the User preferences for types of commands to display (Cost, Weight, Value, etc.) as determined on the Display tab of the Edit - ECM User Preferences command.


Page 17 of 286


Display All…Agent Actions

ECM allows a user to display all Agent Actions that are active in the ECM database. Agent Actions are predefined actions that an administrative user can establish either to be run from within ECM or to be run from an external scheduled task. Agent Actions are normally established to import data on a scheduled basis.

Display All…Companies

ECM allows a user to display all Companies that are in the ECM database. Companies are more complicated definitions of vendors and business groups that allow for the addition of sites and employees.


Page 18 of 286


Display All…Contexts

ECM allows a user to display all Contexts (Collections of Estimates) that are active in the ECM database.

Display All…Cost Tools

ECM allows a user to display all Cost Tools that are currently in the ECM database. Cost Tools represent the instance of a cost tool that was used by a user to create a cost estimate, either from manual entry, access to another program, or import from a file.

Display All…Data Files

ECM allows a user to display all documents (Data Files) that are active in the ECM database. Documents are added to ECM with the command Add…Data File.

Display All…Dictionaries

ECM allows a user to display all Dictionaries stored in the database. Dictionaries are used to convert one term into another or generally convert one text string into another. Dictionaries include both synonyms and antonyms.

Display All…Documents

ECM allows a user to display all documents (Data Files) that are active in the ECM database. Documents are added to ECM with the command Add…Data File.

Display All…Elements


Page 19 of 286


ECM allows a user to display all the Elements (unique part number objects) that exist in the ECM database. As the database grows, this command is less useful and Find should be used instead.

Display All…Estimates

ECM allows a user to display all the Estimates that exist in the ECM database. As the database grows, this command is less useful and Find should be used instead to locate the Element by its part number and then navigate to the desired Estimate from there.

Display All…Import Events

ECM allows a user to display all the Import Events that exist in the ECM database. An Import Event is created when an Import is made that creates a Data Record for future processing, which is not the case when using commands such as Import Scenario or Import Estimates where the processing takes place at the time of the import.

Display All…Initiatives

ECM allows a user to display all the Initiatives that exist in the ECM database. As the database grows, this command is less useful and Find should be used instead to locate the Element by its part number and then navigate to the desired Initiative from there.

Display All…LTA/Purchasing Agreements

ECM allows a user to display all the LTA (Long Term Agreements) and Purchasing Agreements that exist in the ECM database. An LTA is used to store the part numbers and estimates that make up a purchasing agreement.


Page 20 of 286


Display All…P&DRs/Studies

ECM allows a user to display all P&DRs (Price and Delivery Requests) and Studies that are active in the ECM database. P&DRs are used to generate a quotation for a user’s customer based on the cost data stored in ECM.

Display All…Projects

ECM allows a user to display all Projects that are active in the ECM database.

Display All…Rate Tables

ECM allows an Administrative user to display all the Rate Tables that exist in the ECM database.

Display All…Stored Reports

ECM allows a user to display all the Stored Reports (for the Report From Query command) in ECM.

Display All…Tasks

ECM allows a user to display all the Tasks that have been assigned to any user of ECM that the current user is allowed to view (standard viewing permissions).

Display All…Tasks – My Own

ECM allows a user to display all the Tasks that have been assigned to that user.


Page 21 of 286


Display All…Unused Elements

ECM allows a user to display all the Elements that are not currently being used in any Scenario.

Display All…Unused Estimates

ECM allows a user to display all the Estimates that are not currently being used in any Scenario.

Display All…Unused Initiatives

ECM allows a user to display all the Estimates that are not currently being used in any Scenario.

Display All…Unused Weights

ECM allows a user to display all the Weights that are not currently being used in any Scenario.

Display All…Value Estimates

ECM allows a user to display all the Value Estimates that exist in the ECM database. As the database grows, this command is less useful and Find should be used instead to locate the Element by its part number and then navigate to the desired Value Estimate from there.

Display All…Vendors/Suppliers

ECM allows a user to display all Business Groups (Vendors) that are active in the ECM database. Business Groups are simple definition of vendors, etc. with minimal data stored with each item.


Page 22 of 286


Display All…Weights

ECM allows a user to display all the Weight estimates that exist in the ECM database. As the database grows, this command is less useful and Find should be used instead to locate the Element by its part number and then navigate to the desired Weight from there.

Element Databases

ECM allows an Administrator to access the Element Database part number identifier maps and any other Object Databases (Vendor lists by Vendor ID, for example) for maintenance.

The Find commands search through the database to find database objects or elements that match the search criteria specified. The Find commands are an efficient way to find specific data. The Display…Find…commands are:


Page 23 of 286


Find…Articles by Search…

ECM allows an ad hoc search in the database for various types of data by through attribute values and classes. Boolean combinations of search criteria are allowed. This is an advanced user type of search that requires some knowledge of the database structure. The following dialog is displayed to the user. Note: The Advanced Search Engine (ASE) is a more powerful tool to create custom searches, particularly searches that are repeated. The ECM Administrator has the ability to create ASE Display commands and add them to ECM.

This search dialog utilizes the same utilities as the Edit…Search command uses. If a search results in a non-zero answer, the result is displayed in the Answer Window. The user generally must remember to check the “Include Subtypes” box for the best results.

Find…Company

ECM allows a search by name for Companies in ECM.


Page 24 of 286


Find…Documents

ECM allows a search by name for Documents in ECM. Documents and Data Files represent similar types of data in ECM. Data Files are specific to ECM while Documents are part of the core Cognition capabilities used by all applications.

Find…Elements by Name

ECM allows a search by name for "physical" elements in the database by doing a character-by-character search starting from the first letter and finding all matches. The user may return the entire found collection or choose a subset of the returned collection. The input in the search field is activated by touching the Search button. Choosing “Enter” will exit the command, displaying the complete returned collection in the active window. Users can select to search the ECM Parts Database Domain. This action will cause the search to access the domain established as the Parts Database Domain on the Company Information object. The search will return Elements found in the external Parts Database. Any Elements selected will be cloned from the Parts Database into the current domain.


Page 25 of 286


Find…Elements by Part Number

ECM allows a search by part number for "physical" elements in the database by doing a character-by-character search starting from the first letter and finding all matches. The user may return the entire found collection or choose a subset of the returned collection. The input in the search field is activated by touching the Search button. An “Enter” will exit the command, displaying the complete returned collection in the active window. Users can select to search the ECM Parts Database Domain. This action will cause the search to access the domain established as the Parts Database Domain on the Company Information object. The search will return Elements found in the external Parts Database. Any Elements selected will be cloned from the Parts Database into the current domain.

Find…Elements By Sort Keys

ECM allows a search by part number for "physical" elements in the database by doing search of available sort keys. The user selects the Sort Keys to choose from based on the following dialog.


Page 26 of 286


The user selects the criteria for up to four sort keys. The choices include Part Number, Part Name (Descriptions), Sort Key 1, Sort Key 2, Sort Key 3, Descriptor, and Part Family. Criteria other than part Number can be used more than once, i.e. a Part Name of "Motor" and Part Name of "Assembly" will find only parts with both Motor and Assembly in the Part Name. For Descriptors, the name of the descriptor, the operator, and the value are specified as a comma-delimited string without any spaces. The command reports the number of matches to the criteria so that the user can cancel any search that returns too many items.

Find…Employee

ECM allows a search by name for Employees in ECM.

Find…Initiatives By Name/Number

ECM allows a search by name or number for Initiatives in the database by doing a character-by-character search starting from the first letter and finding all matches. The user may return the entire found collection or choose a subset of the returned collection. The input in the search field is activated by touching the Search button. Choosing “Enter” will exit the command, displaying the complete returned collection in the active window.


Page 27 of 286


Find…P&DR/Study

ECM allows a user to find a P&DR or Study that is in the ECM database by its name or description.

Find…People

ECM allows a user with people and group privileges to search for users based on user name and user ID.

Find…Scenario

ECM does a search by name of all Scenarios (Priced Hierarchies). The user enters a string to be compared in an input box. The comparison is done case insensitive. If the input character string matches any similar string in the Name attribute of a Scenario that Scenario will be returned to the answer collection. (Note: comparison is done with “Like *input*”.)

Find…Unit Costs

ECM does a search by name or part number of all Scenario line items to find line items that match the search criteria in the local domain and each of the external domains stored on the Company Information Object. The user enters a string to be compared in an input box. The


Page 28 of 286


comparison is done either by part number or by Initiative description. The user can then compare all of the unit costs for a line item which are stored in the local or external domains to determine the unit cost target for the part the user is working on.

Find…Vendor/Supplier

ECM allows a user to search for Business Groups (Vendors/Suppliers) that are active in the ECM database. Business Groups are simple definition of vendors, etc. with minimal data stored with each item. The user is presented with the following dialog that allows the user to search by either name or vendor ID. If the list of possible returns from the search is very large, the number of vendors found will be returned and the user should enter a more detailed search.


Page 29 of 286


People and Groups

User and User Group information is accessed through the Display…People and Groups sub menus. In addition, the Person/Group Manager allows Administrative users to manage Users, Login Privileges and Group Membership.

People and Groups…All Employees

ECM allows an Administrative user to display all the Employees that exist in the ECM database.

People and Groups…All Groups

ECM allows an Administrative user to display all the User Groups that exist in the ECM database. User Groups are part of the ECM access security.

People and Groups…All Login Users

ECM allows an Administrative user to display all the Persons that exist in the ECM database that have login capability.

People and Groups …All People


Page 30 of 286


ECM allows an Administrative user to display all the Users that exist in the ECM database, including those without login privileges.

People and Groups …Myself

ECM allows the user to display his user object.

People and Groups …Person/Group Manager

ECM allows an Administrative user to display the Person/Group Manager function.

Sessions…Active/All

ECM allows an Administrator to access the sessions that are created when each user logs in. The Sessions keep track of who is logged into ECM, when they logged in, and when their last activity was. Administrative users also have the ability to cancel a user login through commands on the sessions. This command is displayed when the Administrative user has selected to display Administrative commands through user preferences. The user can select to view either all Sessions or only the Active Sessions.

2.2 Global Edit Commands

Global Edit commands generally modify some user parameter in the ECM database, such as user preferences.

ECM User Preferences


Page 31 of 286


ECM specific User preferences are modified with the Edit…ECM User Preferences command. This command presents the user with a dialog to set user specific preferences. The list of choices may vary by installation, as some versions of ECM have customer specific user preferences. The user preferences dialog will appear something like:

Make the selections of modifications desired and choose OK. The user may choose whether to automatically save reports generated by ECM to temporary files and whether to delete these temporary files on logout. Any company specific preferences are on the Company Specific tab.

Choosing the Display tab allows the user to choose which commands are displayed and what table view style is the default style for the Scenario table view. This allows the user to see the table view style desired for Scenarios (i.e. Cost vs. Weight oriented) and to turn off commands that the user normally doesn’t use to simplify the user menus.


Page 32 of 286



Page 33 of 286


User Preferences

Non-ECM specific User preferences are modified with the Edit…User Preferences command. This command presents the user with a dialog to set user specific preferences.

Make the selections of modifications desired and choose OK. Choosing the Command tab allows the user to choose whether to display ASE commands and/or Person/Group commands. The privileges tab allows selections, but ECM does not currently use them.

2.3 Global Execute Commands

Global Execute commands generally add something to or delete something from the ECM database. The changed database items may or may not be displayed after the command is executed. The list below is the list of commands available to an Administrative or Expert user. The menu displayed by other users will depend on the login level and authority of the user.


Page 34 of 286


2.3.1 Custom Execute Command

ECM allows a user to run custom execute command built using the ASE environment. Normally, these custom commands are built and added to the system by an administrative user.

2.3.2 Administration Commands

Administration commands are grouped together under the Administration submenu. Generally, these commands are available only to Administrative users (and in some cases only to the root user).

Administration…Change Root Password

ECM allows a user logged in as the “root” user to change the password for the root user.


Page 35 of 286


Administration…Clear System Log

When an error or system message is generated by the system, it is saved in the system log. An administrative user is allowed to clear this log.

Administration…Email All Open Task Lists

ECM allows an Administrative user to send out emails reminding users of their open tasks that remain outstanding.

Administration…Initialize ASE

ECM allows a user logged in as the “root” user to set up the ASE (Advanced Scripting Engine) for use in the domain. This enables the “Custom” commands to be created and used.

Administration…Initialize Application

If a domain is created manually, this command will be available when the root user first logs in and should be run as the first thing the root user does. The basic domain objects will be created, an initial user group will be created, and an Administrative User will be created.

Administration…Manage Global History

ECM displays the global history objects. ECM does not currently use these objects.

Administration…Manage Groups

ECM displays the Group Manager allowing the Administrative user to add/remove users from groups.


Page 36 of 286


Administration…Manage Mail Servers

ECM displays the Mail Server Manager allowing the Administrative user to add/remove mail servers from the domain. Mail servers are used for any functions utilizing email.

Administration…Update Help Files

The administrative user has the command Update Help Files that is used to modify the on-line “chm” files that are used for context sensitive help. The command prompts the user to chose the help files to use and then stores the help files in ECM on the Company Information Object.

Administration…Upgrade Application


Page 37 of 286


The "root" administrative user has the command Upgrade ECM that is used to during a change between versions of ECM. When a new version of ECM is installed, only the “root” user will be allowed to login and the “root” user must then run the Upgrade ECM command. This command migrates all of the data in the ECM domain. It should be used after manually installing a new version of ECM in an already existing domain. (Note: the automatic installation script performs this function as part of its activities.)

Administration…Verify All Scenarios

Runs the verify command on all Scenario line items in the database. This method of Scenario verification does not require that the user find and select all Scenario object.

2.3.3 Change Current Project

ECM allows the user to change his Current Project to another existing Project or create a new Project. The user either selects a Project from the list presented or enters a new Project name in the top line of the dialog box (as in the example below).


Page 38 of 286


2.3.4 Create Commands

The Create commands allow the user to add various items to the database. Most commands are not available to Level 1 users, who do not have authority to alter a structure. A sub-menu will appear including the valid choices from the following list:

Create Agent Action

ECM allows an administrative user to define an Agent Action object. Agent Actions are predefined actions that an administrative user can establish either to be run from within ECM or to be run from an external scheduled task. Agent Actions are normally established to import data on a scheduled basis.

Create Company

ECM allows an administrative user to define a Company object. This is similar to a Business Group, but with more detail and the ability to have sites and employees. A dialog is presented requesting the appropriate information.


Page 39 of 286


Create Context

ECM allows an administrative user to define a Context. A Context is a collection of Estimates allowing users to access all of the Estimates in a Context for commands like Search For Costs.

Create Cost Model

ECM allows an administrative user to define a Cost Model. A Cost Model is a definition of a costing process or procedure that will generate cost estimates based on user input. This command allows user to expand the cost models available from the cost models that are delivered with standard ECM.

Create Dictionary

ECM allows an administrative user to define a Dictionary. A Dictionary is a vehicle to convert an input string into a different output string by looking the input string up in the Dictionary. The Dictionary can store synonyms and antonyms. This allows users to convert terms using the Dictionary instead of forcing all users to adopt the same terminology.

Create Element

A new individual Element (unique part number object) can be added to the database. The user is presented with an input dialog box to create the Element. A unique part number, including part number, revision, and version must be entered. The name does not have to be unique. For creating many elements and their structure rapidly, the Import… commands may be a good alternative.

Create Group


Page 40 of 286


An authorized administrator may add a new User Group to the system. The user groups are part of the security system, determining who is allowed to view, modify, and approve data in the database.

Create Initiative

A new individual Initiative can be added to the database. The user is presented with an input dialog box to create the Initiative. A unique Initiative number must be entered. The name does not have to be unique. For creating many Initiatives and their structure rapidly, the Import… commands may be a good alternative.

Create LTA/Purchasing Agreement

A new LTA/Purchasing Agreement may be added to the system. LTAs are groups of estimates that define a purchasing agreement with a Vendor.

Create P&DR/Study

A new P&DR/Study may be added to the system. Studies are groupings of Scenarios that represent a specific plan or outcome of the business for which combined reporting or analysis is desired. Studies are also used to generate quotations for the user’s customers based on the cost data stored in ECM.

Create Person

A new user may be added to the system. A dialog requesting the login information of the user is presented. This command is only available to a system administrator. At least one User Group must already exist before a User can be created.


Page 41 of 286


Create Rate Table

A new Rate Table object can be added to the database. The Rate Table object holds a collection of rates that are used in calculating various cost information. Examples: Labor Rate, Labor Burden Rate, Overhead Rate. Multiple Rate Tables allow users to choose which set of rates should be used in each situation. A dialog is presented to enter the required Rate Table information.

Create Vendor/Supplier

ECM allows an administrative user to define additional business groups (business entities or other organizations). A dialog is presented requesting the appropriate information. Simple vendor information is stored as a Business Group.


Page 42 of 286


2.3.5 Licensing Commands

Licensing…Check-In License

When allowed by the license rules, a user may check back in a license that was checked out with the Check-Out License command.

Licensing…Check Out License

As allowed by the license rules, a user may check out one of the existing licenses (for example, on a server) to be the license controlling his computer when it is unplugged from the network.


Page 43 of 286


2.4 Global File Commands

Global File commands generally import or export something to or from the ECM database. The changed database items may or may not be displayed after the command is executed. The list displayed is the complete list of commands available to an Administrative user. The menu displayed by other users will depend on the login level and authority of the user.

Empty the Trash

Available to the “root” user, this command empties the trash area in the database that is holding objects that have been marked for deletion. A trash area exists for improved performance. Emptying the Trash should be done routinely during backups, always coupled with database verification.

The Import commands allow the user to add various items to the database in bulk. Some commands are not available to Level 1 users, who do not have authority to alter a structure. A submenu will appear including the valid choices from the following list:


Page 44 of 286


Import…Agent Actions

ECM imports Agent Actions, used for scheduled data imports, in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spread sheets. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics.

Import…Companies

ECM imports Companies, used for Company lists, in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spread sheets. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics.

Import…Data Records

ECM imports data to form Data Records that can be processed later. Typically, Data Records are used to process data from other Systems of Record where the user wants control over which fields are processed.


Page 45 of 286


Import…Estimates – SEER/DFM

ECM imports estimates in bulk from a SEER/DFM output file.

Import…Estimates From Excel

ECM imports estimates in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spreadsheets. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics. This format uses Estimates that are created using labor and material departments to acquire the appropriate rate to use.

Import…Estimates From SCM

ECM imports estimates in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spreadsheets. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics. This format uses Estimates that are created using just the part number and a cost with a few additional details. It is useful when transferring information from purchasing to ECM

Import Initiative Data

ECM imports Cost Initiatives data in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spread sheets. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics. This command allows data in existing Initiatives to be updated.

Import Initiatives

ECM imports Cost Initiatives in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spread sheets. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics. This allows Initiative data to be imported from other systems.


Page 46 of 286


Import Part Data

ECM imports element data without updating the Element’s structure. The fields that can be imported include sort keys, weight, attrition, material specification, family, length, and width. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics.

Import Part Dates and Status

ECM imports element data regarding dates and status. For elements, this includes items such as design initialization and release dates.

Import People and Groups

ECM imports User and User Group data.

Import Prior Part Numbers

This option re-assigns the part number of an Element or adds to the list of prior part numbers of an Element. The import file includes the existing part number and the new part number to be assigned to the Element or to be added to the list of prior part numbers of the Element.

Import Rates Multi-Column

ECM imports Rate information in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spread sheets with multiple rate values in columns. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics. This command allows users to update Rate information periodically from external database sources more easily.

Import Rates Single Column


Page 47 of 286


ECM imports Rate information in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spread sheets. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics. This command allows users to update Rate information periodically from external database sources more easily.

Import Scenario from Domain

ECM imports a Scenario and all of its related data from a different ECM domain.

Import Scenario from File

ECM imports a Scenario and all of its related data, using only the estimates in the import file to create the Scenario. The import format is an Excel workbook or other input file as specified by the Process Format. If an Excel file is used, sheet 1 should be in the Import WBS Standard format and sheets 2 or more in the Import Estimates From Excel format. Any additional Part Data can be put on the WBS sheet.

Import Scenario from XML

ECM imports a Scenario and all of its related data that had been created with the Export Scenario to XML command. The import creates a new Scenario with the data in the import XML file. For each Estimate stored in the import file, a new estimate is created in ECM, even if another estimate of the same value exists. If an Element referenced by the import already exists, it is used. Otherwise, a new Element is created. If an Initiative exists in the system with the same number, any data in the import file will update that Initiative.

Import WBS From File

ECM imports Elements (unique part number objects) and their structures (children) in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spread sheets or text files. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics. This command allows users to import Element information


Page 48 of 286


periodically from external database sources more easily. This format uses direct assignment where the parent/child relationships are explicitly stated.

Note on Combine Type: The setting of the Combine Type on the Company Information object will affect how each of the Import WBS commands creates structures. The impacts are:

No Combine: the last assignment of a child to a parent determines the quantity of the child to the parent. Only one instance of each child is allowed.

Combine: on an import of structure data, all of the quantities of all of the instances of a child/parent relationship are combined to determine the total quantity of that child in that parent. Only one instance of each child is allowed.

Allow Multiple: on an import of structural data, a new line item is created for each instance of a child/parent relationship found in the import file. The user may also manually add multiple children of the same P/N to a parent.

Import WBS Indent (Sequence Number)

ECM imports Elements (unique part number objects) and their structures (children) in bulk from specifically formatted Excel spread sheets. See the ECM Reference Manual for spreadsheet format specifics. This command allows users to import Element information periodically from external database sources more easily. This format uses the relative position of a child to its parent in the spreadsheet to determine the parent - child relationship.

Import Weight Data

ECM imports weight estimate and actual data from a specifically formatted Excel spreadsheet. Weights are also imported with the Import WBS commands when an element does not already exist in the database. In addition, the Import Weight Data command allows more options for controlling weight estimates and actual weighed weights.


Page 49 of 286


The Export commands allow the user to output various items from the database. Some commands are not available to Level 1 users. A submenu will appear including the valid choices from the following list (which is sometimes increased by data dependent Operation commands when data is selected in the Answer Window.)

2.5 Global Report Commands

Global Report commands create reports based on the data in the ECM database, normally outputting data to Word or Excel. The list displayed is the complete list of commands available to an Administrative user. The menu displayed by other users will depend on the login level and authority of the user.

Administration…All Change History

ECM outputs all Change History events to Excel. The user is also allowed to limit the output to those Change History events that match a name criterion.

Administration…System Log Report

ECM generates a Word document report for the domain over a specified period of time as input by the user of all errors that have been generated by the system. The default time period is the past 30 days.


Page 50 of 286


A Word document is created and includes the information on errors over the specified period. The report will look something like:

Log Summary

Total Entries 82

Log Number 1: General Error

Date and Time: 10/24/2012 10:37:28 AM

User:

Log Type: 1170

Details

Attempt to access a deleted item - item or project validation recommended -

This information can be useful for support personnel to track down problems that users are having with specific commands.

Administration…Usage Report

ECM generates a usage report for the domain over a specified period of time as input by the user. The default is the past 30 days. A Word document is created and includes the information on user activity over the specified period. The report will look something like:

Usage Report

Usage Summary


Page 51 of 286


From 05-Dec-03 to 05-Jan-04

Total Sessions 10

Total Session Time 154 hours 24 minutes

Per User Summary

john Logged In For 147 hours 15 minutes over 5 sessions

john2 Logged In For 6 hours 58 minutes over 3 sessions

john3 Logged In For 0 hours 11 minutes over 1 session

john5 Logged In For 0 hours 0 minutes over 1 session

Session Detail

john5 Logged on 1/5/2004 4:10:16 AM for 0 hours 0 minutes

john Logged on 1/4/2004 4:15:28 AM for 23 hours 44 minutes






john Logged on 12/29/2003 4:14:47 PM for 0 hours 3 minutes




Page 52 of 286


Notifications…All

ECM generates an on-screen report of all of the Notifications in the database for an Administrative user. The report will look something like:

Notifications…My Own

ECM generates an on-screen report of all of the Notifications in the database for a normal user. The report will look the same as above.

Tasks…All

ECM generates an on-screen report of all of the Tasks in the database for an Administrative user. The report will look the same as above.

Tasks…My Own


Page 53 of 286


ECM generates an on-screen report of all of the Tasks in the database for a normal user. The report will look the same as above.


Page 54 of 286


3. Class Commands

3.1 Framework Classes

A number of ECM classes are copies of the Cognition Framework classes. These Framework classes (listed above) are generally common to all Cognition applications. By sharing these classes, Cognition is more efficient in its software development.

3.1.1 Framework Commands

The following commands are inherited by all classes:

Custom Navigate Command (Navigate Menu)

A custom navigate command allowing the user move from the selected objects to the objects indicated by the ASE custom command.

Custom Operations Command (Operations Menu)

A custom operation command allowing the user do something based on the selected objects indicated by the ASE custom command.

Custom ECM reports Command (Report Menu)

A custom report command allowing the user to create a report based on the selected objects indicated by the ASE custom command.

Display Selected (Navigate Menu)


Page 55 of 286


A navigate command allowing the user to select the object(s) as the only object(s) in the view.

3.1.2 Person (COG_Person)

The COG_Person class saves the user information for all users of the system. The COG_Person class is a derivative of the COG Grouped Object class and the COG_Person_Base class and inherits those commands and attributes.

3.1.2.1 Person Edit Commands

The following commands are found in the Edit menu. Edit commands take the selected objects and change their data in some way or change related data in some way.

Delete (Edit Menu)

Delete the user (and the user’s ability to log onto the system).

Preferences… (Edit Menu)

ECM allows the user to edit general system preferences. Specifically, the user can elect to see ASE (Advanced Scripting Engine)) commands and set some privileges.

Properties… (Edit Menu)

Choosing Properties from the Edit menu or double-clicking the object will raise a Properties dialog. The following dialog is presented allowing the modification of various types of data stored in the item. This includes modifying the user’s password. General data is entered on the first tab, address information is entered on the second tab, and login information s entered on


Page 56 of 286


the third tab. Data on the second tab goes to a related Address Information object. Data on the third tab is stored in the Login User (COG_User) object.

3.1.2.2 Person Navigate Commands

The following Navigation commands are found in the Navigate menu. Navigate commands take the selected objects and move to some related objects, returning a display of the related objects.

Show Current Project

ECM returns the Project that the Person currently has selected as their default login Project.

Show Emails Sent To


Page 57 of 286


ECM returns a collection of emails sent from the ECM system.

Show Groups

ECM returns all of the Groups that the Person is a member of.

3.1.2.3 Person Operation Commands

The following commands are found in the Operations menu. Operation commands take the selected objects and change their data in some way or change related data in some way.

Create Scenarios From List…

ECM allows the user to create Scenarios from the list of items in the Scenario P/N List.

Email…

ECM allows the user to send an email to another user in ECM, if the capability is activated.


Page 58 of 286


Modify Custom Data…

ECM allows the user to modify custom data stored on the Person object. Custom data is any keyword with a value.

Modify Default Currency…

ECM allows the user to modify the Default Currency stored on the Person object. This is the currency that will be used is any command does not otherwise specify the currency to be used.

Modify LDAP Preference…

ECM allows the user to modify the whether the company LDAP login passwords or the passwords locally stored in ECM are to be used during login. This command is only available to administrative users.

Modify Maximum Estimates Tested…

ECM modifies the user's default Maximum Estimates Tested value, which may be used in searching for estimates for a scenario (Search For Costs).

Modify Optional Output Items…

ECM allows the user to modify the Optional Output Items stored on the Person object. This list of items is used by some report commands as a source for optional items a user might want to output so that the reports can be tailored to each user. There are no ECM standard reports that use this feature.

Modify Permission To See Structures…


Page 59 of 286


ECM allows an administrative user to modify the privilege to see structures stored on the Person object. In some security schemes, as user may be allowed to see the top line item of structures, but not any of their contents.

Modify Pricer Status…

ECM allows an administrative user to modify the Pricer status of a user.

Modify Scenario P/N List…

ECM allows the user to modify the list of Scenario part numbers that is stored on the Company Information object and used by the Create Scenarios From List command.

Replace

ECM allows an administrative user to replace all of one Person’s references with another Person.

Reset Custom Data…

ECM allows the user to reset the custom data stored on the Person object. Custom data is any keyword with a value.

Verify

ECM verifies the data integrity of the pointers to and from the Person object.


Page 60 of 286


3.1.2.4 Person Report Commands

The following commands are found in the ECM reports menu. Report commands take the selected objects create some output, either on the screen or in a document of other tool.

Notifications – Selected User

ECM reports the Notifications that have been sent to the Selected User.

Print Home Address

ECM prints the Person’s home address for addressing an envelope.

Report Custom Data…

ECM allows the user to output the custom data stored on the Person object. Custom data is any keyword with a value.

Tasks – Selected User

ECM reports the Tasks that have been assigned to the Selected User.


Page 61 of 286


3.1.3 Login User (COG_User)

The COG_User class saves the login user information for all users of the system. The COG_User class is a derivative of the WosUser class and inherits wits commands and attributes, including WosUser Level. WosUserLevel is utilized by the system to give command authorizations to user in various situations. In general, the Login User is accessed through commands on the related Person object. The login user is edited through the Edit…Properties command on Person.

Delete (Edit Menu)

ECM allows the “root” user to delete a login user. This is also accomplished by going to the Person properties dialog and disabling login privileges for a user.

Display Selected


3.1.4 COG_Session (User Session)

A User Session is created for each user when he logs in and is deleted when the user logs out. The User Session holds certain activity information about the user. The User Session holds the names of reports files that have been created during the session, if the user has selected the option to have reports saved automatically. This list is used to delete these temporary files at logout.

Delete (Edit Menu)

ECM deletes the User Session. This command will only work if the User Session is not active. It is used to clean up the database of old or unwanted user sessions.

Purge Temp Files


Page 62 of 286


ECM purges all of the temporary files in the User Session from the system, deleting the files from the disk.

Terminate (Operations Menu)

ECM terminates the User Session. An Administrative user can force the termination of a user sessions, which create a log out of that user.

3.1.5 Group (COG_Group)

Groups are used in the Security portion of the system. A user can be the member of one or multiple groups. The user’s membership in Groups will determine what data the user can view. Data is also assigned Group Membership. More information about the effect of Group Membership on display and modification of objects is available in the ECM Security Manual.

Add Approver To Group

In order to approve an estimate, element, structure, etc., the related Group must have an Approver. This command allows an Administrator to add an existing user in the Group to be one of its Approvers.

For the Add Approver To Group, the Add User to Group and Add Weight Approver To Group, commands, the following user selection box is presented. The box will contain users not currently a member of the group or an approver of the group. Select the user to be added.


Page 63 of 286


Add User To Group

ECM allows an Administrator to add an existing User to a Group.

Add Weight Approver To Group

In order to approve a weight estimate, the related Group must have a Weight Approver. This command allows an Administrator to add an existing user in the Group to be one of its Approvers.

Delete

A command utilized by an Administrator in system maintenance. A Group may only be removed when it is empty (has no users).


Page 64 of 286


Display Selected

ECM returns an answer of the selected items. ECM allows the user to move a subset of the items displayed to be the only items displayed.

Edit Properties

The Properties dialog for the Group is displayed. The user is allowed to add or subtract members from the Group.

Email

ECM creates an email to be sent to the member of the group.

Remove

ECM removes the selected item from its parent Group (or Privilege).


Page 65 of 286


Remove Approver From Group

Should an Approver need to be removed from a Group, an Administrator has that capability.

Remove User From Group

ECM allows an Administrator to remove a User from a Group. When a User is deleted from the system, the user is automatically removed from all Groups.

Remove Weight Approver From Group

Should a Weight Approver need to be removed from a Group, an Administrator has that capability. For the Remove Approver From Group, Remove User From Group, and Remove Weight Approver From Group commands, the user object selection box is presented. The box will contain users currently a member of the group or currently approvers of the group. Select the user to be removed.

Verify

An operation command used to verify the data integrity of the pointers to and from the object.

3.1.6 Data Record (COG_Data_Record)

A Data Record stores data imported during the command Import Data Records. The Import Event object that is created stores the heading of the import file, which is usually row 1 of an Excel spreadsheet. The Data Record stores the data found in each of the spreadsheet’s data rows.

Delete (Edit Menu)


Page 66 of 286


ECM deletes the Data Record.

Display Selected.

ECM displays the currently selected Data Record(s) in the answer.

Output Contents

ECM output the contents of the Data Record to an Excel file.

Process Data Record

ECM processes the Data Record’s data. This will result in changes to the ECM database according to the rules established for Processing Data Records and the data found in the Data Record(s).

Report Contents on Screen

ECM reports the contents of the Data Record to the screen.

Show Parent

ECM navigates to the Import Event parent of the Data Record.

Show Target

ECM navigates to the Target object indicated by the Data Record.


Page 67 of 286


3.1.7 Import Event

An Import Event is created during the command Import Data Records and stores the heading of the import file, which is usually row 1 of an Excel spreadsheet. The Import Event also stores a collection of Data Records that hold the data found in each of the spreadsheet’s data rows. The Import Event is a sub-class of the Cognition Document class and inherits all of the Document class commands. In addition, the Import Event adds the following commands.

Delete (Edit Menu)

ECM deletes the Data Record.

Process Data Records

ECM processes any data records associated with the Import Event. During an import event, sometimes caused by an Agent Action, data records are normally processed and not stored with the Import Event. The Data Records stored with the Import Event are those records that were not processed for some reason or those Data Records stored with the Import Event at the option of the user (e.g. for testing). These Data records can be displayed and processed individually or all of the Data Records can be processed from the Import Event with this command.

Report Headings

ECM creates an on-screen report of the headings of the import format.

Report Import Time

ECM creates an on-screen report of the amount of time the import took.

Report Records Processed


Page 68 of 286


ECM creates an on-screen report of the number of records that were processed in the import event.

Show Records.

ECM navigates to the Data Records of the Import Event.

Show Tasks

ECM navigates to the Tasks associated with the Import Event. ECM generally doesn’t use tasks with Import Events.

Verify

ECM verifies the Import Event for database integrity.

3.2 Process Format (COG_ImportFormat)

During certain import operations, the user has the option to specify the type of file being imported and how the data is stored in that file. This format information is stored in a Process Format, which utilizes the Cognition framework class of COG_ImportFormat). The import format is created through an import a specifically formatted Excel file. This file holds the type of file (character delimited, column spacing delimited, or Excel) and what data is stored where in the file. See the Reference Manual for formatting of the import file to create a Process Format.

The available commands for a Process Format are:

Modify Name


Page 69 of 286


ECM allows the user to change the name of the Process Format.

Display Format on Screen

ECM displays the Process Format information on the screen, show the type of file, the delimiter (if any), and what type of data is stored where in the file.

Output Format to Excel

ECM output the Process Format to Excel in the format used to import the Process Format so that it can be modified.

3.3 Company Information

The Company Information object holds company specific data that is configured at the time the software is installed or at any time during operations. This class allows an Administrative user to tailor the system to their specific requirements without having to implement any changes to the ECM software itself. The Company Information class is a subclass of the Framework Company Information Object (COG_AppObj class).

3.3.1 Operation Commands

The available Operation commands are shown below. The main two commands are Clear and Modify, which allow for resetting or changing the values of variables and parameters that the Administrative user can change during ECM operation.


Page 70 of 286


Add Template…

ECM allows an Administrative user to add a DataFile to the system and assign it as a template file. This template can then be used by commands that require a template, which are normally company specific commands.

Clear…

ECM allows an administrative user to clear the External Domain List, Funding Status Choices, IPT-CIPT Map, IPT-Module Center Map, Process Format, Report Footer Text, Quotation Text, and Report From Query List stored on the Company Information object. The user is requested to choose from the sub-menu the item to be cleared.


Page 71 of 286


Modify…

ECM allows an Administrative user to modify various data stored on the Company Information object. The user is presented with the following menu. Each of the items in the menu is available for modification.

Allow Trusted Logins sets up the list of machines that the domain considers trusted hosts, simplifying login from those machines...


Page 72 of 286


Application Data presents the user with a list of application data types that are stored as a comma delimited list to be modified. The items included in the list will vary depending on options used and the need for custom application data.

Combine Type indicates how line items of the same P/N are to be combined when importing data or inputting data manually to create structures. Combine type can be No Combine, Combine, or Allow Multiple. No Combine is the default.

- No Combine: the last assignment of a child to a parent determines the quantity of the child to the parent. Only one instance of each child is allowed.

- Combine: on an import of structure data, all of the quantities of all of the instances of a child/parent relationship are combined to determine the total quantity of that child in that parent. Only one instance of each child is allowed.

- Allow Multiple: on an import of structural data, a new line item is created for each instance of a child/parent relationship found in the import file. The user may also manually add multiple children of the same P/N to a parent.

Curve Code Use - ECM allows the user to select whether or not to display curve codes commands.

Data Record Reference Map - the reference map used in reading data records and converting their data into ECM data.

Date and Number Formats - The user specifies any date or number formats that they want to use. This effects how the data comes out in reports. For example, in Europe the decimal separator is a comma and not a decimal point. ECM will try to determine these defaults from the operating system, but that default can be overridden here.


Page 73 of 286


Default Escalation Year – used when input Escalation Year or Cost Basis Year is not valid.

Default Production Year – used when input Date Produced is not valid.

The IPT-CIPT Map and the IPT-Module Center Map are examples of company specific information that is stored in the Company Information object. In this case, a string-string map of names can be modified.

Import Action Map – this dictionary used during an import of Action Items.

Initiative Risk Factors - the default setting for Initiative risk factors for low, medium, and high risk Initiatives.

Keep Rejected Initiatives - select an option to include or exclude Rejected Initiatives from Scenario reporting.

Monte Carlo Standard Deviations - establish the size of a standard deviation for different cost estimate types. These percentage deviations are used in the Scenario reports using Monte Carlo techniques.

Name – Name is the name of the Company Information object. There should be only one Company Information object per installation, but you can change the name to match you installation's name.


Page 74 of 286


Next Initiative Number: the next Initiative number available to users.

P/N Separator Character – the character that separates the three attributes that make up an Element Part Number. The separator character becomes part of the unique definition of the part number. The default separator character is the pipe symbol (“|”).

Parts Database Information - Parts Database Information is the login information for another ECM domain to be used as a Parts Database for the current domain. The Parts Database stores Element, Estimate, Structure, and Weight information stored in a central location for access by various domains.

Quotation Text: the Quotation text, normally a purchasing statement, which is to be utilized by ECM when outputting quotations.

Remove Duplicate Estimates – the user option to determine the default setting on whether duplicate estimates should be removed during an import.

Report Footer Text – the footer text, normally a proprietary statement, which is to be utilized by ECM when outputting reports.

Rollup Preferences – the admin user can define which rollups should be done by ECM. The choices are cost, weight, and mass properties. By disabling options will improve system performance. For example, if the users deal only in cost, disabling the weight and mass properties rollup will increase performance for the users in a cost only domain that don’t care about these weight related functions.


Page 75 of 286


Weight Types is the listing of available Weight Types to be selected by a user when creating weight estimates.

Modify Lists…

ECM allows an Administrative user to modify various data stored on the Company Information object in the form of lists. The user is presented with the following menu.

Comment Types is the listing of available comment types that can be selected by a user during the creation of a Comment.

Cost Model Departments is the listing of default cost model departments (Labor Rate Center, Material Burden Center, etc.) to be selected by ECM when a default center is required

Estimate Choices is the listing of available Estimate Choices to be selected by a user when entering or exchanging estimates. Typical settings are Primary and Secondary, allowing for two estimates per Scenario line item supporting dual source Estimates.


Page 76 of 286


Estimate Types are stored as integers, by default 0-4. The conversion of the integer value into a name is done the string of Estimate Types stored in the Company Information object. The default value for the stored string is "Target,Preliminary,Detailed,Production,Actual". Note that there are no spaces in the string.

External Domain List – ECM modifies the External Domain List Access Information including hostname, domain name, and server for use in multiple domain external searches.

Funding Sources is a list that is used by Initiatives. The funding source is stored as an integer and the conversion of the integer value to a name is accomplished through the use of the Company Information object. This list is the set of possible selections.

LTA Organization Types is used by LTAs. These are the possible Organization types for an LTA/Purchasing Agreement.

LTA Types is used by LTAs. These are the possible types for an LTA/Purchasing Agreement.

ODC Names is used by ODC cost contributors. These are the possible names for an ODC cost contributor.

Preference Lists is used to select Preference Lists that are stored in ECM. You will get the additional dialog:


Page 77 of 286


Here you will see the ability to modify the standard deviations for the Monte Carlo report command, the Excel/Word file extensions (.xls/.xlsx), the Excel number formats, and any other customer specific preferences. You can add new lists if your version of ECM requires or can use additional preference lists.

Stored Lists is used to modify other Stored Lists that are in ECM. You will get the additional dialog:


Page 78 of 286


Initiative Types: the listing of available Types to be utilized by a user during the creation of an Initiative.

Initiative Descriptions - the list of descriptions allowed for Initiatives.

System Units – System Units is the listing of available System Units (in, mm, etc.) to be selected by a user when element descriptors.

EC Types is the listing of available Engineering Change Types to be selected by a user when creating Initiatives

Change Reasons is the listing of available change reasons that can be selected by a user during input of a Change History.


Page 79 of 286


Change Types: listing of available change types that can be selected by a user during input of a Change History.

Commodities - the listing of available commodities to be selected by a user.

Customers - the listing of available Customers to be utilized by a user during the creation of an Initiative.

Output List: the list of available Output categories to be utilized by ECM in certain reports.

Material Specs - the listing of available material specs that can be selected by a user.

Part Centers – Part Centers is the listing of available Part Centers to be selected by a user.

Variant Types is the listing of available product variant types to be selected by a user.

Value Estimate Types is the listing of available Value Estimate Types to be selected by a user when creating value estimates.

Target Cost Choices is the listing of available choices for Target Costs. The list determines how many different Target Costs a Scenario can have.


Page 80 of 286


Reset…

ECM allows an administrative user to reset various items:

The Administrator Privileges allow administrators to reset the privileges of all users indicated as Administrators.

Most users don’t use the Part Number separator character, choosing instead to use only the part number attribute and not using the version and revision attributes. If the P/N Separator is used to split part numbers into three attributes: part number, version, and revision.

Plant on All Elements – resets the Plant indicator on all Elements. This is to clear all settings so that they can be re-established.

Report Footer Text – resets the text that is added to all reports to the default value in the application.

Run All Agent Actions

ECM allows the user to run all of Agent Actions that have been created. When an Agent Action is run, it checks the date of the file to be accessed and compares that to the stored date of the last time the Agent Action was run. If the file is not newer than the last date run, the agent action will not process the file.


Page 81 of 286


Update…Company Information From XML

ECM allows the user to update the Company Information Object from a data set saved in XML.

Update…Customer Database

ECM allows the user to update the lookup list of customers that is stored by the customer ID.

Update…Vendor Database

ECM allows the user to update the lookup list of vendors that is stored by the vendor ID.

Update…Version 7.5 View Styles

Allows the user to modify any existing Scenario view styles that are currently showing the “Sous Elements” attribute (old style) and update them to show the “Children” method. This allows for the option to show estimates as children in addition to the sub-elements when displaying a scenario tree structure without recreating the view style.

Verify…

ECM verifies the Company Information Object, checking its values and pointers to verify the object is consistent.

Verify Class Collection…


Page 82 of 286


ECM verifies that all of the pointers in the class and collection entered in the dialog. For example, the verification of all of the pointers in all of the Elements’ Estimate collections, you would enter “Element Local” as the class and “Chiffrages” as the collection. This would check that the pointers to all of the Estimate (Chiffrage) objects were valid. In large databases, this can take some time.

Verify Users and Groups…

ECM verifies that all of the User pointers to Groups and all of the Group pointers to Users are consistent. ECM verifies the Owner/Author and Group Membership pointers of most of the ECM data. In large databases, this can take some time.

3.3.2 Edit Commands

Delete (Edit Menu)

An administrative user is allowed to delete the Company Information object. A new Company Information object will be automatically created the next time any user logs in. It will contain all default values.

Properties (Edit Menu)

Selecting Properties from the Edit menu or Double Clicking the object will bring up a Properties dialog. Certain variables (string type) can be modified directly in the Properties dialog. In general, the Properties dialog is very similar to Form View for the object.


Page 83 of 286


Descriptors

On the “Descriptors” Tab of the Properties dialog, Element descriptors can be modified. Prior to entering Element Descriptors, the Administrative User should enter the valid System Units using the Company Information Object operation command Modify…System Units. The list of available System Units (such as mm, inch, ft, count, unit, etc.) needs to be available to give Descriptors a unit designation. Descriptors are sort keys or other classes of data that the user wants to store with an Element, including such things as Length, Width, Surface Area, Number of Holes, or Number of Plies. While all Descriptors are available to all Elements, Descriptors are organized by Part Type so that when a user creates and Element and indicates its Part Type, the default set of Descriptors for the Part Type will automatically be available to the user. Descriptors are normally used to store data required by various cost tools. When the Cost Tool is invoked, the data in the Descriptors for that Element is passed to the Cost Tool to allow it to partially or completely create a cost estimate for the Element. The following example shows a Part Type of “MACHINED” and its Descriptors.


Page 84 of 286


3.3.3 File Commands

Import Agent Actions

ECM allows an administrative user to import Agent Actions from a specifically formatted Excel file. Agent Actions are functions that run pre-determined commands, such as imports or output reports, often on a set schedule. The import format contains four columns, the name of the Agent Action, what method the Agent Action will run when it is triggered, the name of the Process Format that will be used to interpret the data being imported, and the name of the file which is to be read. In some cases, no all fields are required.


Page 85 of 286


Agent Name Method Process Format File Name

Agent Test 1 Method Test 1 Process Test 1 c:/testit.xls

Import Application Data

ECM allows an administrative user to import data from an Excel file to fill in commodities, part centers, vendors, material specifications, estimate types, system units, input/output, and customers lists stored on the Company Information object. For Raytheon, the command also imports the Organizations list. The format for this import is found in the Reference Manual in the automated import formats section.

Import Cost Breakdown List

ECM allows an administrative user to import data from an Excel file to create the list of queries available in the Scenario command Output Cost Breakdown.

Import Date Records Action Map

ECM allows an administrative user to import data from an Excel file to create the actions that will occur when Data Records are imported during Import Actions.

Import Data Records Reference Map

ECM allows an administrative user to import data from an Excel file to create a reference map for importing data records.

Import IPT Data


Page 86 of 286


ECM allows an administrative user to import data from an Excel file to fill in the IPT, CIPT, and Module Center maps stored in the Company Information object.

Import Report From Query List

ECM allows an administrative user to import the list of choices that a user sees when running the Scenario command Report…From Query. The import format is an Excel spreadsheet with the data in Sheet 1, Column A with no header row. The format of each line is a comma-delimited string starting with a valid keyword followed by appropriate options. The allowed options are:

Attr

AttrString

AttrEsc

AttrExtEsc

Method

MethodEsc

MethodExt

MethodExtEsc

MethodExtEscNRE

MethodExtEscNRE-NoPN

MethodNRE

MethodNRE-NoPN

MethodNRE3


Page 87 of 286


MethodNRE4

MethodObj - gets object with method and goes to "Obj" case

MethodObjNRE - gets object with method and goes to "ObjNRE" case

MethodObjEsc

MethodObjExt

MethodObjExtEsc

MethodObjExtEscNRE

Obj with options Attr, Method3, Method4, or Method

ObjNRE with options Attr, MethodNRE, MethodNRE4, or Method

ObjEsc with options Attr or Method

ObjExt with options Attr or Method

ObjExtEsc with options Attr or Method

ObjExtEscNRE with options Attr or Method

ObjExtEscNRE-NoPN with options Attr or Method

ObjEscNRE with options Attr or Method

ObjEscNRE-NoPN with options Attr or Method

Custom (from Scenario wmStrings)

CustomReal (from Scenario wmReals)

CustomDate (from Scenario wmDates)

OPCustom (from Element wmStrings)

OPCustomReal (from Element wmReals)


Page 88 of 286


OPCustomDate (from Element wmDates)

EstimateCustom (from Estimate wmStrings)

EstimateCustomReal (from Estimate wmReals)

EstimateCustomDate (from Estimate wmDates)

AttrString and the addition of the “String” to the end of any of the above entries gets the desired attribute, method or function and then formats the output as a string to prevent the truncation of leading 0’s and other automatic formatting effects of Excel. Esc gets the desired attr/method from the associated object and then escalates the cost with the escalation factor and learning curve factor of the line item. Ext uses the extended quantity of the line item. NRE takes the second and third argument and adjusts the values for NRE and Lot Charge type of cost. NRE3 and NRE4 are specific variants of NRE/Lot Charge processing with the arguments for NRE and Lot Charge in specific locations in the called method. A special case exists for keyword “UPP” or “UPE”, representing quantity everywhere.

An example of the import format string follows:

Part Name,AttrString,Nom

NHA (Parent Part),Obj,Parent,Attr,Numéro

Quantity,Attr,Quantité

Ext Quantity,Method,Get My Total Quantity

UPP (Units per Product),UPP,UPP

Part Cost (Own Cost),ObjEsc,Chiffrage,Attr,Coût Total

Unit Assembly Cost,Attr,Coût Unitaire

Total Cost,Attr,Coût Total

Part Target Cost,Attr,Target Cost


Page 89 of 286


Variance,Method,Variance

Fixed Cost,Attr,Fixed Cost

Total NRE Cost,Attr,NRE Total Cost

Total Fixed Cost,Attr,Fixed Cost Total

Total Line Cost,Method,Total Line Cost

Author,Obj,Auteur,Attr,sName

Owner,Obj,Owner,Attr,sName

Own Unburdened Labor,ObjEscNRE,Chiffrage,Method,Unburdened Labor Cost,0,0

Own Labor Burden,ObjEscNRE,Chiffrage,Method,Labor Burden,0,0

Own Labor Hours,ObjEscNRE-NoPN,Chiffrage,Method,Labor Hours,0,0

Own Labor Std Hours,ObjEscNRE-NoPN,Chiffrage,Method,Labor Hours Standard,0,0

Own Labor Hours - Total,MethodNRE-NoPN,Labor Hours,0,0

Own Unburdened Material,ObjEscNRE,Chiffrage,Method,Unburdened Material Cost,0,0

Own Material Burden,ObjEscNRE,Chiffrage,Method,Material Burden,0,0

Own Setup Cost,ObjEscNRE,Chiffrage,Method,Setup Cost,0,0,0

Own NRE Cost,Method,Own NRE Cost

ODCType1,Obj,Chiffrage,Method4,ODC Type,0,0,1



Estimate Complexity,ObjNRE,Chiffrage,Method,Complexity

Estimate Name,Obj,Chiffrage,Attr,Nom


Page 90 of 286


3.3.4 Navigate Commands

The available Navigate commands are:

Custom Navigate Command…

If an Administrative user has created any custom navigation commands using the Advanced Search Engine (ASE), these commands will be available in this menu.

Select


Show Domain Manager…

ECM allows an Administrative user to view the Domain Manager object associated with the Company Information Object.

Show Process Formats…

ECM allows an Administrative user to view the Process Formats object associated with the Company Information Object.


Page 91 of 286


Report Commands

The available Report commands are:

All of these commands, except the Excel ECM reports commands, create an on-screen report listing the current value of the selected attribute.

Report…Application Data

ECM gives a listing of the application data stored with the Company Information object on the screen, allowing the user to select the item for reporting.

Report…Commodities


Page 92 of 286


ECM gives a listing of the commodities stored with the Company Information Object on the screen.

Report…Count The ECM Objects

Counts all of the ECM objects in the database and reports the count to the screen.

Report…Count The Elements

Counts all of the Element objects in the database and reports the count to the screen.

Report…Customers

ECM displays the names of Customers that are stored on the Company Information Object (as opposed to customers stored as Company Objects.

Report…Data Record Reference Map

ECM reports the map stored on the Company Information Object for use in Data Record value translation.

Excel Reports…IPT Maps

A report command, Excel ECM reports…IPT Maps, outputs the IPT - CIPT and IPT - Module Center maps to Excel in the same format used for importing the maps. This allows for a clearer display of the maps and easy modification of the maps using Excel.

Excel Reports…Process Format


Page 93 of 286


The user picks the Process Format to output and then exports that Process Format to Excel.

Report…Get Temp Dir

ECM reports the directory that is currently being used as the “temp” directory. This is used to output various reports and report files.

Report…IPT-CIPT Map

ECM gives a listing of the IPT-CIPT Map on the screen.

Report…IPT-Module Center Map

ECM gives a listing of the IPT-Module Center Map on the screen.

Report…Import Action Map

ECM gives a listing of the Import Action Map on the screen.

Report…Initiative Risk Factors

ECM gives a listing of the current risk factors for Initiative risk levels object on the screen.

Report…Material Specs

ECM gives a listing of the Material Specifications stored with the Company Information Object on the screen.


Page 94 of 286


Report…Part Centers

ECM gives a listing of the Part Centers stored with the Company Information Object on the screen.

Report…Part Type/Descriptor/Unit Map

ECM gives a listing of part types, the descriptors associated with each part type, and the unitsassociated with each descriptor on the screen.

Report…Product Index

ECM gives a listing of the Product Index stored with the Company Information Object on the screen.

Report…User Status

ECM gives a listing of the status of users in various domains from an Excel file with the listing of the user and domains that are to be queried.

Report…Value Estimate Types

ECM gives a listing of the Value Estimate Types stored with the Company Information Object on the screen.

Report…Variant Types

ECM gives a listing of the Variant Types stored with the Company Information Object on the screen.


Page 95 of 286


3.4 ECM Base

All ECM object classes, with the exception of the Company Information Object, are defined as part of the ECM Base class. This class is further specialized to Object Base, Named Object and Named and Dated Object classes. The commands defined in the ECM Base class are available to all other classes.

Custom Navigate Command…

If an Administrative user has created any custom navigation commands using the Advanced Search Engine (ASE) and the user has selected the preference to show these commands, these commands will be available in this menu.

Custom Operations Command…

If an Administrative user has created any custom operation commands using the Advanced Search Engine (ASE) and the user has selected the preference to show these commands, these commands will be available in this menu.

Custom ECM reports Command…

If an Administrative user has created any custom reports commands using the Advanced Search Engine (ASE) and the user has selected the preference to show these commands, these commands will be available in this menu.

Modify Custom Data

A general command to modify user controlled custom data. The user specifies the type of data, the name/identifier of the data, and the value. The custom data is then stored in the appropriate custom data map (dates, real, or strings). If no entry exists in the selected custom data map, then an entry is map. Any existing entry is updated.


Page 96 of 286


Output Custom Data

A general command to output existing user controlled custom data to Excel. An output is created including name of the custom data and its value. For Scenarios, an Excel report is created that includes the part number and description of the Scenario line item, a column for each of the custom data identifiers found, and the value of the custom data. The user has the ability to control how many levels of Scenario data is output.

Report Custom Data

A general command to report existing user controlled custom data. A report is created including name of the custom data and its value and displayed on the screen. For Scenarios, an Excel report is created that includes the part number and description of the Scenario line item, a column for each of the custom data identifiers found, and the value of the custom data. The user has the ability to control how many levels of Scenario data is output.

Reset Custom Data

A general command to reset existing user controlled custom data. The custom data maps for the selected object(s) are cleared.


Page 97 of 286


Verify

A Verify command is available for all data in ECM. The verify command checks that data consistency of the object(s), corrects and inconsistencies found, and creates a Word report of the results of its activities. Generally, the Verify command cleans up pointers in the database that incorrectly point to already non-existent data.

3.5 Cost

Cost Objects, including the subclass objects of Material Cost, Labor Cost, ODC, and Setup Cost hold cost contributor data for each Estimate. The Estimate is a sum of various cost contributor objects. The commands that are common to all cost contributor objects are included here. The commands that are specific to the various types of cost contributor objects are listed below with each of the subclasses of Cost.

Note: Changing any Cost attributes that also change the cost of the related Estimate will reset the date of creation of the Estimate. If the Estimate is used in a Scenario, then the effected line item will have its cost and date updated and any parent line items that had their cost modified during the updated cost rollup will also have their dates updated.

Add Comment

Add a text comment to any cost contributor.

Clone Cost

Clones the selected cost contributor, resulting in an additional cost contributor in the selected cost contributor’s Estimate.

Delete (Edit Menu)


Page 98 of 286


Deleting a cost contributor removes it from the associated Estimate's relevant cost contributor collection. The Estimate is also marked as "Dirty" so that update costs will catch the change.

Modify Attrition

The default for the attrition multiplicative factor is 1.0 and is derived from the attrition data stored with the element object. The attrition for a cost object can be modified individually.

Modify Business Unit

ECM allows a user to assign a business unit (department or supplier) to a specific cost from the list of available business units.

Modify Complexity

The default for the complexity multiplicative factor is 1.0. The complexity for a cost object can be modified individually.

Modify Cost Basis Year

A cost basis year is stored with the cost object as an indication of the basis that was used for calculating the costs stored in the object. This year is utilized by the cost escalation commands to convert costs from one year to another.

Modify Cost Description

A description (usually Element Part Number by default) is stored with the cost object.

Modify Cost Type


Page 99 of 286


A cost type is a string attribute stored with the cost object. The cost type is utilized by the user specific cost commands in certain cases. Default is “H”. Specific meanings have been assigned to the following cost types:

Cost Type Meaning

A Actual Cost – rates not updated during update rates

F Fixed Cost – cost rolls up separately in fixed cost column, multiplied by quantity.

FA Fixed Cost Actual – Fixed cost with rates not updated during update rates.

Fee A special type for ODC costs indicating a specific Fee or Profit addition that is used by some customers to calculate Sell Price.

L Recurring Lot Charge – a cost contributor that is not affected by the quantity of the line item. The total quantity of the instances of the effected part number is used to allocate the cost throughout the Scenario.

LA Recurring Lot Charge actual – a non-recurring cost whose rates are not updated during Update Rates.

LS Recurring Lot Charge Support – a support cost generated from a non-recurring cost that is also non-recurring.

LSA Recurring Lot Charge support actual – a recurring support cost whose rates are not updated during an Update Rates.

N Non-recurring cost: a cost contributor that is not affected by the quantity of the line item. The total quantity of the instances of the effected part number is used to allocate the cost throughout the Scenario.

NA Non-recurring cost actual: a non-recurring cost whose rates are not updated during Update Rates.


Page 100 of 286


ND Non-recurring cost development – a separate classification of non-recurring costs associated with product development activities.

NDA Non-recurring cost development actual – development non-recurring costs whose rates are not updated during Update Rates.

NS Non-recurring Support – a support cost generated from a non-recurring cost that is also non-recurring.

NSA Non-recurring support actual – a non-recurring support cost whose rates are not updated during an Update Rates.

S Support Cost – support cost generated from direct costs through support rates.

S1 Support Cost Manual Input – a manually input support cost that is not modified during Update Support Rates.

SA Support Cost Actual – an actual support cost whose rates are not updated by Update Rates.

Setup Setup Cost – a direct cost that is generated from Setup Labor parameters. Normal updating of rates occurs.

W Weight Based – a cost that was calculated using ECM weight-to-cost parameters to create the cost Estimate based on the Element weight, part type parameters, and parametric conversion rates.

For various commands, tests are run to determine which type of cost is being processed. If one of the special tests is not met, it is assumed that the cost is a standard, direct cost that is impacted by rate changes and by quantity. The tests used are:

Actual A cost is considered and Actual cost if the cost type ends in the letter “A”. This includes standard cost types of A, FA, LA, LSA NA, NDA,

NSA, and SA.


Page 101 of 286


Support A cost is considered a support cost if it is one of the following types: S, SA, S1, NS, or NSA.

Fixed A cost is considered a fixed cost and is rolled up separately in the fixed cost column if the cost type is F or FA.

Lot Charge A cost is considered recurring Lot Charge if the cost type starts with the letter “L”. This included standard costs types L, LA, LS, and LSA.

NRE A cost is considered non-recurring if the cost type starts with the letter “N”. This included standard costs types N, NA, ND, NDA, NS, and NSA.

Modify Currency

The Currency attribute specifies the currency used as the basis of the cost contributor. An Estimate may be made up of cost contributors of various currencies. When used in a Scenario, these currencies will be converted into the currency of the Scenario using the rate tables in effect at the time.

Modify Curve Code

The Curve Code attribute specifies the allocation used when the cost is allocated across multiple months or years. The curve code will look to the rate table to see is a matching curve code rate exists. If a matching rate is found, a curve is constructed from the values found in the rate and used to allocate the cost over the period from the Start Date to the End Date.

Modify Date Produced

The Date Produced is used to access various rates used in the calculation of the cost contributor. The Date Produced can be changed with this command and new rates will be searched and applied to the cost contributor.


Page 102 of 286


Modify Escalation Department

The Escalation Department is used to calculate an escalation rate for the cost contributor, given a base year (YYMM) and an escalation year (YYMM).

Modify Escalation Year

The Escalation Year is used to calculate an escalation rate for the cost contributor, given an input year/month and an escalation year/month. Dates are entered in YYMM format.

Modify LCF Data

A learning curve factor (default = 1.00) is used in the calculation of the cost contributor. The user may modify the learning curve parameters for the calculation of the LCF. The user will be asked to input the Rate, Base, and Quantity.

Modify Plant

The “Plant” is the plant designation used in the contributor’s rates. The user is presented with all of the plants that exist in the rate table. The command allows the user to modify estimates when the plant location is changed for some line item(s) and therefore the applicable rates to be used must also be changed.

Modify Process Yield

Modifies the Yield associated with the cost contributor. Note, the command updates the total weighted Yield of the associated Estimate based on all of the cost contributors at the same time.

Modify Start/End Dates


Page 103 of 286


Start and End Dates are stored on each cost contributor in the format YYYYMM, with “0” implying no start or end date. The Start and End Dates are used in calculating the cost, allocating rates over the period of performance.


Choosing Properties from the Edit menu or double-clicking the object will raise a Properties dialog. Depending on the specific type of Cost object, the dialog will allow you to enter various kinds of information about the Cost.

Report Cost For Year

ECM creates a report on the screen of what the cost would be for the cost contributor if the Date Produced were changed to the value input by the user during the command.

Report Escalation Rate

ECM creates a report on the screen of what the Escalation Rate would be is the Escalation Year were modified to the value input by the user during the command.

Report LCF Calc

ECM creates a report on the screen of what the Learning Curve Factor would be for the cost contributor if the LCF Quantity were changed to the value input by the user during the command.

Report Start/End Dates

ECM creates a report of the Start and End Dates for the cost, if any exist.


Page 104 of 286


Show Comments

A navigate command that returns the Comments that has been assigned to the cost object.

Show Estimate

A navigate command that will return an answer showing the Estimate in which the cost contributor is used.

Show Supplier/Vendor/Unit

A navigate command that returns the Vendor or production unit that has been assigned to the cost object.

3.5.1 Labor Cost

Modify Burden Center

The Labor Burden Center holds the labor department information used to extract the Labor Burden Rate from the Rate Tables. When the Burden Center is modified, the currently active Rate Table will be searched for a matching Labor Burden Rate and Labor Fringe Rate.

Modify Burden Rate

The burden rate is a multiplicative factor that is generated originally from the Labor Burden department when the labor cost object was created. The Burden Rate can be modified. Note: an Update Rates event will return the Fringe Rate to that calculated from the rate department.


Page 105 of 286


Modify Efficiency Center

The Labor Efficiency Center holds the labor department information used to extract the Labor Efficiency Rate from the Rate Tables. When the Efficiency Center is modified, the currently active Rate Table will be searched for a matching Labor Efficiency Rate.

Modify Fringe Rate

The fringe rate is a multiplicative factor that is generated originally from the Labor Burden department when the labor cost object was created. The Fringe Rate can be modified. Note: an Update Rates event will return the Fringe Rate to that calculated from the rate department.

Modify Hours

The total labor hours of the contributor can be modified.

Modify KFactor

The "KFactor" or labor efficiency factor is a multiplicative factor with a default value of 1.0. Changing its value will have a direct multiplicative effect on the cost.

Modify Labor Cost

A general modification command that allows the user to modify all of the variables of a labor cost contributor. The newer Properties dialog is more extensive. The advantage of "Modify KFactor" is that the new KFactor can be applied to all of the selected cost objects. With Modify Labor Cost, all of the variables can be modified, but only on an individual basis. The following dialog screen will be presented:


Page 106 of 286


Each of the items presented in the dialog screen can be modified to change the value of the Labor Cost. When a new Date Produced is selected, an update rates is performed on all rate departments. After the change is made, all Scenarios using this Labor Cost will be automatically updated.

Modify Labor Rate

Directly modifies the labor rate used in the Labor Cost contributor.

Modify Rate Center

The Labor Rate Center holds the labor department information used to extract the Labor Rate from the Rate Tables. When the Burden Center is modified, the currently active Rate Table will be searched for a matching Labor Rate.


Page 107 of 286



Choosing Properties from the Edit menu or double-clicking the object will raise a Properties dialog. The following dialog is presented allowing the modification of various types of data stored in the item.

Update Rates

The rates used in a labor cost object are determined as a result of the rates available in the system at the time of creation of the labor cost object. Should the rates be changed or updated, this command will re-determine the rates to be used in the labor cost object as a result of the rates available at the time the command is executed.


Page 108 of 286


3.5.2 Material Cost

Modify Base Cost

Use this command to modify the unburdened material cost.

Modify Burden Center

The Material Burden Department is stored with the material cost object. This department is used to determine the material burden rate. If the department is changed, a new material burden rate will be determined from the rates available at the time the command is executed.

Modify Burden Rate

The material burden rate is a multiplicative factor that is generated originally from the Material Burden department when the cost object was created. The Burden Rate can be modified. Note: an Update Rates event will return the Burden Rate to that calculated from the rate department.

Modify Efficiency Center

The Efficiency Department is stored with the material cost object. This department is used to determine the material efficiency factor. If the department is changed, a new material efficiency factor will be determined from the rates available at the time the command is executed.

Modify Efficiency Factor

The material efficiency factor is a multiplicative factor that is generated originally from the Material Efficiency department when the cost object was created. The Efficiency Factor can be modified. Note: an Update Rates event will return the Burden Rate to that calculated from the rate department.


Page 109 of 286


Modify Material Cost

This command allows the user to modify all of the variables of a material cost contributor. The newer Properties command allows more options for modification. The advantage of a command like "Modify Burden Center" is that the new Burden Center can be applied to all of the selected cost objects. With Modify Material Cost, all of the variables can be modified, but only on an individual basis. The following dialog screen will be presented:

Each of the items presented in the dialog screen can be modified to change the value of the Material Cost. When a new Date Produced is selected, an update rates is performed on all rate departments. After the change is made, all Scenarios using this Material Cost will be automatically updated.

Modify Material Spec

Use this command to modify the material specification of the cost object. The material specification is used in sorting cost estimates.


Page 110 of 286


Modify Vendor/Supplier

Use this command to modify the vendor of the cost object. The material cost object can have both a business group and a vendor associated with it. It is used in sorting cost estimates.



Update Rates


Page 111 of 286


The rates used in a cost object are determined as a result of the rates available in the system at the time of creation of the cost object. Should the rates be changed or updated, this command will re-determine the rates to be used in the cost object as a result of the rates available at the time the command is executed.

3.5.3 ODC

Other Direct Costs (ODC) is a catchall cost contributor for costs that are not labor, material, or setup costs. There is no burden or factors. The ODC cost entered is the value of the cost contributor after the effects of attrition, complexity, and LCF (if used).

Modify ODC Cost

Modify the ODC cost making up the basis of the ODC contributor.

Modify ODC Name

The Name is a string attribute of the ODC cost object. It is used to sort ODC cost objects.

Modify Pricing Center

The Pricing Center is used to update Pricing Rates. The rate table and/or factor table is queries with the Pricing Center to determine the Pricing Rates (POH, G&A, Fee and COM (optionally) that should be applied to this cost contributor.




Page 112 of 286


3.5.4 Setup Cost

There are two ways to construct a Setup Cost contributor: cost/lot size or CER (factor). Depending on the method selected, different data will be requested.

Modify Lot Size

ECM allows the user to modify the Lot Size used in calculating the Setup Cost.

Modify Pricing Center

The Pricing Center is used to update Pricing Rates. The rate table and/or factor table is queries with the Pricing Center to determine the Pricing Rates (POH, G&A, Fee and COM (optionally) that should be applied to this cost contributor.


Page 113 of 286


Modify Setup Cost

ECM allows the user to re-input the Setup Cost. The user may select which method is to be used. The appropriate input dialog box will be presented.

Modify Total Setup Cost

ECM allows the user to modify the Total Setup Cost used in calculating the Setup Cost.




Page 114 of 286


3.6 Object Base

Most ECM object classes are defined as part of the Object Base class. This class is further specialized to Named Object and Named and Dated Object classes. The commands that are defined at these levels are included here and are generally available to all ECM objects. Note: Company Information, ECM_Sessions, Cost, and Rate objects are not part of this branch of the application tree and do not inherit these commands, although similar commands may have been added separately. The Element Database, Change History, Named Value, and String classes are part of Named Object, but not Named and Dated Object, so they do not have Date related attributes and commands.

Add To Current Project

ECM allows a user to add an item to a Project’s collection of Articles. This is normally Scenario objects, but any other object may be added.


Page 115 of 286


Add To Group Membership

You will be given at least the choice to "Add to Group Membership." A dialog of the available groups will be presented for selection. More information about the effect of Group Membership on display and modification of an object is available in the ECM Security Manual.

Delete

A general Delete command provided for all ECM objects. Depending on the state of the object to be deleted, the level of the user, and the group membership of the user, the command will be (or not be) available. When an object is deleted, a pre-destroy script is activated which may delete other related objects.

Drag/Drop Files

The capability to drag and drop files from the Windows File Manager to ECM exists for various ECM data classes including Estimates, Initiatives, Elements, Scenarios, Contexts, Value Estimates, and Weights. Windows files that are dropped on one of these ECM objects become an ECM Data File.

Modify Name

For any named object, the user normally has the ability to edit the Name (Nom) attribute. For Elements (unique P/N objects) the name is not used to determine uniqueness. In general, many different objects could have the same name. When Modify Name operates on a Liaison class object, the name of the reference Element is also modified.

Modify Owner.


Page 116 of 286


ECM allows a user of sufficient authority to re-assign the ownership of an ECM object to a new user. More information about the effect of Owner modification on display and modification of an object is available in the ECM Security Manual.

Modify Status

ECM allows the user to change the status on an ECM object. The five status levels are WIP, Published, Pending Approval, and Approved. If the request is to approve the object, the user must be an Approver in one of the Groups to which the object has membership. In addition, other criteria may have to be met before the object can be approved. More information about the effect of status on display and modification of an object is available in the ECM Security Manual.


Choosing Properties from the Edit menu or double-clicking the object will raise a Properties dialog. Different dialogs are presented allowing the modification of various types of data stored in each data class.

Remove From Current Project

ECM removes an ECM object from a Project.

Remove From Group Membership

ECM removes an ECM object from a Group. The groups of which the object is a member are presented, allowing the user to break this relationship. More information about the effect of Group Membership on display and modification of an object is available in the ECM Security Manual.


Page 117 of 286


Show Group Membership

ECM allows an Administrative User to display the Group Membership of the selected item.

3.6.1 Element Database

The Element Database is a storage mechanism in ECM so that frequent searches do not have to be made across the entire database. The main items stored in the Element Database are a map of part numbers to Element objects and a map of prior part numbers to Element objects. Additionally, the list of Families and the list of Functions are stored with the Element Database object.

Clear…Family Map

ECM resets the Family map of family codes to meanings. The default settings can be obtained with the command Reinitialize the Families.

Delete

The “root” user has the ability to Delete the Element Database for maintenance reasons. However, the command “Validate Element Map” will normally solve any problems that might arise from an incorrect Element Database.

Empty Prior Part Number Map

The ECM system keeps two maps of unique part numbers, the current part number stored in the Element Map and prior part numbers, stored in the prior part number map. An object can be accessed through either map. This command allows an administrative user to clear the prior part number map. This is normally NEVER done, but might be required in a maintenance operation.

Import Family Map


Page 118 of 286


Updates the Family Map stored on the Element Database with data imported from Excel. The format for the import is the Family Map Key in column A and the Family Name in column B, with data starting in row 2. (Row 1 is a header.)

Modify Name

Note: the Modify Name command is disabled for the Element Database object.

Output Element Map To Excel

ECM creates an Excel file of all of the entries in the Element Map.

Output Element Map To Text

ECM creates a text file of all of the entries in the Element Map. A text output is an option for large databases that may not easily fit in an Excel spreadsheet.

Output Families To Excel

ECM creates an Excel file of all of the entries in the Family Map.

Output Prior PN Map

ECM creates an Excel file of all of the prior part numbers and the currently used part number for the same database element.

Reinitialize the Families

ECM Reinitializes the families to the default values released with the application.


Page 119 of 286


Update the Families

ECM allows the user to update the family definition in the system. A dialog box is displayed including the existing family definitions. The format for the entry is:

XXXX-Description

where XXXX is the number identifier for the family and Description is the name or description of the family. You cannot modify an existing value, you must delete and then re-enter it.

Validate Element Map

The Element map is the key to accessing the Elements. If, for any reason, the Element Map become corrupt (elements in the map that don't exist or elements which exist and are not in the map), this command will rebuild the Element map. It verifies that every entry in the map is available and that all Element objects in the database are in the map.

Which Family

This report command shows the user the family description for any entered family number

3.6.2 Object Database

The Object Database class stores indexed maps for quick access for large sets of stored data like Vendors and Customers. The objects are stored in two maps, one keyed by the item code attribute and another map keyed by the object name.

Output Code Map

ECM output the code and name maps to Excel.


Page 120 of 286


Report Number of Elements

ECM reports to the screen the number of entries in the code and name maps.

3.6.3 Agent Action

The Agent Action class stores the actions that are required of an agent program that can be established by ECM. Agent programs are programs that run at a specified interval in order to import or monitor data. For example, an agent program could be established to import data from another database or to monitor a database to look for changes of a certain type. The Agent Action accesses a file and if the date of the file is not newer than the last time the Agent Action was run, the Agent Action will not process the file (assuming the data is not new).

Modify Create New Elements

ECM modifies the user option on creating new elements. If the option is not selected, then during an import, if the Element does not already exist in the database, then Agent Action will not create the Element and the record will not be processed.

Modify Date Last Run

ECM modifies the date stored on the Agent Action as the date the Agent Action was last run. This date is used to determine if the file to be processed was creates/updated since the last time the Agent Action accessed it. By modifying the Date Last Run, the user can cause file to be reprocessed.

Modify File Name

ECM modifies the file name of the file that is used by the Agent Action to perform its function.


Page 121 of 286


Modify Method

ECM modifies the method assigned to the Agent Action to perform its function.

Open File

ECM opens the file that is used by the Agent Action to perform its function.

Properties…

Running Edit Properties or double-clicking the Agent Action will bring up the Properties dialog, where the name, action, file name, process format, create new elements option can be modified.

Reset Pending

ECM resets the Pending status on the Agent Action.


Page 122 of 286


Run Agent Action

ECM starts the Agent Action with an option to delete the Agent Action once its task is accomplished.

3.6.4 Estimate (Chiffrage)

The Estimate (Chiffrage) class holds the cost data for ECM. The cost data is held in attributes on the Estimate class and in each Estimate’s collections of cost contributors.

As a subclass of the Object Dated and Named class, all Estimate objects inherit all of those commands as well as the following additional commands defined on the Estimate class. In addition, many users have a few supplementary commands that are associated with special modifications made at their installation. See the Customer Specific documentation for details on these commands.

Estimate commands have been organized into Navigate, Operation, and Report command subsets.

3.6.4.1 Estimate – Navigate Commands

Show Author.

ECM returns the Author of the Estimate.

Show Change History

ECM returns the collection of Change History. items associated with the Estimate.


Page 123 of 286


Show Comments

ECM returns the collection of comments associated with the Estimate.

Show Data Files

ECM returns the collection of Data Files associated with the Estimate.

Show Element

ECM returns the element object for which the estimate object has been created.

Show Estimate Cost Components

ECM returns all of the cost components (cost contributors) of the estimate.

Show Labor Components

ECM returns the labor cost contributors of the estimate.

Show LTA/Contract

ECM returns the Long Term Agreement or Contract associated with the estimate.

Show Material Components

ECM returns the material cost contributors of the estimate.


Page 124 of 286


Show ODC Components

ECM returns the ODC cost contributors of the estimate.

Show Setup Cost Components

ECM returns the setup cost contributors to the estimate.

Show Where Used

ECM returns the Scenarios or Initiatives in which the Estimate has been used.

3.6.4.2 Estimate - Operation Commands

Note: Any command or other action that changes the cost of an Estimate will reset the date of creation of the Estimate. If the Estimate is used in a Scenario, then the effected line item will have its cost and date updated and any parent line items that had their cost modified will also have their dates updated.

Add Comment

ECM adds a comment to the Estimate’s collection of comments.

Add Data File

ECM adds a Data File to be associated with an Estimate. A file navigation screen is presented to allow the user to choose the file to be associated as a Data File with the Estimate. Typical


Page 125 of 286


examples of Data Files are quotes and calculation spreadsheets, or any other file that will help in keeping a complete record of the genesis of the cost.

Add Labor Cost

ECM adds a labor cost to the Estimates collection of labor costs. The user is prompted to enter appropriate detailed cost information including labor hours, labor burden department, etc.

Add Material Cost

ECM adds a material cost to the Estimates collection of material costs. The user is prompted to enter appropriate detailed cost information including material cost, material burden department, etc.

Add ODC Cost

ECM adds an ODC cost to the Estimates collection of ODC costs. The user is prompted to enter the ODC cost.

Add Setup Cost

ECM adds a setup cost to the Estimates collection of labor costs. The user is prompted to enter appropriate detailed cost information including lot size, total setup cost, etc.

Clone Estimate

ECM creates a new estimate object identical to the existing estimate with a new name, generally the existing name with an –01 suffix. Note: The Scenario clone estimate does two things: clones the estimate and then replaces the association to the old estimate with an association to the new estimate. Clone estimate on an Estimate will only make a clone of the estimate and not change anything about where the original or the new estimate is used.


Page 126 of 286


Consolidate Contributors

Searches through an existing Estimate to find any contributors that are identical except for the base value (Material Base Cost, Labor Hours, ODC Cost, etc.). If any nearly identical cost contributors are found, the base values are combined and the number of cost contributors is reduced.

Delete (Edit Menu)

ECM deletes any non-approved estimate(s). Any Scenarios or Initiatives where the estimate was used will be updated showing no estimate where the deleted estimate had been used.

Modify Complexity

ECM allows the user to modify the complexity factor of the estimate.

Modify Cost Basis Year

ECM allows the user to modify the cost basis year factor of the estimate. The cost basis year is used in determining the escalation factors of the estimate and the Scenario line item.

Modify Curve Code

ECM allows the user to modify the Curve Code of the cost contributors that is used when allocating cost over a period of time.

Modify Date

ECM allows the user to modify the Date of the estimate.


Page 127 of 286


Modify Date Produced

ECM allows the user to modify the date produced (year) of the estimate. This will force an Update Rates action, updating the estimate’s rates for the new production year.

Modify Estimate

ECM allows the user to modify each of the cost contributors of the estimate. The user is presented with an edit screen for each cost contributor to enter changes as needed.

Modify Estimate By Factor

ECM allows the user to modify each of the cost contributors of the estimate by a common factor. The factor is applied the base cost driver, i.e. material cost, labor hours, ODC Base, etc.

Modify KFactor

ECM allows the user to modify the labor efficiency factor for all labor cost contributors of the estimate. If a group of estimates is selected, the command applies to all estimates as a group.

Modify Minimum Purchase Amount

ECM allows the user to modify the minimum purchase amount (value) that is used in calculating any Minimum Purchase Penalty. Any total extended cost of this part number in a Scenario that is less than the minimum purchase amount will trigger a Minimum Purchase Penalty.


Page 128 of 286


Modify Minimum Purchase Quantity

ECM allows the user to modify the minimum purchase quantity that is used in calculating any Minimum Purchase Penalty. Any total quantity of this part number in a Scenario that is less than the minimum purchase quantity will trigger a Minimum Purchase Penalty.

Modify Name

ECM allows the user to modify the name of the estimate.

Modify Owner

ECM allows the user to modify the Owner of the estimate. The Owner is used in determining permissions on the Estimate object.

Modify Plant

ECM allows the user to modify the plant for all labor cost contributors of the estimate. If a group of estimates is selected, the command applies to all estimates as a group. The plant is the first portion of the rate name used in the various cost contributors. If an Estimate is used in one or more Scenarios, any changed cost as a result of new rate values resulting from the new plant designation will be immediately reflected in those Scenarios.

Modify Pricing Rates

ECM allows the user to modify the pricing rates of the estimate, affecting the BCL, TCL, and TPL cost rollup levels. With the “Apply To All” button, a large number of estimates can be modified at once. If the Clone Multi-Scenario Estimates option is selected, Estimates that are used in more than one Scenario will be cloned so that the change affects only the newly cloned Estimate.


Page 129 of 286


Modify Quantity Basis

ECM modifies the Quantity Basis for the Estimate.

Modify Rates

ECM allows the user to modify the rates used to calculate the cost of the estimate. The user is presented with a dialog including the current rates in use (if any).


Page 130 of 286


Modify Rollup Type

ECM changes the cost rollup type of estimate. ECM determines whether the children of the line item are added to the unit cost of the line item. Any Scenarios that utilize this Estimate will automatically have a new cost rollup performed with the indicated Cost Rollup Type of the Estimate used.

Modify Similar To Code

ECM changes the value of whether the Estimate is classified as a Similar To estimate or not. A similar too Estimate is an Estimate that is using the same Part Number, but is being used in a cost rollup where that Part Number is actually representing a different part. The Similar To Estimates are segregated so that their values are not used in commands like Search For Costs.

Modify Sort Keys

ECM allows the user to modify the Sort Keys of the Estimate. The Sort Keys are to classify or otherwise differentiate the Estimate from other Estimates.

Modify Status

ECM allows the user to modify the Status of the Estimate. The Status is used in determining the permissions on an Estimate.

Modify Type

ECM changes the type of estimate. The choices initially are Target, Preliminary, Detailed, Production, and Actual, but can be modified by an Administrative user in the Company Information object.



Page 131 of 286


Choosing Properties from the Edit menu or double-clicking the object will raise a Properties dialog. The following dialog is presented allowing the modification of various types of data stored in the Estimate.

The first tab contains summary information about the Estimate. The General Tab contains information about Estimate status, type, and group membership. In the example, a Labor Costs tab exists as the example Estimate has labor costs. A tab will be added for labor, material, ODC, and Setup costs when they exist. The Pricing Rates tab includes information about Estimate pricing rates used when cost other than Product Cost Level is required. The Company Specific tab includes any company specific attributes that have been added to a specific ECM implementation (See User Specific Documentation for more information). The Comments tab allows users to add comments to the Estimate.

Remove Data File


Page 132 of 286


ECM removes a Data File from the data files associated with the Estimate.

Remove Duplicate Comments

ECM removes any duplicate comments associated with the estimate, leaving only one instance of the comment remaining.

Remove From Context

ECM removes the Estimate from the selected Context. A Context is a collection of Estimates that allows the user to use the collection of Estimates as a group in commands like Search For Costs.


ECM removes the Estimate from the current Project.


ECM removes the selected Group from the Estimate’s Group Membership. Group Membership is used in determining the Estimate’s permissions.

Update Rates

ECM updates the rate factors used by the estimate based on the department information and the production year of the cost contributors. Also updates any rates used to calculate a cost level other than Product Cost Level. The user can select which rates should be updated by checking or un-checking selections in the following dialog. (Note: labor fringe rates are calculated along


Page 133 of 286


with labor burden rates.) The user is allowed to specify the Rate Table to be used. The current Project’s default rate table is presented as the initial selection.

Verify

ECM verifies the database consistency of the selected Estimates and their associated objects.

3.6.4.3 Estimate – Report Commands

Custom Data

ECM displays the custom data stored with the Estimate. Use Excel ECM reports – Custom Data to output the same data to Excel.


Page 134 of 286


Excel Reports

The Estimate’s Custom Data is output to Excel.

Reports on Screen

The following commands yield reports that are displayed on the screen.

- Are Same Estimate: ECM displays a dialog indicating whether two selected estimates are identical or not.

- Complexity: ECM displays a dialog box indicating the Complexity factor of the Estimate.

- Scenarios Used In: ECM displays a dialog box including the names of the Scenarios utilizing the Estimate as part of their cost rollup.

- Source: ECM displays a dialog box including the name of the source of the estimate. The source is the tool that was used to create the estimate.

- Start End Dates: ECM displays a dialog box including the start and end dates that are used in the Estimate’s cost contributors.

3.6.5 Context Object

Context Objects are used to group Estimates together in logical groupings so that the group of Estimates can be selected when running commands like Search For Costs.

Add Data File

ECM adds a Data File to the Context to assist in describing the Context.


Page 135 of 286


Modify

Modify commands exist to modify the Context’s Custom Data, Date, Name, Owner, and Status.

Delete (Edit Menu)

ECM deletes a Context.

Remove Data File

ECM removes a Data File from a Context when the Data File is no longer needed.

Remove Estimate

ECM removes an Estimate from a Context.


ECM removes the Context from the Current Project.

Show Data Files

ECM navigates to the Data Files associated with the Context.

Show Estimates

ECM navigates to the Estimates associated with the Context.


Page 136 of 286


3.6.6 Data File

Data Files are descriptive files such as Word documents or Excel spreadsheets that help keeping a complete record of a project. These files may be stored in ECM and associated with Scenarios, Estimates, and Initiatives. Data Files are created through the Operation command Add Data File on Scenario, Estimate, Initiative, and other classes. As a sub-class of ECM Base, the Data File class inherits all ECM Base commands. The Data File object stores the binary image of the computer file in the ECM database so that the file no longer needs to be stored somewhere else. If the file is deleted from its disk storage location, this does not affect the copy of the file stored in the ECM database.

Copy File To Disk

The file stored in the Data File is copied from the ECM database to a file location on disk. The user is requested to supply the name of the file and file location into which the data file will be copied with the standard file selection dialog screen. The file copied to disk does not change the Data File stored in ECM.

Delete (Edit Menu)

ECM deletes the Data File from the system, breaking any links to objects it was describing.

Modify Data File

The ECM system attempt to determine which application on your computer is to be used to open and modify the file in the Data File by the file extension stored in the Data File. If an application can be found, the stored file is opened, the user may edit the file as needed, and when the user closes the application, the edited file replaces the contents of the file stored in the Data File in ECM.

Open Data File


Page 137 of 286


The ECM system attempt to determine which application on your computer is to be used to open the file in the Data File by the file extension stored in the Data File. If an application can be found, the stored file is opened. The file opened in this manner does not change the Data File stored in ECM.

Show Parents

A Navigate commands that returns the collection of objects that the selected Data File(s) are associated.

3.6.7 Business Group

Business Groups (Enterprise Entities / Entité d'Entreprise) are business organizations of any type that can be created and associated with any cost estimate or LTA. They may be vendors/suppliers or internal organizations. The following commands augment the ECM Base commands that are inherited by the Business Group class. All of these commands are available only to ECM administrative users.

Add Contact

Add a Contact from the Persons in the ECM database to the Business Group (Vendor/Supplier).

Delete (Edit Menu)

Delete a business group from the ECM database.

Modify Function

ECM edits the function sort key of a Business Group.


Page 138 of 286


Modify Number

ECM edits the unique identifying number of the Business Group.

Modify Type

ECM edits the type sort key of a Business Group.

Modify Web Page

ECM edits the web page of a Business Group.

Remove Contact

ECM removes the Person designated as the contact for the Business Group.

Show Contact

A navigate command that returns the Person designated as the contact for the Business Group.

Show LTAs

A navigate command that returns the LTAs (Purchasing Agreements) associated with the Business Group.


Page 139 of 286


3.6.8 Initiative

An Initiative is estimate of future cost and/or weight changes that have not yet been recorded in the current estimates of the line items of a Scenario. The Initiative is like a cost/weight differences Scenario. The top line item of the Initiative is header line that holds the identifier information of the Initiative. The top line’s main function is to accumulate the cost/weight differences of all of the affected P/Ns that make up the Initiative. In this way, the Initiative becomes a work task that an individual can manage and be held accountable for. An Initiative can span multiple Scenarios, multiple projects, and multiple products. Initiatives are either created by directly adding an Initiative to a Scenario, by importing Initiative data and associating the imported Initiatives with Scenarios later, or by creating an Initiative manually and later associating it with one or more Scenarios.

- Creating an Initiative directly on a Scenario

An Initiative can be created using the Add…Initiative command on a Scenario. This command is intended to create a basis for the Initiative, helping the user get the right part numbers into the Initiative in a single command. The command also immediately associates the Initiative with the Scenario that was selected when the Initiative was created. The user then reviews the Initiative that was created to make sure that the proper line items have been included, deleting line items that were included in error and adding any additional line items that were not picked up when the Initiative was originally created. The extra line items are removed with the Delete command and additional line items added are by dragging and Element or Scenario line item and dropping it on the Initiative. If a Scenario line item is dropped on an existing Initiative, the original parameters used to create the Initiative will be used to determine an initial value of the Initiative line item created. The user should review all the Initiative line items to make sure that the estimated cost impact is correct. The command Estimate Value is used to correct any values.

- Importing Initiatives

Initiatives may be imported using the Execute command Import…Initiatives. The format of the Excel file to be read is including the ECM reference manual. In addition, the Execute command Import…Initiative Data allows user to import data that updates existing Initiatives.


Page 140 of 286


- Creating Initiatives Manually

The Execute command Create…Initiative is used to create an Initiative manually. Generally, the top line of the Initiative is created in this manner and then the desired line items are added by dragging/dropping Elements or Scenario line items on the Initiative. Initiatives can include line items from any Element, WBS, or Scenario. Initiatives can cross products or projects. Once an Initiative is created, it can be dropped on any Scenario. When the Initiative is dropped on a Scenario, the unit value of each part number is associated with any line items in the Scenario of the same part number. The Scenario then applies the quantities in that Scenario to the unit value and rolls up the proper projected cost impact on the Scenario for that line item. Quantities in the Initiative should be modified to indicate the total number of line items in all projects, product, or programs that are affected by the Initiative. In this way, the total savings of the Initiative can be managed by looking at the top Initiative line item.

For example, an Initiative may be created stating, "We expect to save 10% on all labor." When the Initiative is created with the Add…Initiative command on an existing Scenario, a line item will be added to the Initiative for each part number in the Scenario that has an Estimate that includes some labor cost. The Initiative value will be a -10% of the value of the labor cost on the effected line items.

As a sub-class of the Object Dated and Named Base class, the Initiative class has all Object Dated and Named class commands plus the following commands defined on the Initiative class. Some users may have specialized Initiative commands defined on their Initiative Local class. Any such commands will be presented in the user’s specialized documentation.

3.6.8.1 Initiative – Navigate Commands

Go Down

The Go Down command navigates to the children of the Initiative. The same result can be achieved by clicking on the “+” sign in Table view.


Page 141 of 286


Go Up

The Go Up command navigates to the parent(s) of the selected line item(s).

Show All Comments

ECM navigates to the collection of all of the Comments associated with the Initiative, from the selected line item and down.

Show All Estimates

ECM navigates to the collection of all of the Estimates used in the Initiative, from the selected line item and down.

Show Change History

ECM navigates to the Change History objects that have been associated with the Initiative.

Show Comments

ECM navigates to the Comments that have been associated with the Initiative.

Show Data Files

ECM navigates to the Data File objects that have been associated with the Initiative.

Show Element


Page 142 of 286


ECM navigates to the Element object the Initiative references.

Show Estimate

The value of the Initiative can either be a simple value or the result of an estimating process. If an estimating process is used, an Estimate of the cost/savings of the Initiative line item is created. This navigate command will return the related Estimate, if it exists.

Show Scenarios

Shows the Scenarios to which the Initiative has been applied. Initiatives can be applied to a Scenario at creation or through a drag/drop mechanism after creation.

3.6.8.2 Initiative – Operation Commands

Add Comment

ECM adds a comment to the Estimate’s collection of comments

Add Data File

ECM adds a Data File to be associated with an Estimate. A file navigation screen is presented to allow the user to choose the file to be associated as a Data File with the Estimate. Typical examples of Data Files are quotes and calculation spreadsheets, or any other file that will help in keeping a complete record of the genesis of the cost.

Add SubComponent

ECM allows the user to add a new line to the Initiative.


Page 143 of 286


Delete (Edit Menu)

ECM allows the user to delete an Initiative that is no longer needed. Initiatives of Status "Approved" cannot be deleted.

Drag/Drop

One of the ways to build a structure is to drag/drop elements onto an existing structure. Any Element or Scenario line item that is dropped on an existing Initiative structure will become part of that Initiative. A Scenario line item dropped on an Initiative will add that line item to the Initiative and the Initiative line item’s value will be set initially using the criteria originally used to create the Initiative. No initial value will be established when an Element is dropped on an Initiative.

Estimate Value

When a simple value is not sufficient to estimate the value of an Initiative line item, a full Estimate for that line item can be created. The standard Estimate creation menus are displayed. The resulting estimate is associated with the Initiative, not with the related Element. The Estimate command Show Element will navigate to the Initiative line item.

Modify Associated Estimates

ECM modifies the list of Estimates that the Initiative is associated with. If an Initiative has associated estimates, then the Initiative Value is applied only to Scenario line items that are using one or more of the associated Estimates. If none of the Initiative’s Associated Estimates are in use in a Scenario line item, then the Initiative value will not be included in the value reported with that Scenario line item. Since associated estimates imply that the Initiative is only valid on the costs associated with that estimate, if the estimate isn’t used, then there is no impact of the Initiative. If there are no Associated Estimates, then the Initiative will apply to the Scenario line item regardless of the Estimates used by the Scenario line item.


Page 144 of 286


Modify Burden Rate

ECM allows the user to change the Burden Rae of the Initiative line item. The Burden Rate is applied to the Value to compute total impact of the Initiative line item. The Burden Rate is used when the user wants the ability to compute burdened and unburdened impact of an Initiative.

Modify Creation Parameters

ECM allows the user to change the creation parameters stored in the Initiative Criteria. The creation parameters are used when a new line item is dropped on the Initiative or the command “Update Values From Scenario” is utilized. The user can modify the creation value or percentage and the creation “Value On” selection.

Modify Currency

ECM allows the user to change the currency of the Initiative.

Modify Custom Data

ECM allows the user to change the user defined custom data stored on the Initiative.

Modify Dates/Approval Status

ECM allows the user to modify the various dates associated with the Approval process for an Initiative. The User is provided with the following dialog to enter dates and approval status associated with the approval process for an Initiative. For the “Planned Dates”, lead times can


Page 145 of 286


be set in the Rate Tables for each of the steps. The rates in the rate table are of rate type “LEAD” and the lead time for each step is expressed in days. The current year is the year looked up in the rate table. The rate names are:

Initiative Related Lead Times

InitSolutionApproval (From Problem Approval to Solution Approval)

InitProblemVerification (to Problem Verification)

InitECApproval (to EC Approval)

InitValidation (to Initiative Validation)

InitIncorporation (to Initiative Incorporation)

Modify Effected Part Number

ECM allows the user to change the P/N the Initiative line item is associated with. This will impact where the Initiative is applied in the existing Scenarios and whenever the Initiative is associated with a new Scenario.


Page 146 of 286


Modify End Date

ECM allows the user to change the value of the End Date for the line item and all its children. The End Date is the date at which the Initiative’s impact is no longer valid.

Modify Funding Amount

ECM allows the user to change the Funding amount stored with the Initiative for tracking.

Modify Impacts

ECM allows the user to change (add, modify, or delete) an Impact of the Initiative. Impacts are stored with the name and value of the impact. Impacts hold changes foreseen by the implementation of the Initiative that are not cost or weight impacts. (Cost and weight impacts are stored directly on the Initiative and are special cases of impacts expected to occur with any Initiative.

Modify Incorporation Date

ECM allows the user to change the implementation date/incorporation date of the Initiative.

Modify Initiative Category

ECM allows the user to change the Category/Type of the Initiative.

Modify Initiative Number

ECM allows the user to change the number of the Initiative. This is the reference ID for the Initiative.


Page 147 of 286


Modify Initiative Owner

ECM allows the user to change the owner of the Initiative. This is the “real world” person responsible for the implementation of the Initiative as opposed the ECM owner.

Modify Initiative Type

ECM allows the user to change the type of the Initiative.

Modify NRE Status

ECM allows the user to change indicator stored on the Initiative that the changes affect NRE costs.

Modify Order of Children

ECM allows the user to change the order in which the line items of the Initiative are displayed.

Modify Quantity

ECM allows the user to change the quantity of the Initiative line item in the Initiative. This will not alter the impact of the Initiative on any Scenario, but rather will change the total impact as reported by the Initiative itself, thereby effecting a user’s NPV or IRR calculation. When an Initiative is created, its quantity is set to equal the quantity of the P/N in the Scenario it is created from. However, the Initiative may impact other products or in different quantities than found in that initial Scenario.

Modify Risk Factor

ECM allows the user to change the risk factor stored with the Initiative for tracking. The value is entered manually.


Page 148 of 286


Modify Status

ECM allows the user to modify the Status of the Initiative. The Status is used in determining permissions for the Initiative.

Modify Target Value

ECM allows the user to change the Target for the Value that stored with the Initiative The Target Value is entered manually.

Modify Value

ECM allows the user to change the Value stored with the Initiative The value is entered manually.

Modify Value Achieved

ECM allows the user to change the Value Achieved stored with the Initiative The value achieved is entered manually.

Modify Weight Impact

ECM allows the user to change the Weight Impact stored with the Initiative for tracking. The value is entered manually.

Properties

ECM allows the user to edit selected the Initiative line item by editing the values used to create the Initiative. A dialog screen for editing is presented. The user edits the name, number, input values, risk values, and type of line items effected. On committing the dialog, if the value has


Page 149 of 286


been changed, the Initiative will be recalculated and any associated Scenario line items will be automatically updated.

Remove Data File

ECM breaks the link between a Data File and the selected Scenario. If the Data File is not used in any other object, the Data File is deleted.



Page 150 of 286


ECM removes any duplicate comments associated with the Initiative, leaving only one instance of the comment remaining.

Remove From Scenarios

ECM breaks the link between an Initiative and the selected Scenario. The user is presented with the list of Scenarios that the Initiative is already associated with.

Reset Changed Status

When a line item in an Initiative is modified, its icon will turn red indicating the change. This indication can be reset to the standard icon.

Reset Effected Part Numbers

ECM resets the Effected Part Number of the Initiative to be equal to the part number of the associated Element object. This command is useful when the part number on the Element has changed.

Reset Part Names

Resets the name of the Initiative to be equal to the name of the associated Element object, should the Element description change.

Search For Value Achieved

The user can search for Value Achieved from the list of Estimates for the associated Element. The concept is that the value achieved will ultimately be determined by a more recent estimate. The value achieved stored with the Initiative is the difference between the Estimate associated


Page 151 of 286


with the line item of the Scenario related to the Initiative line item and the Estimate selected by the Search For… command.

Search For Values Achieved From Scenario

The user can search for Value Achieved from a Scenario, in which case the value achieved for each line item is the value of the estimate of the related element’s line item in the Scenario. The concept is that the value achieved will ultimately be determined by a more recent estimate. The value achieved stored with the Initiative is the difference between the Estimate on line item of the Scenario related to the Initiative line item and the Estimate selected by the Search For command.

Update All Values Forced

ECM performs a forced updates all values, forcing a revaluation of each cost regardless of its changed status. This command shouldn’t ever need to be run, but is sometimes useful to make sure that all updates to the Initiative have been processed.

Update Changed Values

Updates all values whose Changed flag indicates a change has been made since the last update. All Changed Values should be processed automatically by ECM.

Update My Value

Updates the value of the individual line item(s) selected which should be down automatically by ECM.

Update Rates


Page 152 of 286


ECM updates the values on all line items whose value is determined by an Estimate. For that Estimate, its value is recalculated using the now current rates as found in the Project’s default rates or rate tables selected.

Update Risk Factors

ECM allows the user to Update the risk factors of an Initiative line item. Risk factors for simple Initiative stay common among the top line item and the child line item.

Update Values From Scenario

ECM allows the user to Update the values in an Initiative by recalculating those values using the current costs in a Scenario and creation parameters stored in the Initiative criteria. This command is useful when the Scenario values have changed substantially or different creation parameters are desired. The creation parameters may be changed by the Initiative command Modify – Creation Parameters.

Verify

ECM allows the user to verify the database consistency of the Initiative.

3.6.8.3 Initiative – Report Commands

Approval Status

Two commands are available to report the Approval Status of an Initiative.

- Excel reports – Approval Status ECM creates an Excel report of the dates and status associated with the approval status of an Initiative.


Page 153 of 286


- ECM reports on Screen – Approval Status creates a report in a dialog box on the screen.

The following data is reported in both reports:

Initiative Number

Initiative Description

Planned Problem Approval

Board Problem Approval

Problem Approval Comments

Problem Approved Actual

Planned Solution Approval

Board Solution Approval

Solution Approval Comments

Solution Approved Actual

Planned Problem Verification

Board Problem Verification

Problem Verification Comments

Problem Verified Actual

Planned EC Approval

Board EC Approval

EC Approval Comments

Actual EC Approval

Planned Validation

Board Validation

Validation Comments

Validation Actual

Planned Incorporation

Board Incorporation

Incorporation Comments

Actual Incorporation

Export Initiative

ECM allows the user to output an Excel spreadsheet of the Initiative in the format used for importing Initiatives into ECM.

Excel Reports – Initiative Prioritization


Page 154 of 286


ECM creates an Excel report of the prioritization information of the Initiative.

Report Count All Children

ECM creates a report on the screen of the number of line items in the Initiative.

Report Impacts

ECM creates a report on the screen of the current values of the Impacts of the Scenario.

3.6.9 LTA (Long Term Agreement

The LTA class has been defined to hold information associated with purchasing agreements. The basic information stored is the associated organization, start and end dates, and the estimates associated with the LTA.

As a sub-class of the Object Dated and Named Base class, the Initiative class has all Object Dated and Named class commands plus the following commands defined on the LTA class. Some users may have specialized LTA commands defined on their LTA Local class. Any such commands will be presented in the user’s specialized documentation.

Add Comment

The user can add a comment to the collection of comments associated with the LTA object.

Add Data File

ECM adds a Data File to be associated with the LTA. A file navigation screen is presented to allow the user to choose the file to be associated as a Data File with the LTA. Typical examples


Page 155 of 286


of Data Files are Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, or any other file that will help in keeping a complete record of the LTA.

Add Line Item

ECM allows the user to add a new line to the LTA.

Delete

ECM allows the user to delete the LTA.

Modify Number

ECM allows the user to modify the number (unique ID) of the LTA.

Modify Order of Line Items

ECM allows the user to change the order in which the line items of the LTA are displayed.

Output Comments

ECM allows the user to output the comments associated with the LTA.

Remove Data File

Remove a Data File associated with the LTA.



Page 156 of 286



Remove Line Item

ECM allows the user to remove a line from the LTA.

Show Comments

A navigate command that returns the comments associated with the LTA.

Show Data Files

A navigate command that returns the Data Files associated with the LTA.

Show Line Items

A navigate command that returns the line items of the LTA.

Show Vendor

A navigate comment that returns the Vendor associated with the LTA.

3.6.10 Master Structure

The Master Structure class has been defined to hold similar requirements needed for Elements, Liaisons, and Scenarios. Each of these classes deal with indented structures. The following commands are used in all four classes.


Page 157 of 286


Add Comment

The user can add a comment to the collection of comments associated with the Structure object.

Add SubComponent

The user can add a newly defined Element object as a subcomponent to the Structure object. This command adds a new Element object to the database as well as adding it to the Structure. To add an existing Element to a Structure, use drag/drop Element.

Clone Line Item

An existing line item may be cloned, i.e. copied into one new Element object and one new Structure object. The original children of the line item become children of the cloned line item. The user must input a new, unique part number for the cloned line item. This can be the same Part Number with a new Revision or new Version.

Create Scenario

A Scenario is a structure plus an associated cost and/or weight per line item (the Estimate/Weight may be empty). Multiple Scenarios can be associated with a structure in which case all such associated Scenarios will change identically to any changes made in the structure. Scenarios can also be created "Unrelated", in which case changes to the structure are not reflected in the unrelated Scenario. Note: all approved Scenarios are by definition unrelated. When a Scenario is created, it does not yet have any associated Estimates. That association is made with the Search For…Costs/Weights command on the Scenario object. If a Scenario is created from an existing Scenario, its estimate references are copied to the new Scenario. To create a Scenario, the user issues the command and fills in the appropriate choices in the following dialog:


Page 158 of 286


If creating a Scenario from an Element, depending on the User Preferences for type of commands to display, the user will be automatically presented with the Search For Costs dialog, the Search for Weights dialog, or both. If the Scenario is created from an existing Scenario, the existing Costs and Weights will be used in the new Scenario (creating a clone of the original) and the user will then be asked if the user wants to modify the Production Year of the new Scenario. If a new Production Year is desired, the user will be asked to enter the new Production Year and complete a Search For Costs dialog for estimates from the Production Year exclusively. If no Estimate exists that matches the Production Year and the Search criteria, then the existing Estimate will be cloned with a new Production Year.

Drag/Drop Sub Component

One of the ways to build a structure is to drag/drop Elements onto an existing structure. Any Element object that is dropped on an existing structure will become part of that structure.

If line items of a Scenario are dragged and dropped within the same Scenario, no new line items will be created. Instead, the existing line items will be moved to new locations. In the case that a new parent has a different extended quantity than the old parent, the total cost of the Scenario will be modified.


Page 159 of 286


Go Down All

ECM returns all of the line items of the Structure/Scenario, including the line item selected. For an Element, the element corresponding to the Liaison object is returned.

Go Down All End Items

ECM returns all of the line items of the Structure/Scenario that have no children. This is sometimes referred to as all of the leaves on the Bill of Materials tree.

Go Down By Name

ECM returns any line items that match the search string entered anywhere in the line item’s name. For an Element, the element corresponding to the Liaison object is returned.

Go Down By Part Number

ECM returns any line items that match the search string entered anywhere in the line item’s part number. For an Element, the element corresponding to the Liaison object is returned.

Go Down By Sort Key

ECM returns any line items whose specified sort key matches the search string entered by the user. The match may be anywhere in the sort key. For an Element, the element corresponding to the Liaison object is returned.


Page 160 of 286


Go Down One Level

ECM returns the first level of subcomponents. For an Element, the element corresponding to the Liaison object is returned.

Go Up

ECM returns the line item's unique parent for a Scenario Line item or parent(s) for an Element.

Modify Order of Children

ECM allows the user to change the order of the children of a line item in a Structure. If an Element structure is modified, all related Scenarios will reflect the same change.

Modify Part Number

The part number of any line item or Element based on an un-approved Element may be changed. When the part number is changed using this command, part number references in related Liaison and Scenario objects are also changed.

Modify Status

ECM allows the user to Modify the Status of the object. The effect of status changes on the object will depend on the type of object. All sub-class objects of Master Structure (liaison, element, and scenario) behave the same with regard to whether the object can be displayed for the current user (See Security Manual). An approved Element can still be modified and the modification of its sub-components is controlled by the command Modify Status-Structure. The main impact of approving an Element is that the Element cannot be deleted. This removes the possibility that a user might delete an Element that is being used in a scenario or that has cost or weight estimates associated with it. If you approve a Scenario object, this object is frozen and cannot be changed.


Page 161 of 286


Modify Status-Structure

The status of the Structure determines whether new subcomponents may be added to the Structure. A Structure is “Approved” usually when the Structure goes under ECO or Change Control of some type. If a Structure is Approved, you must clone the existing Element into a new Element with a new part number (or variation of the original part number) and make any changes to the Structure in the new Element.

Output Comments

ECM reports to Excel the comments of the associated object including Part Number, Description, and Comment.

Output Cost History

ECM reports to Excel the cost history of the associated Element.

Output Parts List

ECM creates an Excel report containing a parts list with accumulated quantities for any parts that occur more than once in the structure of the associated Element.

Output Weight History

ECM reports to Excel the weight history of the associated Element.


Page 162 of 286




Report - Count All Children

ECM reports to the screen the total number of children in the selected Structure (Element or Scenario).

Report – Custom Data

ECM reports to the screen all of the custom data of the selected Structure (Element or Scenario).

Report - Sort Keys

ECM displays a report of the sort keys associated with the object. For different users, sort keys will have different meanings. Some users will see a command like “Edit Company Data”, which will edit the standard sort keys and any company specific sort keys.

Show Active Scenario

A navigate command that a single Scenario object that is the designated Active Scenario for the part number of the selected Element, Liaison, or Scenario object. The Active Scenario is the Scenario that the Cognition Cockpit will access to retrieve data for the specified part number. There can be only one Active Scenario per part number.

Show All Estimates For This P/N


Page 163 of 286


A navigate command that returns the collection of cost Estimates associated with the underlying Element object.

Show All Initiatives For This P/N

A navigate command that returns the collection of cost Initiatives associated with the underlying Element object.

Show All Weights For This P/N

A navigate command that returns the collection of weight estimates associated with the underlying Element object.

Show Comments

A navigate command that returns the collection of comments associated with the Structure object.

Show Element

A navigate command that displays the Element object associated with the selected object. In the case of an Element object, the selected object will be returned.

Show Scenarios

A navigate command that returns all of the Scenarios based on the selected Structure object (Element, Liaison, or Scenario).

Show Where Used


Page 164 of 286


ECM returns all of the parents of the associated Liaison objects, i.e. all places in which the object has been used (has a parent). The command navigates directly to the parent objects, not the Liaison objects.

Verify Child Pointers

ECM verifies the pointers of all of the children of the Scenario. The command removes any child pointers of an Element, Liaison, or Scenario that are "Not Available", but are not "Bad Reference" and therefore missed by the Verify command.

Verify

ECM allows the user to verify the database consistency of the object (Element, Scenario, or Liaison).

3.6.11 Element

An Element is a database entity with a unique part number. It typically represents a physical part or assembly, but can represent any unique line item of cost or weight in a project or program. An Element is a type of Structure object. It holds the definition of its subcomponents (children) and its parents (where used).

3.6.11.1 Element – Navigate Commands

Go Down All

ECM returns all of the line items of the Structure/Scenario, including the line item selected.


Page 165 of 286



ECM returns all of the line items of the Element or Liaison that are not assemblies (all of the lowest line items in the structure).

Go Down By Name

ECM returns any line items that match the search string anywhere in the line items name.


ECM returns any line items that match the search string anywhere in the line items part number.

Go Down One Level

ECM returns the first level of subcomponents.

Go Up

ECM returns the line item's parent(s).

Show All Estimates

ECM returns the collection of estimates that have been created for this Element.


Page 166 of 286


Show Data Files

ECM returns all Data Files that have been associated with this Element.

Show Filtered Elements

ECM returns any Elements from the Selection that met the search criteria specified in the following dialog.

Show Initiatives

ECM returns all Initiatives that have been created for this Element.

Show Most Recent Estimate

ECM returns the most recently created Estimate of the selected Element.

Show Most Recent Scenario


Page 167 of 286


ECM returns the most recently created Scenario of the selected Element.

Show Value Estimates

ECM returns all of the Value Estimates that have been created for the Element.


A navigate command that returns the collection of weight estimates associated with the Element object.

Show Where Used

ECM returns all of the Liaison objects of the Elements.

3.6.11.2 Element – Operation Commands

Add Data File

ECM allows the user to add a binary file (Excel, Word, etc.) as an attachment to the Element object. The user is presented with a file navigation window to select the Data File to be added.

Add Descriptor

For Each Part Type, there is a list of Descriptors that describe that type of part, i.e. length, number of holes, width. This command allows the user to modify descriptors and their values on a specific Element.


Page 168 of 286


Add Prior Part Number

ECM adds a prior part number of the Element.

Delete

ECM deletes the Element from the database. Deleting an Element will also delete all Estimates, Initiatives, Scenarios, and any other data based on the Element from ECM.

Estimate Cost

ECM creates a new cost estimate for the Element using the available cost estimating tools.

Estimate Value

ECM adds a Value Estimate associated with the Element. Value Estimates are estimates of other parameters associated with the Element that are not cost or weight. Examples include measures of reliability, pollution impact, and performance measures. The following dialog is presented:

At each customer site, specific value attributes are displayed and input is requested from the user for these variables.


Page 169 of 286


Estimate Weight

ECM creates a new weight estimate for the Element.

Modify Attrition Rate

ECM modifies the attrition rate associated with the Element. This rate is used in the creation of all estimates associated with the Element.


Modify Dates/Approval Status allows the user to update certain dates associated with the Element. The dates associated with the Element object are modified in this command. For the “Required Dates”, lead times can be set in the Rate Tables for each of the steps. The rates in the rate table are of rate type “LEAD” and the lead time for each step is expressed in days. The current year is the year looked up in the rate table. The rate names are:

Element Related Lead Time Rate Names:

Design Start (From Design Initialization to Design Start)

Drawing Start (to Drawing Start)

Drawing (to Design Review)

Design Review (to Drawing Release)

Design Finalized (to Design Finalized)


Page 170 of 286


Modify Descriptors

Elements include the capability to store Descriptors. The Descriptors drive some interfaces to cost tools (like SEER DFM). The user is presented with a dialog to modify the Descriptors associated with the Element and any Descriptor values. To add new Descriptors to an Element, use the Descriptors tab on the Properties dialog of the Element. Modify Descriptors allows a user to update multiple Elements at once. The user is presented with the following dialog:


Page 171 of 286


The user selects the Descriptor to modify and a second dialog will allow the user to enter the revised value for the item. Apply To All allows the user to make a change to a number of Elements at once.

Modify Material Specification

ECM modifies the Material Specification attribute of the Element.

Modify Part Family

Element include a Part Family sort key. This command allows the user to modify the Part Family sort key by choosing from the allowed list of values stored on the Element Database object.

Modify Part Type

Element are organized by Part Type. The Part Type drives some interfaces to cost tools (like SEER DFM) and determines the default set of Descriptors for the Element.

Modify Production Parameters

ECM allows the user to change the Element’s Production Parameters, including:

Administrative Lead Times

Production Lead Time

Maximum Production Per Month

These values can be used to help create a production schedule.


Page 172 of 286


Modify Sort Keys

ECM allows the user to change the Element’s sort keys. (Note: a company specific command to change sort keys may also be supplied and would be used in preference over this standard command.)

Modify Yield

ECM allows the user to change the Element’s Yield. The Yield is used to effect cost or a part through its manufacturing process, collecting the impact of loss, testing, or other cost impacts that result in cost being discarded that needs to be captured.

Properties

The various parameters associated with an Element may be modified using the Edit…Properties command or double-clicking the Element object. The input screen presented is similar to the input screen used to create a new Element. The user may modify General information about the Element, Company Specific Sort Keys, Prior Part Numbers (with proper authority), Descriptors, and Comments, each on its own tab. Finally, the changes are propagated to the Liaisons and Scenario line items based on the Element.


Page 173 of 286


Remove Data File

ECM removes a data file from the collection of data files associated with the Element. If the Data File is not used by any other database object, the Data File is deleted.

Remove Duplicate Cost Estimates

This command reviews all of the estimates associated with an Element and remove any duplicate estimates. Duplicate estimates that are removed, if used in any scenarios, are replaced in those scenarios by the remaining duplicate estimate.

Reset Descriptors

ECM resets the Element’s descriptors to the default set as defined by an Administrator on the Company Information object.


Page 174 of 286


Reset Plant

ECM resets the Element’s Plant designation to empty.

Reset Prior Part Numbers

ECM allows an administrative user to reset (clear) the prior part numbers of the Element.

Update Dates From Element

ECM updates Element Dates from another Element by entering the other element's part number.

Update Dates From Import

ECM updates Element Dates from an Excel spreadsheet in a specific format. The format is the same as that created by the command Output Dates/Approval Status.

Verify Element

ECM verifies the database consistency of the Element object.

3.6.11.3 Element – Report Commands

Output Dates/Approval Status


Page 175 of 286


ECM creates an Excel export of the Dates and Approval Status Data in the same format that it is imported from.

Report Dates/Approval Status

ECM displays the Element’s Dates and Approval Status Data on the screen.

Report Descriptors

ECM reports the Element’s descriptors on screen.

Report Prior Part Numbers

ECM creates a message box listing the prior part numbers of the Element.

3.6.12 Liaison

The Liaison or linking object stores the information regarding where an Element is utilized, i.e. the parent of the Element or its "where-used" collection. The Liaison’s main function is to store the parent-child link and the quantity of that link. An Element may have multiple parent and child Liaison objects, indicating that the Element is used in various assemblies (parent Liaisons) and has multiple children (child Liaisons). Since the Liaison object is a subclass of the Master Structure class, all of the commands available on Master Structure are also available on Liaison. The following are the additional commands defined in the Liaison class.

Delete (Edit Menu)


Page 176 of 286


ECM deletes a Liaison object from its parent's collection of Liaison objects. Note: this command removes only the linking object, the related Element object is not deleted, only its use in this particular Master Structure.

Go Up

A navigate command that returns the Parent associated with the Liaison object selected.

Modify Quantity

Modify the quantity of the relationship between two objects, child into a parent.

Modify Status-Structure

The status of the Structure determines whether new subcomponents may be added to the Structure. A Structure is “Approved” usually when the Structure goes under ECO or Change Control of some type. If a Structure is Approved, you must clone the existing Element into a new Element with a new part number (or variation of the original part number) and make any changes to the Structure in the new Element.

3.6.13 Scenario

The Scenario object (Priced Nomen or Priced Line Item) is the workhorse object of the ECM system. Most of your interaction with the system will be with Scenario objects, the Estimates and Weights that are linked to them, the Initiatives associated with them, and the reports that they create.

As a subclass of the Master Structure and Liaison classes, the Scenario object inherits all of those commands as well as the following additional commands defined on the Scenario class. In addition, many users have supplementary commands that are associated with special modifications made at their installation. See the Customer Specific documentation for details on these commands.


Page 177 of 286


3.6.13.1 Scenario - Navigate Commands

Navigate commands allow the user to move from one collection of data displayed in the Answer Window to another collection of data based on the links established in the database. For the Scenario class, there are a number of Show All commands and a number of Show commands. The Show All commands show the specified item for the selected line item and all of its children. The Show commands show the specified item for only the selected line item. (Note: the Display and Display All commands are not navigate commands, but rather Global commands. This means the Display commands access the database and return an answer without regard to the selected data. For example, Display All Estimates will return all of the Estimates in the database, while Show All Estimates will return all of the Estimates used in the selected Scenario(s) and all of its children line items.

Display Selected

ECM returns as the new display any selected items.

Go Down All

ECM returns all of the line items of the Scenario.


ECM returns all of the line items of the Scenario that are not assemblies (all of the lowest line items in the Scenario).

Go Down By Name


Page 178 of 286


ECM returns any line items that match the search string anywhere in the line item’s name. This provides an easy way to find a specific line item in a Scenario tree.

Go Down By Name With Parents

ECM returns any line items that match the search string anywhere in the line item’s name, plus the line items parents. This provides an easy way to display the complete tree from the top of the Scenario to the found line item.


ECM returns any line items that match the search string anywhere in the line item’s part number. This provides an easy way to find a specific part number in a Scenario tree.

Go Down By Part Number With Parents

ECM returns any line items that match the search string anywhere in the line item’s part number, plus the line items parents. This provides an easy way to display the complete tree from the top of the Scenario to the found line item.

Go Down By Sort Key

ECM returns any line items that match the search string anywhere in the line item’s specified sort key. This provides an easy way to find all line items of a specific sort key in a Scenario tree.

Go Down One Level

ECM returns the first level of line items below the selected line item of a Scenario.


Page 179 of 286


Show All Approved Initiatives

ECM returns all Approved Initiatives of the selected line item and all of its children.

Show All Assemblies

ECM returns All Assemblies of the selected line item and all of its children.

Show All Change History

ECM returns All Change History of the selected line item and all of its children.

Show All Changed Items

ECM returns a display of all items marked as changed since the last Reset Change Status.

Show All Comments

ECM returns all Comments of the selected line item, all of its children, and any Prior Scenariosand their children.

Show All Data Files

ECM returns all Data Files of the selected line item, all of its children, and any Prior Scenarios and their children.

Show All Elements


Page 180 of 286


ECM returns all Elements of the selected line item and all of its children.

Show All Estimates

ECM returns all cost Estimates of the selected line item and all of its children.

Show All Initiatives

ECM returns all Initiatives of the selected line item and all of its children.

Show All Problem Date Items

ECM returns all Dates of the selected line item and all of its children that are later than the required Date.

Show All Uncosted Items

ECM returns all Scenario line items that have no cost Estimate associated with them including the selected line item and all of its children. The user is presented with the following dialog in order to choose the types of uncosted items to display.


Page 181 of 286


Show All Unweighed Items

ECM returns all Scenario line items that have no Weight estimate associated with them including the selected line item and all of its children.

Show All Value Estimates

ECM returns all Value Estimates of the selected line item and all of its children.

Show All Weights

ECM returns all Weight estimates of the selected line item and all of its children.

Show All Estimates For This P/N

A navigate command that returns the collection of cost Estimates associated with the underlying Element object.


Page 182 of 286


Show All Initiatives For This P/N

A navigate command that returns the collection of cost Initiatives associated with the underlying Element object.


A navigate command that returns the collection of weight estimates associated with the underlying Element object.

Show Change History

ECM returns a display of Change History objects associated directly with the selected line item. To get a listing of all Change History for the line item and its children, use Show All…Change History

Show Comments

ECM returns the Comments associated with the Scenario line item.

Show Element

ECM returns the Element object that is the basis of the line item.

Show Estimate

ECM returns the Estimate object (if any) used to cost the line item.


Page 183 of 286


Show Estimator

ECM returns the user object of the user that created the cost estimate for the line item.

Show Highest

ECM navigates to the highest line item in the Scenario.

Show Initiatives – This Line Item

ECM returns a display of Initiative objects associated directly with the selected line item. To get a listing of all Initiatives for the line item and its children, use the Show All Initiatives command.

Show Other – Active Scenario

ECM returns a display of the Active Scenario for the Element associated with the selected Scenario. The Active Scenario is the one scenario for this Element that has been marked as the Active Scenario.

Show Other - Show Data Files

ECM returns a display of Data File objects associated directly with the selected line item. To get a listing of all Data Files for the line item and its children, use Show All…


Page 184 of 286


Show Other - Show Group Membership

ECM returns a display of all of the Groups that the Scenario has in its Group Membership.

Show Scenarios

ECM returns a display of all Scenarios of the Element associated with the line item.

Show Value Estimate

ECM returns the Value Estimate object (if any) associated with the line item.

Show Weight

ECM returns the Weight object (if any) used to provide weight data from the line item.

Show Where Used

ECM returns the Element object that is the parent of the Element associated with the selected Scenario line item. This is an inherited Master Assembly command.

3.6.13.2 Scenario – Operation Commands

Add Comment

ECM adds an associated comment


Page 185 of 286


Add Data File

ECM adds an associated Data File. The user is prompted to select a file with a file browser window.

Add Descriptor

ECM adds a Descriptor (user defined attribute) to the Scenario line item. The user is prompted to select an unused Descriptor and enter a value and a unit.

Add Initiative

An Initiative is created based on the Scenario line item selected (and its children, if indicated). An Initiative is a forecast of future cost and/or weight impact with a risk assessment. Using the Scenario as a base, a user can add an Initiative that will save 10% on all Material cost of material of a specific Material spec, for example. Alternately, the user can create an Initiative with the Execute…Add Initiative command and then drag/drop the effected P/Ns onto the Initiative or the user can Import Initiatives from specifically formatted Excel spreadsheets. With this command, the user will be presented with an Initiative definition dialog. The value inputs ($ or % and Value On) will be applied to the Estimates in the Scenario line items that meet the other filtering requirements.


Page 186 of 286


The user must input an Initiative name and number. The number must be unique. For some users, the Initiative number is automatically assigned and cannot be changed. The user is then asked to add additional information:

- Include Children indicates whether the children of the selected line item or to be considered for the Initiative.

- Value$ indicates that a specific cost impact is to be used.

- Value% indicates that a percentage cost impact is to be used.


Page 187 of 286


- Value On indicates the type of cost the Value% or Value$ should be applied to. For example, if Material is selected, then the Value% will be applied to all Material cost contributors in the Estimates in the Scenario line item selected (and optionally children), and only these costs will be used to create the Initiative.

- Material Spec, if used, is a sorting mechanism and will include only line items that have a material cost contributor that has a material specification attribute that matches the material spec entered.

- Create Estimates, if selected, a cost impact estimate will be created for each Initiative line item. Otherwise, a simple value is assigned to each Initiative line item.

- Weight Impact indicates the amount of weight change expected from this Initiative.

- Customer Approved indicates that the customer has approved this Initiative. This is different from Approved status in ECM.

- IPT Point of Contact is the person or group that is responsible to implement the Initiative.

- “EC Needed?” indicates whether an Engineering Change is required. This data is not used in the creation of the Initiative values.

- Value On indicates on what type of cost the Value% (if selected) should be applied. If Value$ is selected, only line items that have a non-zero value for the type of cost selected will be included in the initial creation of the Initiative.

- Initiative Type is a sort key for later use in analyzing Initiatives. It is not used in the creation of Initiative values.

- Risk Values are combined to determine an overall risk level of the Initiative.

- Incorporation Date, Incorporation S/N, NPV, and IRR are information fields normally entered after the Initiative has been completed.

Add SubComponent


Page 188 of 286


A user can add a SubComponent to a Scenario. This command will create a new Element, insert that Element into the Scenario, and update any related Element’s structure and related Scenarios. If the Element already exists, the user will be given the option to use an existing element.

Add To Current Project

ECM adds the selected Scenario line items to the current Project.


ECM allows the user to add to the Group Membership of the Scenario line item by presenting a display of all of the Groups that the Scenario does not have in its Group Membership.

Clone Estimate

The Estimate associated with the Scenario line item is cloned (an identical copy is made of it), the new Estimate replaces the existing Estimate, and the new Estimate is displayed in the Answer Window so that the user may modify the cloned Estimate. This command is used when a user wants an Estimate similar to the existing Estimate, but does not want to change the existing Estimate (because it is used in other Scenarios, for example).

Clone Line Item

The Scenario line item may be cloned (similar to Element – Clone Line Item), by selected a line item, entering a new part number, and then optionally deleting the existing line item.

Clone Weight


Page 189 of 286


The Weight estimate associated with the Scenario line item is cloned (an identical copy is made of it), the new Weight estimate replaces the existing Weight estimate, and the new Weight estimate is displayed in the Answer Window so that the user may modify the cloned Weight estimate. This command is used when a user wants a Weight estimate similar to the existing Weight estimate, but does not want to change the existing Weight (because it is used in other Scenarios, for example).

Create Scenario

A new Scenario can be created from an existing Scenario. Generally when this happens, the new Scenario is a clone of the original Scenario and uses all of the same cost estimates. However, certain options in the Create Scenario dialog may result in new Estimates. For example, if a new production year, Incorporate Approved Initiatives, Consolidate Estimates, or the Consolidated Scenario option is selected, then the new Scenario may have different Estimates than the original Scenario.


Page 190 of 286


The user can rename the new Scenario in the dialog. If the user wishes to change the Group Membership of the new Scenario, the available groups are presented in the Select Group pull-down. The user may also select the status of the resulting Scenario. The “is Related” check box will initially match the status of the selected Scenario, but can be changed by the user. Consolidating Estimates implies that any estimates that have multiple cost contributors that differ only be value will be consolidated into a single cost contributor. If the Incorporate Approved Initiatives option is selected, if the original Scenario has any approved Initiatives, the resulting Scenario will have the value of the approved Initiatives deducted from the existing Estimates creating new Estimates. If the Consolidate option is selected, an un-related Scenario will be created with all line item below the selected level or less than the selected amount consolidated (children removed and children’s cost consolidated in the remaining parent.) If a new Year of Production is entered, all of the Estimates will be cloned and modified (after searching for any existing Estimates of the same Year of Production) to the entered Year of Production.


Page 191 of 286


Delete (Edit Menu)

ECM deletes the selected Scenario line item and all of its children. If the top line item of a Scenario is selected, then the Scenario is deleted and no other changes take place. If a Scenario line item with a parent is selected, this implies the user want to change the Structure of the Scenario. If the Scenario is a related Scenario, then all other related Scenarios will be modified and the Element’s structure will also be modified.

Double-click

Double clicking on a Scenario line item will raise the Scenario Properties dialog for Scenario modification. See Properties below.

Drag/Drop

- Scenario Top Line

Dropping the top line item of a Scenario onto a Scenario line item gives the user the option to use the entire Scenario as an Estimate or copy (clone) the Scenario line items under the target Scenario line item. If the target Scenario is an unrelated Scenario, the user has the additional option to “Move Under As Child”.

If the system uses the entire dropped Scenario as the cost estimate for the Scenario line item onto which it has been dropped, the dropped Scenario then becomes the basis for the cost of the target Scenario line item, just as an assigned Estimate would be the source for the cost of the line item. The main purpose for this capability is to reduce the size of the database when a Scenario of an identical structure and costs are used in multiple places in another Scenario. The typical case is when a total project is the sum of a number of lots of production. The cost of each lot (save adjustments for escalation or learning curve factors) is the same. Instead of duplicating the product structure in each lot, one Scenario is created and this Scenario becomes the Estimate for the Product in each lot.


Page 192 of 286


Note: The part number of the product production in Lot1 and in Lot2 can be the same, but it must be different from the part number used in the Scenario (or else the structure will be duplicated anyway).

If the user selects the option to copy/clone the dropped Scenario, then the dropped Scenario will be cloned and the clone will become a child of the target Scenario.

If the target Scenario is unrelated and the user selects the option “Move Under As Child”, then the dropped Scenario will become unrelated (if it isn’t already) and become a child of the target Scenario. In this case, the dropped Scenario is not cloned, but rather the parent of the dropped Scenario is set to be the target Scenario.

- Scenario Line Item Between Scenarios

Dropping a Scenario line item (not the top line item) on a different Scenario implies the user wants to modify the Structure of the Scenario. A new line item will be added to the Scenario (and to all other related Scenarios and the Master Structure if the target Scenario is related). The user will be requested to enter the quantity for the new line item. The cost associated with the newly created line item will be the same as the source (dropped) line item. The user can use a command like Estimate Cost or Exchange Cost to associate a different new or existing Estimate with the new line item.

- Scenario Line Items Within a Scenario

Dragging and Dropping a Scenario line item within a single Scenario implies the user wants to rearrange the structure of the Scenario. The dragged/dropped line item is removed from its current location and added as a child of the line item onto which it is dropped. If the Scenario is a related Scenario, then all other related Scenarios and the Master Structure defined in the affected Elements will also be modified. The costs associated with the line item being moved


Page 193 of 286


are also moved with the line item and a new cost rollup is automatically performed in all modified Scenarios. If the modification results in a change in the cost or weight of the Scenario (as a result of different extended quantities of the dropped line item as a result of different parent quantities, then a Change History effect will be recorded.

- Estimate

Dropping an Estimate on a Scenario line item instructs the system to use the dropped Estimate as the cost estimate for the Scenario line item onto which it has been dropped. The dropped Estimate then becomes the basis for the cost of the target Scenario line item.

- Initiative

Dropping an Initiative onto a Scenario line item instructs the system to use the Initiative in the dropped Scenario. The result will be affected by the type of Initiative dropped. In the special case that the Initiative is a single line Initiative, then the cost impact of the Initiative will affect the line item onto which it was dropped and the effected Part Number of the Initiative will be modified.

In the more normal case that the Initiative has a top line without cost impact and has one or more children line items with cost impact, the Initiative will be associated with the top line item of the Scenario and the line items of the Initiative will be matched up with any line items in the Scenario that have the same P/N.

- Element

Dropping an Element on a Scenario implies the user wants to modify the Structure of the Scenario. A new line item will be added to the Scenario (and to all other related Scenarios and the Master Structure if the target Scenario is related). The user will be requested to enter the quantity for the new line item. There will be no cost associated with the newly created line item


Page 194 of 286


and the user must use a command like Estimate Cost or Exchange Cost in order to associate a new or existing Estimate with the line item.

Estimate Cost

ECM allows the user to create a cost estimate for a Scenario line item. The list of available cost tools will be presented. (Note: Drag/Drop can also be used to create a new estimate from an existing estimate.)

Estimate Value

ECM allows the user to create a value estimate for a Scenario line item. To create a Value Estimate, a tool will be presented based on the specific requirements of the user’s organization. (Note: Drag/Drop can also be used to create a new estimate from an existing estimate.)

Estimate Weight

ECM allows the user to create a weight estimate for a Scenario line item. To create a weight estimate, the user will be presented with a sub-menu asking the user to choose Add, Replace, or Delete. Add will add the new weight amount to the existing weight estimate. Replace will create a new weight estimate. Delete will delete the indicated weight estimate. (Note: Drag/Drop can also be used to create a new estimate from an existing estimate.)

Exchange Cost Estimate

ECM allows the user to individually select the cost estimate desired for a Scenario line item. The user will be presented with a list of available estimates from which the user will choose the estimate to be used in the selected Scenario. The user also has the option to set the estimate value to null. If an estimate is the type that includes the cost of the Scenario children, the Scenario cost rollup will no longer add in the children of that line item. The user also specifies which Estimate is being exchanged if multiple estimates per line item are being used or leaves


Page 195 of 286


the estimate choice at “Primary”. If multiple estimates are being used, then the user should enter an Estimate Ratio, changing the default 100 to something meaningful like “70,30” (a 70% weighting for the primary Estimate and 30% for the secondary Estimate).

Exchange Value Estimate

ECM allows the user to individually select the value estimate desired for a Scenario line item. The user will be presented with a list of available estimates from which the user will choose the estimate to be used in the selected Scenario. The user also has the option to set the estimate value to null.

Exchange Weight Estimate

ECM allows the user to individually select the weight estimate desired for a Scenario line item. The user will be presented with a list of available estimates from which the user will choose the estimate to be used in the selected Scenario. The user also has the option to set the estimate value to null. If a weight is the type that includes children, the Scenario weight rollup will no longer add in the children of that line item.

Modify Active Scenario Status

ECM modifies the status of one Scenario of an Element as the “Active” Scenario for that Element.

Modify Cost Rollup Factor

Modify Change Rollup Factor changes the type of cost rollup. The choices include Product Cost Level, Burdened Cost Level, Total Cost Level, and Total Price (Sell Price).

Modify Cost Validity Range


Page 196 of 286


Allows the user to change the Cost Validity Range of the line item, which is stored in Custom Data - Strings. Cost Validity Range will be a quantity expression like “1-10”.

Modify Currency

Modify Currency changes the currency used to roll up the costs in the Scenario. The Item/Own Cost of each line item displays in its local currency, but the Unit and Total costs of the Scenario are displayed in the currency selected. The rate tables are utilized to determine the appropriate conversion rate for each cost contributor.

Modify Curve Code

Modify Curve Code changes the Curve Code(s) of the cost contributors of the associated Estimate, if any.

Modify Custom Data

Modify the Custom Data (string, real, or date) stored with the Scenario line item.


Page 197 of 286


Modify Date

Modify the Date stored with the Scenario line item.


Modify Dates/Approval Status allows the user to update certain dates associated with the Scenario line item. Both the dates associated with the Scenario line item and the dates associated with the related Element object are modified in this command. For the “Required Dates”, lead times can be set in the Rate Tables for each of the steps. The rates in the rate table are of rate type “LEAD” and the lead time for each step is expressed in days. The current year is the year looked up in the rate table. The rate names are:

Scenario Related Lead Time Rate Names:

Vendor Mfg (From Purchase Order Placed to Manufacturing Started_

Delivery (to Delivery to Site)

Inspection (to Delivery to Assembly)

Validation (to Validation)

Incorporation (to Manufacturing Incorporation)

Element Related Lead Time Rate Names:

Design Start (From Design Initialization to Design Start)

Drawing Start (to Drawing Start)

Drawing (to Design Review)


Page 198 of 286


Design Review (to Drawing Release)

Design Finalized (to Design Finalized)

Modify Descriptors

Modify Descriptors allows the user to modify the Descriptors of the Scenario line item. The Descriptors are originally set by copying values from the Element or Scenario that is the source for the Scenario. After the Scenario is created, these default values can be modified in each Scenario line item.


Page 199 of 286


Modify Element Sort Keys

Modify Element Sort Keys changes the sort keys of the associated Element without having to navigate to the Element. The Element sort keys are used in some Scenario reports.

Modify Escalation Year

Modify Escalation Year changes the Escalation Year used to calculate the Escalation Factor used to calculate the Scenario’s escalation factor. The selection of an Escalation Year of 0 implies all escalation factors will be 1.0 (i.e. no escalation).

Modify Estimate

Without leaving the selected Scenario, a series of input screens will be presented that allow the user to modify each of the cost contributors of the existing cost Estimate. The user also selects which rate tables to use and whether to clone estimates used in more than one Scenario.

Modify Estimate Complexity

Modify Estimate Complexity changes the complexity factor of the Estimate of the selected line item and optionally all of its children. The user also specifies whether Estimates used in more than one Scenario should be changed only in the selected Scenario (choose Clone Multiply


Page 200 of 286


Used Estimates). If this option is not selected, the change to the Estimate will be reflected in all Scenarios where the Estimate is used. Note: approved Estimates are cloned automatically.

Modify Estimate Ratio

Modify Estimate Ratio changes the ratio used when evaluating the cost of a Scenario line item where multiple estimates have been used. The Estimate Ratio is expressed as a comma delimited list of numbers adding up to 100, i.e. “70,30” (a 70% weighting for the primary Estimate and 30% for the secondary Estimate).

Modify Estimate Rollup Type

Modify Estimate Rollup Type changes whether the costs of the children of a line item are added during cost rollup or ignored. Note: The costing method uses the (IC) or Interchange Option so that if a Scenario line item name has the characters “(IC)” in it and the Scenario line item is the type that adds in its children’s costs, then only the first child will be added into the cost of the Scenario line item with “(IC)” in its name.

Modify Estimator

ECM modifies the user responsible for the cost estimate for the line item and its children.

Modify Leased Status


Page 201 of 286


Modify Leased Status changes the status of whether the costs of a Scenario line item are processed as a leased cost even though purchase data is supplied. (This optional command required underlying rate information.

Modify NRE Status

Modify NRE Status changes the status of whether the costs of a Scenario line item are included in NRE costs in some reports or not.

Modify Name

ECM allows the user to modify the name of the Scenario line item.

Modify Order Of Children

ECM allows the user to modify the order in which the Scenario children display. Note: if the Scenario is a related Scenario, this change will occur for all other related Scenarios and the Element’s master structure.

Modify Owner

ECM allows the existing Owner or an administrative user to modify the Owner of the Scenario.

Modify Part Number

ECM allows the user to the Part Number of the Scenario line item and the associated Element (and thereby all of the Scenario line items of the Element). Note: this command does not clone the Element, but rather re-assigns the part number attribute of the Element.


Page 202 of 286


Modify Pricing Rates

ECM allows the user to override the pricing rates used on the estimates and set new pricing rates. Pricing rates only affect cost levels other than Product Cost Level.

Modify Production Schedule

ECM allows the user to modify the Production Schedule associated with the Scenario. This is normally done only to the top line item of a Scenario.

Modify Program Start Date

ECM allows the user to modify the start date of the production Program, adjusting all of the estimates used in the scenario to a new start date, adjusting the date produced and start/end dates as appropriate. This is normally done only to the top line item of a Scenario.

Modify Quantity

ECM allows the user to modify the quantity of the Scenario line item. If the Scenario is a related Scenario, then the quantity of the associated Element’s master structure and all other related Scenarios will also change.

Modify Related Status

Modify Related Status changes the status of whether a Scenario is related to its underlying Structure. If an unrelated Scenario is changed to related, the structure of the Scenario will be modified to match the structure of the related element.

Modify Sort Keys


Page 203 of 286


Modify Sort Keys changes any of the sort keys of the selected line item. When the Scenario is created, the Sort Keys are assigned default values, usually from the Element associated with the line item. If the source for the Sort Key is “Common” or “”, then the parent of the source is interrogated to find a Sort Key. This process iterates until a valid Sort Key is found. This process is used when an Element is used in various locations in a structure and the user wants the sort key automatically assigned based on its location. The Change Sort Key command allows the user to then further modify the sort key, if desired.

Modify Status

Modify Status changes the Status of the Scenario, which may change its viewing and modification by other users.

Modify Variant To Show

This command allows the user to change the Variant of the Scenario to be displayed. The scenario will then update, displaying only line items included in that Variant.

Modify Weight By Factor

Modify the weight of the Scenario line item(s) by a factor.

Modify Weight CG Input

Modify the Weight Center of Gravity and Moments of Inertia input for the Scenario line item(s), which overrides any values found on the associated Weight object. The dialog shown asks for the X, Y, and Z of the Center of Gravity in product coordinates and the Pitch, Roll, Yaw and Inertia Code to calculate the Moments of Inertia.


Page 204 of 286


Modify Weight Rollup Type

Modify Weight Type changes whether the weights of the children of a line item are added during weight rollup or ignored. The command also changes the corresponding indicator on the Weight as well.

Modify Weight Unit

Modify Weight Unit for the Scenario weight rollup. The weight rollup of the Scenario will convert all of the weight values with their units to the weight unit of the Scenario. For example, a line item’s weight estimate may be in pounds while the Scenario units are in kg, in which case the weight in pounds will be converted to kg.

Modify Yield

Modify the Yield factor stored on a Scenario line item. The Yield affects the cost of the line item and the cost of the line item’s children. A Yield of .5 (50%) will double the cost of the line item and require double the cost of the children.

Properties (Edit Menu or Double-click)

Selecting Properties from the Edit menu or Double-clicking) a Scenario will raise the Scenario Properties dialog.


Page 205 of 286


The various tabs in the dialog indicate the type of data that can be viewed and/or modified. The first tab displays general Scenario information including name, status, quantity, group membership, web page, and related status.

The cost and weight tabs allow modification of cost and weight related data including estimate selection, rollup factor (cost), and rollup type. The Company Specific tab allows for sort key modification and varies for each company. The comments tab allows viewing and entering comments.

Remove All Initiatives With No Matches

ECM removes any associated Initiative from the Scenario when that Initiative has no effected part numbers that match any part numbers in the Scenario.


Page 206 of 286


Remove Approved Initiatives

ECM removes an associated Approved Initiative from the Scenario. The user is presented with a list of associated Approved Initiatives and selects the Initiative(s) to be removed. Note: the relationship with this Scenario is broken, but the Initiative is not removed from the database.

Remove Data File

ECM removes an associated Data File from the Scenario. The user is presented with a list of associated Data Files and selects the Data File(s) to be removed. Note: the relationship with this Scenario is broken and if the Data File is not used anywhere else, it is also deleted.


ECM removes any associated Comments which are duplicates.


ECM removes the Scenario from the current Project.


ECM removes the Scenario from the selected Group Membership, which may change its viewing and modification by other users.

Remove Initiative

ECM removes an associated Initiative from the Scenario. The user is presented with a list of associated Initiatives and selects the Initiative(s) to be removed. Note: the relationship with this


Page 207 of 286


Scenario is broken, but the Initiative is not removed from the database.

Remove Prior Scenario

ECM allows an Administrative user to remove an associated Prior Scenario from the Scenario’s list of Prior Scenarios. The user is presented with a list of prior Scenarios and selects the prior Scenario to be removed. Note: the relationship with this prior Scenario is broken, but the prior Scenario is not removed from the database.

Reset Changed Status

The ECM system keeps track of all Scenario line items that have been modified. The changed status of any line item and all of its children can be reset using this command.

Reset Cost Estimate(s)

The ECM resets the Scenario line item so that it has no cost estimate.

Reset Custom Data

Custom Data is user-defined data of the format name-value. When a Scenario is created, the original set of Custom Data is copied from the Custom Data found on the Element. The Reset Descriptors command resets the Custom Data to those found on the associated Element.

Reset Descriptors

Descriptors are user-defined attributes of the format name-value-units. When a Scenario is created, the original set of Descriptors is copied from the Descriptors found on the Element. The Reset Descriptors command resets the Descriptors to those found on the associated Element.


Page 208 of 286


Reset Part Names

ECM allows the user to reset the Scenario line items’ names equal to the Part Names of the underlying Element objects.

Reset Prior Scenario

ECM allows the user to reset the prior Scenario, setting it to no Prior Scenario.

Reset Production Schedule

ECM allows the user to reset the Scenario Production Schedule based on the Production Schedule parameters.

Reset Sort Keys

ECM allows the user to reset the Scenario line items’ Sort Keys equal to the Sort Keys of the underlying Element object.

Reset Target Costs

ECM allows the user to reset the Scenario’s Target Costs to 0 and remove the reference to the associated Target Cost Scenario. The user specifies which Target Cost should be reset if multiple target costs are being used.

Reset Target Weights

ECM allows the user to reset the Scenario line items’ Target Weight to null and remove the reference to the associated Target Weight.


Page 209 of 286


Reset Weight Estimate(s)

The ECM resets the Scenario line item so that it has no weight estimate.

Reset Yield

ECM allows the user to reset the Yield on the selected Scenario line items. The user has the option to reset the Yield to 1 (100%) on all line items and optionally all children or to reset the Yield to the values stored in the associated Element object’s Descriptors.

Search For Costs

ECM allows the user to have the system search for cost estimates to be associated with the Scenario. The user is presented with a multi-variant search dialog to assist in the search for the most appropriate estimate for each line item chosen from the set of available estimates.


Page 210 of 286


The dialog allows the user to choose up to four search criteria from the following list: Creation Date, Estimate Type, Name Match, Year of Production, Created Before Date, and Source. The user can use any one of these criteria in each of the four criteria choices. The user does not have to use any criteria. A criterion can be used more than once, if that is desirable. For Estimate type, the user should use the integer equivalent (0-4). The "Match Type Exactly?” Check box indicates whether the Estimate Type integer should be matched exactly or any type of a lesser value should also be considered. Creation Date will find estimates after the specified creation date. Created Before Date will find estimates created prior to the specified date. Name Match/Source will compare the input string with the name/source of the estimate, returning any estimates in which there is a match anywhere in the estimate name/source.

If no criteria are chosen, then the most recent estimate is selected, based on creation date (assuming the Choose Latest If No Other? box is left checked).


Page 211 of 286


If the user un-checks the Match Estimate Type Exactly box, the search routine will return all estimates with the selected integer level or higher.

If Chose Latest If No Other is checked, if no estimate matches the criteria selected, then the most recent estimate will be returned anyways.

If All Criteria Must Be Met is checked, then the criteria act as “AND” logic. Note: if no estimates make it past a criterion, then the search will start again with the full list of available estimates on the next criteria.

In most cases, if the search ever gets down to only one estimate remaining, then search is stopped and that estimate is returned. This is true in all cases except when All Criteria Must Be Met is checked.

The user can request a Change Report that will be displayed prior to any changes being made.

The Set To Null If None options implies that for any line item where there is not a match to the selection criteria, if there was an estimate in use already, this link will be broken. The line item will then not point to any estimate and will have an Item/Own Cost of 0.

If the Update Empty Estimates Only box is checked, the Search For Costs routine will only work on Scenario line items that currently do not have a related Estimate. Any line item with an estimate is ignored.

The Exclude Similar To box indicates that Estimates that are marked "Similar To Estimates" should not be considered.


Page 212 of 286


The user specifies which cost Estimate this command should update, i.e. Primary, Secondary, etc. as specified on the Company Information Object. The user also indicates the Estimate Ratio when multiple Estimates are employed.

Warning: this command can create a large impact if the correct options are not selected. Be careful of your choices.

Search For Estimates For Quantity

ECM allows the user to have the system search for cost estimates to be associated with the Scenario based on the quantity basis of the Estimate and the extended quantity of the line item.

Search For Initiatives

ECM allows the user to search through the ECM database to find Initiatives that have Effected Part Number that match part numbers in the Scenario

Search For Weights

ECM allows the user to have the system search for weight estimates to be associated with the Scenario. The user is presented with a multi-variant search dialog to assist in the search for the most appropriate weight for each line item chosen from the set of available weights.


Page 213 of 286


The dialog allows the user to choose up to four search criteria from the following list: Creation Date, Estimate Type, Name Match, Author, Comments, and Created Before Date. The user can use any one of these criteria in each of the four criteria choices. The user does not have to use any criteria. A criterion can be used more than once, if that is desirable. For Estimate type, the user should use the integer equivalent (0-4). Creation Date will find estimates created after the specified creation date. Created Before Date will find estimates created before the specified creation date. Name Match and Comments will compare the input string with the name/comment of the estimate, returning any estimates in which there is a match anywhere in the estimate name/comment.

If no criteria are chosen, then the most recent estimate is selected, based on creation date (assuming the Choose Latest If No Other? box is left checked).


Page 214 of 286


If the user un-checks the Match Estimate Type Exactly box, the search routine will return all estimates with the selected integer level or higher.

If Chose Latest If No Other is checked, if no estimate matches the criteria selected, then the most recent estimate will be returned anyways.

If All Criteria Must Be Met is checked, then the criteria act as “AND” logic. Note: if no estimates make it past a criterion, then the search will start again with the full list of available estimates on the next criteria.

In most cases, if the search ever gets down to only one estimate remaining, then search is stopped and that estimate is returned. This is true in all cases except when All Criteria Must Be Met is checked. The user can request a Change Report that will be displayed prior to any changes being made.

The Set To Null If None options implies that for any line item where there is not a match to the selection criteria, if there was an estimate in use already, this link will be broken. The line item will then not point to any estimate and will have an Item/Own Cost of 0.

If the Update Empty Estimates Only box is checked, the Search For Weights routine will only work on Scenario line items that currently do not have a related Weight. Any line item with a weight estimate is ignored.

If the “Use Parts Database” option is selected, then the domain that is defined as the Parts Database will be searched instead of the local domain. Any weights that are found are cloned over to the local domain for further use.


Page 215 of 286


Warning: this command can create a large impact if the correct options are not selected. Be careful of your choices.

Update All Costs Forced

An update of all of the costs of all of the line items of the Scenario will be performed, regardless of the status of the changed flag on each line item. This command should never be required, but can be used as a verification that nothing has gotten out of synch.

Update All Weights Forced

An update of all of the weights of all of the line items of the Scenario will be performed, regardless of the status of the changed flag on each line item. This command should never be required, but can be used as a verification that nothing has gotten out of synch.

Update Changed Costs

An update of all costs marked changed will take place. In most commands, the system does this automatically for you.

Update Costs From Weights

An update of all costs based on weight will be done. Each estimate will be recalculated using the Weight currently associated with the Scenario line item and the rates found in the selected rate and factor tables.

Update Custom Data From Import


Page 216 of 286


An update of the Custom Data stored with the Scenario can be done by importing custom data from a specifically formatted Excel spreadsheet. The format of the spreadsheet is the same format created by the Report Custom Data command, which is the part number in column A and custom data column headings starting in column C. The heading found is column C is used for all part numbers in the import file is there is valid data in the corresponding cell for the part number.

Update Dates From Import

An update of the Custom Date Data stored with the Scenario can be done by importing date data from a specifically formatted Excel spreadsheet. The format of the spreadsheet is the same format created by the Report Export Dates command.

Update Estimates From Context

An update of all Estimates based on a selected Context will be done. Each estimate will be reviewed to see if it is a member of the current Context. If it is not, then the Estimate found in the current Context will replace the existing Estimate.

Update Estimates From Excel

An update of all Estimates will take place using the same file format as used by the Import…Estimate From Excel command. If a part number match is found between a scenario line item and an entry in the file, the associated estimate will be modified to match the new data. For each type of cost (Labor, Material, ODC), if any entry is found in the import file, all existing cost contributors of that type will be deleted and new ones created from the import data. However, if the import file has only Material costs, then any existing Labor or ODC costs will not be modified.

Update Estimates From SCM


Page 217 of 286


An update of all Estimates will take place using the same file format as used by the Import…Estimates From SCM command. If a part number match is found between a scenario line item and an entry in the file, the associated estimate will be modified to match the new data. If any entry is found in the import file, all existing Material cost contributors will be deleted and new ones created from the import data. However, any existing Labor or ODC costs will not be modified.

Update Estimates From Scenario

An update of all Estimates will take place using the selected Scenario as the source of the estimates. This allows a user to set all of the estimates in a Scenario equal to those used in another Scenario. The update source Scenario does not have to be based on the same Element as the Scenario on which the command is being run.

Update Initiative Links

ECM looks at all of the Initiatives associated with the top line item of the Scenario and verifies that all of the children line items of those Initiatives are properly linked with the line items of the Scenario.

Update Initiatives From Scenario

An update of all Initiatives will take place using the selected Scenario as the source of the estimates. This allows a user to set all of the Initiatives in a Scenario equal to those used in another Scenario. The update source Scenario does not have to be based on the same Element as the Scenario on which the command is being run.

Update LCF Factors - Estimates

If a user wants to recalculate the Learning Curve Factors that currently exist on the Estimates used by the Scenario line items, then the Update LCF Factors - Estimate command is used. The


Page 218 of 286


user is asked to input a Change Reason and then given the option to Reset the Estimate LCF Factors to 1.0 (i.e. remove learning impacts). If the Reset to 1.0 option is not selected, then each Estimate’s Learning Curve Factors are updated based on the current Project’s rate and factor tables.

Update LCF Factors - Scenario

If a user wants to establish Learning Curve factors for the selected line items (and their children) in a Scenario, the Update LCF Factors - Scenario command is used.

The user inputs the Learning Rate and any Prior Production Quantity. The command then calculates a new value for the estimate using the specified learning rate and prior quantity, plus the quantity of the P/N used in the Scenario. As the different cost contributors may have different quantity bases, a composite LCF factor is determined and set for that line item in the Scenario. This command allows the user to vary learning curve assumptions without creating additional estimates.

The default return for the command is a LCF for the average unit cost in the lot. The user may specify a LCF for the nth unit (last unit) in the lot.

Update My Cost


Page 219 of 286


An update of the cost will be done on the selected line item.

Update Rates On All

For each unapproved cost estimate, all cost contributors are updated with the latest rates from the rate objects. This allows a user to pick up the latest rates after any rate change. If the rate department is blank, but a rate exists, the rate will not be modified. If an Approved estimate is found, a clone of that estimate is created and the rates are updated on the cloned estimate. The user makes choices from the following dialog:

If an estimate is used in more than one Scenario, the user has the option to clone that estimate so that the update occurs only in the selected Scenario. The user also selects the rate tables to use and which types or rates to update.


Page 220 of 286


Update Saved Cost Metrics

The Scenario’s saved PCL, BCL, TCL, and TPL costs are updated so that these values match those created in reports.

Update Scenario - Recalculate

The Scenario’s cost will be recalculated including updating all rates, all setup labor (option), and the recalculation of each line item’s cost (Update All Costs Forced).

Update Scenario Date Produced

The Scenario Date Produced is sometimes used in ECM reports. The Scenario may contain various production years in its various estimates. This command will not modify any estimate, but will modify the Date Produced attribute of the Scenario (regardless of the values in the Estimates).

Update Scenario From Scenario

ECM updates the Structure and Estimates of an unrelated Scenario from a selected Scenario.

Update Sort Keys From File

Updates the sort keys on the Scenario line items by using the Import WBS format to match the sort keys in the import file with the Scenario sort keys. The order in the import file and the order in the Scenario must match. Columns 1 (P/N) and Columns 7, 8, 9, 11 (Sort Key Values) are used just as they are used in Import WBS From Excel.

Update Structure From Element


Page 221 of 286


ECM verifies that the structure of the Scenario and the structure of its related Element are the same.

Update Structure From Import

For an unrelated Scenario, the structure of the Scenario can be updated to equal the structure as specified in an import file using the same format as the Import…WBS Standard command. Any lines items in the import file missing from the Scenario will be added (without any cost selected) and any line items in the Scenario not in the import file will be deleted.

Update Structure From Scenario

For an unrelated Scenario, the structure of the Scenario can be updated to equal the structure in another Scenario. Any line items in the reference Scenario missing from the selected Scenario will be added (without any cost selected) and any line items in the selected Scenario not in the reference Scenario will be deleted.

Update Target Costs

ECM allows the user to select which Scenario should be used to set target costs for the selected Scenario(s).

Update Target Weights

ECM allows the user to select which Scenario should be used to set target weights for the selected Scenario(s).

Update Weights From Excel


Page 222 of 286


An update of all Weight estimates with data stored in an Excel file with the same column headings as used by the Import Weight Data command or the columns allowed in the Import WBS formats for Weight data.

Update Weights From Scenario

An update of all Weight estimates will take place using the selected Scenario as the source of the Weights. This allows a user to set all of the Weights in a Scenario equal to those used in another Scenario. The selected source Scenario does not have to be based on the same Element as the Scenario on which the command is being run.

Verify

ECM verifies the database integrity of the Scenario and all of its children.

3.6.13.3 Scenario – Report Commands

Compare Scenario Structure To File

ECM creates an Excel file report that compares the structure of a selected Scenario to a selected file in the format required for the Import WBS Standard command. The Excel output shows the line items that are different between the two Scenarios.

Compare Structure To File

ECM creates an Excel file of a list of parent child combinations that are different between an import file and an existing scenario. Users elect whether to use the standard WBS import


Page 223 of 286


format or the indent/level format. Users select the Process format (if needed) and the Excel sheet to read (if importing an Excel spreadsheet).

Compare Scenarios Cost

ECM creates an Excel file report that compares the cost of two selected Scenarios. The Compare Scenario command output is in six columns, with the part description in column 1, P/N in column 2, the extended cost for that P/N in the first Scenario in column 3, the extended cost for that P/N in the second Scenario in column 4, and the difference between the costs of the two scenarios for that P/N in column 5. The Initiatives associated with Scenario 1 are reported in column 6.

Description Part No. Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Difference Initiative SC1

Compare Scenarios Structure

ECM creates an Excel file report that compares the structure two selected Scenarios. The Excel output shows the line items that are different between the two Scenarios.

Compare Scenarios Weight


Page 224 of 286


ECM creates an Excel file report that compares the cost of two selected Scenarios. The Compare Scenario command output is in five columns, with the part description in column 1, the P/N of line item in column 2, the extended weight for that P/N in the first Scenario in column 3, the extended weight for that P/N in the second Scenario in column 4, and the difference between the weights of the two scenarios for that line item in column 5.

Description Part No. Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Difference

Export Scenario To Excel

ECM creates an Excel file report of the Scenario in the four-worksheet workbook format used by Import WBS Standard and Import Estimates From Excel.

Export Scenario To XML

ECM creates an XML file export of the Scenario and all of its associated data in the format required for the Import Scenario From XML command. The XML format holds significantly more data than the Export Scenario To Excel command and can be used as a backup or for transferring data from one domain to another. The XML output, however, is difficult to modify by hand and does not recalculate Estimates using the then-current rate tables on import.

Export Summarized Scenario

ECM creates an Excel file report of the Scenario in the four-worksheet workbook format used by Import WBS Standard and Import Estimates From Excel, with the costs summarized at the level specified by the user.

Export To DOORs


Page 225 of 286


An output reports for sending ECM data to DOORS.

Export To SEER

ECM creates an output report for sending ECM data to SEER/DFM.

The following reports are found under the “Excel Reports” submenu or the “Monthly Reports” submenu and are output to Microsoft Excel.

All Cost Change History

ECM creates an Excel file report of all Change History associated with cost changes in the Scenario.

All Weight Change History

ECM creates an Excel file output of all Change History associated with weight changes in the Scenario.

Comments

ECM creates an Excel file report of the comments of the Scenario.

Cost Breakdown

ECM creates an Excel file report of the cost breakdown by the selected metric.

Cost Breakdown By Year


Page 226 of 286


ECM creates an Excel file report of the cost breakdown by the selected metric by year.

Cost Change From Date

ECM output a report of the percentage change in cost from a specified date to the current estimate of each part number, with variance.

Cost History

ECM output a report of the history of cost estimates for the line item.

Cost Status Details

ECM creates an Excel file report of the current status of costs associated with the Scenario.

Cost Status Summary

ECM creates an Excel file summary report of the current status of costs associated with the Scenario sorted by the selected sort key.

Cost Trend Chart

ECM creates an Excel file output of the projected cost and cost impact of Initiatives over a user specified period of time. The user is also allowed to specify a set of history scenarios to show the trend of the expected cost up to the point of current reporting. These history scenarios are based on the same element and are denoted as history scenarios due to the date of the Scenario in YYMMDD format at the end of the Scenario name.


Page 227 of 286


The user may also specify a Baseline cost line by choosing a baseline Scenario (in addition to the Target and Stretch Goals that the user may also specify. If any of the history Scenarios have a Descriptor of name “BASELINE” with a numeric value, this value will be used as the value for the Baseline cost line, superseding the value from the indicated Baseline Scenario.

Custom Data

ECM creates an Excel file output of the part number, description, and custom data for a Scenario. The Custom Data is output using one column for each type of custom data found in the Scenario. The user is also allowed to specify the level of the Scenario to report.

Dates With Problems

ECM creates an Excel file output of any Dates where the projected date is after the required date.

Dates/Approval Status

ECM creates an Excel file output of Dates associated with each Scenario line item.

Estimate History

ECM creates an Excel file output of the Estimate History of the associated Element.

Family Tree

ECM creates an Excel file output of the structure and selected related data in the format of a Family Tree..


Page 228 of 286


Family Tree Visio

ECM creates a Visio file output of the structure and selected related data in the format of a Family Tree..

From Query

ECM creates an Excel file report of all of the line items of the Scenario, with the part number in the first column and any user requested columns. In the following dialog,


Page 229 of 286


the user is presented with a list of data to be output to choose from. Items moved from the left column to the right column are output in the order they are found in the right column. The user can also choose the level of children to be displayed as well as which children should be displayed based on their sort keys. The output filters can be used to further filter the line items output in the report. In import file can be used to explicitly choose the line items to output. This file is an Excel file with a list of Part Numbers to be output in column A, starting in Row 2. Row 1 is a header for convenience. The query can be saved as a report format with a name to be re-used at a later date.

Initiative Cost Take Out

ECM creates an Excel file report source of cost change as a result of Initiatives when compared to the current estimate and the target estimate.

Initiative History

ECM creates an Excel file of the history of Initiatives for the Scenario.

Initiative Impact By Year

ECM creates an Excel file report showing the impact on cost of the Initiatives associated with the Scenario, based on the Initiatives’ Incorporation Date.

Initiative Prioritization

ECM creates an Excel file report showing the Initiative Prioritization using the Initiatives of the selected Scenarios.


Page 230 of 286


Initiative Status

ECM creates an Excel file report of the current status of Initiatives associated with the Scenario.

ODC Fixed Costs

ECM creates an Excel file report of the ODC fixed costs by type.

ODC Summary

ECM creates an Excel file report of the ODC costs associated with the Scenario by ODC Name.

Percentage Costs

ECM creates an Excel file report of the percentage contribution (cost) of each unique part number.

Percentage Weights

ECM creates an Excel file report of the percentage contribution (weight) of each unique part number.

Product Cost Walk

ECM creates an Excel file report of the change in cost as a result of Initiatives.


Page 231 of 286


Product Weight Walk

ECM creates an Excel file report of the change in weight as a result of Initiatives.

Simulated (Monte Carlo) Cost

ECM creates an Excel file report of the using standard deviations based on Estimate Type to create a simulated cost. The user enters the number of iterations desired and related information and the report generates a graphical distribution of the simulated cost and information about mean, etc. Each cost contributor is evaluated individually based on its standard deviation. The total simulated cost is compiled until the result is determined and output.

Validate Scenario Costs

ECM creates an Excel file of possible problems or incomplete data with the current cost estimate, including such items as missing cost estimates, zero cost entries, and missing rate departments.

Weight Breakdown

ECM creates an Excel file report of breakdown of Weight in the Scenario.

Weight By Initiative

ECM creates an Excel file report of cumulative weight change of the selected item, including the impact of weight changes stored in associated Initiatives.

Weight By Serial Number


Page 232 of 286


ECM creates an Excel file report of the projected future weight by serial number, including weight impacts stored in associated Initiatives.

Weight Estimate History

ECM creates an Excel file report of the Weight estimates for the Scenario part number.

Weight Status

ECM creates an Excel file report of the classifications of Weight by estimate type, source, and approval status.

Weight Trend Chart

ECM creates an Excel file output of the projected weight and weight impact of Initiatives over a user specified period of time. The user is also allowed to specify a set of history scenarios to show the trend of the expected cost up to the point of current reporting. These history scenarios are based on the same element and are denoted as history scenarios due to the date of the Scenario in YYMMDD format at the end of the Scenario name.

The user may also specify a Baseline weight line by choosing a baseline Scenario (in addition to the Target and Stretch Goals that the user may also specify. If any of the history Scenarios have a Descriptor of name “BASELINE” with a numeric value, this value will be used as the value for the Baseline cost line, superseding the value from the indicated Baseline Scenario.

The following reports are found under the “Word ECM reports” submenu and are output to Microsoft Word.


Page 233 of 286


All My Costs

ECM creates a Word file report of all of the costs of a line item and all of its costed children, sorted by material burden center, labor burden center, and labor fringe center. All costs levels up to Sell Price are displayed.

Component Costs

ECM creates a word report of the summary costs of the direct components of the selected line item.

My Unit Cost

ECM creates a word report of the selected line item only and its costs sorted by department.

My Unit Cost Details

ECM creates a word report of the cost details of the selected line item.

ECM Reports On Screen …Cost Rollup Level

ECM returns a screen display of the cost rollup level of the selected Scenario.

ECM Reports On Screen …Count All Children

ECM returns a screen display of the total number of children line items of the selected line item.

ECM Reports On Screen …Dates/Approval Status


Page 234 of 286


ECM returns a screen display of the Dates and Approval Status data for the Scenario line item.

ECM Reports On Screen …Descriptors

ECM returns a screen display of the Descriptors (name-value-units) of the selected line item.

ECM Reports On Screen …Highest Name

ECM reports the name of the highest Scenario parent of the selected line item on the screen.

ECM Reports On Screen …How Many Of Me

ECM reports the quantity, extended quantity, and quantity everywhere in the Scenario of the selected line item, on the screen.

ECM reports On Screen …Learning Rate

ECM reports the implied Learning Rate of the Estimate utilized by the selected Scenario line item.

ECM Reports On Screen …Rate Tables Used

ECM reports the names of the Rate Tables that have been used in creating the Estimates for the selected Scenario line item and all of its children.

ECM Reports On Screen …Show Highest Name

ECM returns the name of the top line of selected Scenario line item.


Page 235 of 286


ECM Reports On Screen …Target Scenario Name - Cost

ECM returns the name of the Target Scenario used for the target costs.

ECM Reports On Screen …Target Scenario Name - Weight

ECM returns the name of the Target Scenario used for the target weights.


Page 236 of 286


3.6.14 Model (Cost Model))

The Most (Cost Model) class in ECM holds the information needed to create cost estimates from user defined cost models. Cost Models come in three variations, Model with Dictionary, Model with Tables, and Model without Dictionary. Type in cost models are normally members of the Model without Dictionary class.

The commands listed below are a summary of the commands available for all types of cost models. Every command may not be available on all types of cost models.

Close

ECM closes the Dictionary or Excel model.

Dictionary

ECM displays the dictionary being used by the model.

Modify Dictionary

ECM modifies the Dictionary being used by the model.

Modify Model

ECM modifies the model, where defined by the model.

Modify Model Categories


Page 237 of 286


ECM opens a dialog offering to the user the possibility, for any type of selected Model of Valorization available, to add (by selection or creation) and to remove Categories associated with this Model. This window presents two parts: On the right the list of the Categories associated with this selected Model (known as standard Model), and on the left the list of all the other existing Categories. You can displace a selection towards another part by clicking on the arrow buttons. The button " New..." makes it possible to create a new Category directly and to associate it or not to the Model. Multiple selection is authorized (successive windows).

Modify Values To Resend To Model

ECM allows the user to modify the input values being used by a cost Model.

Open

ECM opens an Excel cost model for modification and/or use.

Reassign Data to Another Model

ECM administrative command allowing the reassignment all the data of a selected Model to another Model of the same classification.

Report - History

ECM displays the history of the cost model.

3.6.15 Project

The Project object in ECM is a lightweight object that groups Scenarios together for easier access by users. Each time a Scenario is created, the object representing the top line of the Scenario is added to the current project. When a user changes the current project, using the display command Show


Page 238 of 286


Scenarios of the Current Project is an easy way to navigate to a group of Scenarios. Users will typically create projects when they want to group Scenarios together for easier access. The Project also holds some default data for the user, including default Rate Table, default Factor Table, default Escalation Department, and the Cost Basis Standard. The following commands augment the ECM Base commands that are inherited by the Project class.

Add to Current Project

This command is disabled for a Project.

Clone Project

Create a copy of the selected Project with a new name.

Delete

ECM deletes the Project. Note: The Scenarios that are part of the Project’s contents are not deleted.

Drag/Drop

Any object dropped on a Project becomes a member of the Contents of that Project.

Modify Order of Contents

ECM modifies the order in which the items (Scenarios, Studies, etc.) appear in the contents of a Project.

Remove An Article from this Project


Page 239 of 286


ECM removes an article (like a Scenario) from a Project. Note: Never select an item that is in the contents of a Project and press Delete. This will delete the selected item from the database, not remove it from the Project Contents.

Remove from Current Project

This command is disabled for a Project.

Report Currencies

ECM reports the currencies used in a Project.

Set Cost Basis Standard

ECM sets the Cost Basis Standard for the project. The possible standards are None, Current Year, or Production Year. These are used to determine default escalation factors.

Set Escalation Department

ECM sets the Escalation Department standard for the project. The possible standards are the list of Escalation Departments in the current Rate Table. The default Escalation Department is used when an appropriate Escalation Department cannot be determined from another source.

Set Factor Table Standard

ECM sets the Factor Table Standard for the Project. A selection of the available Rate Tables is presented to the user. The selected Rate Table becomes the default Factor Table for all


Page 240 of 286


commands that use Factor Tables when the user has the Project selected as the current Project.

Set Rate Table Standard

ECM sets the Rate Table Standard for the Project. A selection of the available Rate Tables is presented to the user. The selected Rate Table becomes the default Rate Table for all commands that use Rate Tables when the user has the Project selected as the current Project.

Show All Articles in the Project

ECM returns all of the articles in the Project, i.e. the top-level Scenarios stored as articles of the Project.

Verify

ECM verifies all of the data and users of a project, deleting invalid links if any are found.

3.6.16 Rate Table

The Rate Table class in ECM holds a collection of Rate objects and allows the user to group rates together so that different rate selections can be made at different times. One Rate Table is set as the default Rate Table for each Project and one Rate Table can be set as the default Factor Table for each Project. In most commands that use Rates, the user can use this default selection or choose one of the other Rate Tables stored in ECM. Rates are normally imported into ECM using the Execute command Import. The following commands augment the Object Dated and Named Base commands that are inherited by the Rate Table class.

Add Rate


Page 241 of 286


ECM allows the user to add an additional Rate object to the Rate Table. The user is presented with a series of dialogs to define the new Rate.


ECM allows the user to modify the Group Membership of the Project.

Clear Rate Table Dictionary

ECM clears the Dictionary data for a Dictionary associated with the rate table. Dictionaries are not currently used in any ECM application.

Delete

ECM deletes the selected Rate Table.

Export Curve Codes Multi-Column

ECM exports the Curve Codes in the Rate Table to an Excel spreadsheet in the multi-column format used by the command Import Rates Multi-Column command. This allows a user to edit the rates in the Excel spreadsheet and then re-import them. A separate command is provided as the Curve Code rates have use a special format for import.

Export Escalation Rates Multi-Column

ECM exports the Escalation Rates in the Selected Rate Table to an Excel spreadsheet in the multi-column format used by the command Import Rates Multi-Column command. This allows


Page 242 of 286


a user to edit the rates in the Excel spreadsheet and then re-import them. A separate command is provided as the Escalation rates have dates stored in YYMM format.

Export LCF Rates Multi-Column

ECM exports the Learning Curve Factor Rates in the Selected Rate Table to an Excel spreadsheet in the multi-column format used by the command Import Rates Multi-Column command. This allows a user to edit the rates in the Excel spreadsheet and then re-import them. A separate command is provided as the Escalation rates have quantities stored in numeric format.

Export Rate Table Dictionary

ECM exports the Dictionary associated with the rate table. Dictionaries are not currently used in any ECM application.

Export Rate Table Multi-Column

ECM exports all the Rates in the Selected Rate Table to an Excel spreadsheet in the multi-column format used by the command Import Rates Multi-Column command. This allows a user to edit the rates in the Excel spreadsheet and then re-import them.

Export Rate Table Single Column

ECM exports the Rates in the Selected Rate Table to an Excel spreadsheet in the old, single column format used by the command Import Rates command. This allows a user to edit the rates in the Excel spreadsheet and then re-import them.

Go Down


Page 243 of 286


ECM displays all of the rates in the Rate Table.

Modify Name

ECM allows an administrative user to modify the name of a Rate Table.

Modify Owner

ECM allows an administrative user to modify the owner of a Rate Table.

Modify Status

ECM allows an administrative user to modify the status of a Rate Table.


Choosing Properties from the Edit menu or double-clicking the object will raise a Properties dialog. The following dialog is presented allowing the modification of various types of data stored with the Rate Table object.


Page 244 of 286



ECM allows an administrative user to modify the Group Membership of the Rate Table.

Show Labor Rates

A Navigation command returning just the Labor Rates found in the Rate Table.

Show Material Rates

A Navigation command returning just the Material Rates found in the Rate Table.

Show Misc Rates

A Navigation command that returns any Rate found in the Rate Table that is not a Labor or Material Rate.


Page 245 of 286


Show Support Rates

A Navigation command that returns any Rate found in the Rate Table that is a Support Rate.

Update Rate Table Dictionary

ECM imports the Dictionary data for a Dictionary associated with the rate table. Dictionaries are not currently used in any ECM application.

3.6.17 Stored Report

The Stored Report class in ECM holds the information needed to recreate a stored Report From Query report from a Scenario. The Stored Report class uses only those commands found in the Object Dated and Named class that are inherited by the Stored Report class.

Export Stored Report

ECM exports to Excel the selected Stored Report.

Update Stored Report From Excel

Updates the contents of a Stored Report by importing a specifically formatted Excel spreadsheet.

3.6.18 Study

The Study class stores information used in evaluating a group of Scenarios at one time. It is generally used to create Quotation Requests where a user takes advantage of all of the costing methodology in ECM to respond to custom requests for quotations and proposals.


Page 246 of 286


3.6.18.1 Study - Navigate Commands

Show Comments

ECM shows the collection of Comments that are associated with the Study.

Show Customer

ECM shows the Customer that is associated with the Study.

Show Data Files

ECM shows the collection of Data Files that are associated with the Study.

Show Line Items

ECM shows the collection of Line Items (Scenarios) that are associated with the Study.

3.6.18.2 Study - Operation Commands

Add Comment

ECM adds a Comment (text string object) to the Study.


Page 247 of 286


Add Data File

ECM adds a Data File to the Study.

Add Line Item

ECM adds a Line Item to the Study. Each Line Item is an ECM Scenario.

Add Line Items From Excel

ECM allows the user to add Line Items to the Study from a specifically formatted Excel spreadsheet through an import. Each Line Item created is an ECM Scenario.

Clone Study

ECM clones an existing Study by giving it a new number, version, or revision at the user’s option. This command is normally used so that a version of the Study can be approved, frozen, and approved for an audit trail after a quotation or partial quotation has been sent to the customer.

Drag/Drop

ECM allows the user to add a Scenario to the Study by dropping a Scenario object(s) on the Study.

Delete

ECM deletes the Study.


Page 248 of 286


Modify Number

ECM modifies the reference number of the Study.

Modify Order of Line Items

ECM modifies the order in which the line items appear in the Study. This usually affects the order the line items appear in the quotation.

Remove Data File

ECM removes a Data File from the Study.


ECM removes any duplicate Comments from the Study.

Remove Line Item

ECM removes a Line Item (Scenario) from the Study.

Search For Costs

Run the Scenario command “Search For Costs” on each of the Study’s Line items..

3.6.18.3 Study - Report Commands


Page 249 of 286


Generate Quotation

ECM generates a Quotation Form to be sent to the customer based on the line items in the Study (Quotation Request). The form and format of the document created are a function of each installations customization. Generally, a Word document is created and stored in the ECM database as a Data File attached to the Study.

Scenario Excel ECM reports

In general, all of the Scenario Excel reports can be called from the Study. This has the same effect as selecting all of the line items in the Study and running the same report on the selected line items as a group.

Scenario Monthly ECM reports

In general, all of the Scenario Monthly reports can be called from the Study. This has the same effect as selecting all of the line items in the Study and running the same report on the selected line items as a group.

Scenario Word ECM reports

In general, all of the Scenario Word reports can be called from the Study. This has the same effect as selecting all of the line items in the Study and running the same report on the selected line items as a group.

3.6.19 Trace

The Trace class stores information used in running a cost model, since cost models may be used for creating more than one estimate, the Trace stores information relevant to a specific use of the cost model. The following commands augment the ECM Base commands that are inherited by the Trace class.


Page 250 of 286


Contents of the Response

ECM displays in Excel the contents of the response of the selected Trace in the format:

(TABLE | COLUMN | ROW | FORMULA | VALUE)

Show Estimates

A Navigation command that returns Estimates associated with the Trace

Show Model

A Navigation command that returns the cost Model associated with the Trace.

Work Units

ECM displays a dialog which shows the contents of the work units’ vector. Note: the Work Units Vector is not normally used in most Trace object.

3.6.20 Value Estimate

The Value Estimate Class in ECM holds estimates of non-cost and non-weight values that need to be managed as part of managing ECM Scenarios. The following commands augment the Object Dated and Named commands that are inherited by the Value Estimate class.

Add Comment

ECM allows a user to add a Comment object to more fully describe a Value Estimate.


Page 251 of 286


Add Data File

ECM allows a user to add a Data File object to more fully describe a Value Estimate. The user is provided with a Search dialog to find the file to be added.

Add Value

ECM allows a user to add an additional Value to the Value Estimate.

Clone Value Estimate

ECM allows a user to clone a Value Estimate.

Consolidate Contributors

ECM allows a user to consolidate contributors in a Value Estimate. As varied data sources may create Value Estimates with the same contributors, these contributors can be rationalized with this command.

Go Down

ECM displays the contributors of the Value Estimate.

Modify Type

ECM allows the user to modify the Value Estimate type.


Page 252 of 286


Properties

The user can modify the values stored in the Value Estimate using the Edit…Properties command or Double-clicking the object. A dialog screen will be presented similar to the screen used to create the Value Estimate. This screen will vary by customer based on the additional parameters each customer is managing with Value Estimates.

Remove Data File

ECM allows a user to remove a Data File object from the Value Estimate.


ECM removes any duplicate Comments from the Value Estimate.

Show Author

ECM displays the User object of the user that created the Value Estimate.

Show Change History

ECM displays any Change History associated with the Value Estimate.

Show Comments

ECM displays any Comments associated with the Value Estimate.

Show Data Files


Page 253 of 286


ECM displays any Data Files associated with the Value Estimate.

Show Element

ECM displays the Element associated with the Value Estimate.

Show Initiatives

ECM displays any Initiatives that use the selected Value Estimate.

Show Scenarios

ECM displays the Scenarios that use the selected Value Estimate.

Show Where Used

ECM displays any Scenarios that use the selected Value Estimate.

3.6.21 Weight

Weight objects are created to store weight estimates of Elements. The weight estimate is a collection of Named Values that are summed to get a total weight estimate.

Add Comment

ECM allows a user to add a Comment object to more fully describe a Weight estimate.

Add Data File


Page 254 of 286


ECM allows a user to add a Data File object to more fully describe a Weight estimate. The user is provided with a Search dialog to find the file to be added.


ECM allows a user to manage the Group Membership of the Weight object.

Add Value

ECM allows a user to add an additional Named Value to the Weight estimate.

Clone

ECM allows a user to make a copy of the selected Weight estimate. This is normally done when the user wants to modify a Weight estimate that is already in use and use the modified Weight estimate in a new location.

Create Average Weight

The ECM system will inspect all weighed Weight estimates on the associated Element and create a new average Weight estimate associated with the Element, replacing the existing average Weight estimate, if any exists.

Delete (Edit Menu)

ECM deletes an existing, non-approved Weight estimate. If the Weight was used in any Scenario, then the Scenario will automatically have its weight rollup recalculated.

Modify Center Of Gravity


Page 255 of 286


ECM allows a user to change the Center Of Gravity of the Weight estimate.

Modify ID

ECM allows a user to change the ID of the Weight estimate.

Modify Inertia Input

ECM allows a user to change the Inertia Input, including Inertia Code, Pitch, Roll, and Yaw.

Modify Sort Keys

ECM allows a user to change the Sort Keys associated with the Weight. The following dialog is presented, which may be specialized for different users.

Modify Source

ECM allows a user to change the Source of the Weight estimate.


Page 256 of 286


Modify Status

ECM allows a user to change the Status of the Weight estimate. The choices are Target, Preliminary, Detailed, Production, and Actual.

Modify Units

ECM allows a user to change the units of the estimate. ECM does not do anything with the units except report them.

Modify Weight

ECM allows a user to modify the Weight estimate.

Modify Weight By Factor

ECM allows a user to modify the weight estimate by a factor, which can be done on a collection of Weight estimates.

Modify Weight Rollup Type

ECM modifies the indicator of whether to add in the weights of the children or not. This is used when a total assembly weight is entered for an assembly.


ECM removes any comments that are duplicates of other comments.


Page 257 of 286



ECM allows the user to remove the Weight object from a Group Membership to which it has been assigned.

Report Average

A Navigate command showing the average weight of all weighed Weight estimates associated with the same Element as the selected Weight.


Choosing Properties from the Edit menu or double-clicking the object will raise a Properties dialog. The following dialog is presented allowing the modification of various types of data stored in a Weight Estimate.

Show Change History

ECM displays any Change History objects associated with the Weight estimate.


Page 258 of 286


Show Comments

ECM displays any Comments associated with the Weight estimate.

Show Data Files

ECM displays any Data Files associated with the Weight estimate.

Show Element

ECM returns the Element object for which the Weight was created.

Show Values

ECM returns the Values objects from which the Weight was created.

Show Where Used

ECM displays any Scenarios that are utilizing the selected Weight estimate.

Update Weight

ECM updates the weight calculation for the weight object. This should occur automatically, but the user and use this command to force a recalculation of the weight.

Verify

ECM allows the user to verify the database consistency of the Weight estimate.


Page 259 of 286


3.6.22 String

The String object in ECM is used to hold a comment object. The String class holds the user entered string and the link to the parent object it is associated with. The following commands augment the Object Dated and Named commands and the String class commands that are inherited by the Change History class.

Properties (Double-Click)

ECM allows the user to modify the String object.

Remove Parent

ECM removes the pointer to a parent of the comment.

Show Parents

A Navigate command showing the object this string object is applied to.

3.6.23 Change History

The Change History object in ECM holds information about each cost and weight change made to the ECM database. Each time a Scenario is changed, a Change History object is created recording the type of change, amount of change, and the reason for the change. The following commands augment the Object Dated and Named commands that are inherited by the Change History class.

Delete (Edit Menu)


Page 260 of 286


An ECM Administrator may delete a Change History object, if necessary. However, there is no way to recover such a deleted event if that event had a non-zero value.

Modify Change Reason

The Change Reason of the Change History can be modified separately from the other parameters. The user is also given an “Apply To All” check box allowing updates of a large number of Change History objects at once.

Modify ID

The ID number (Cost Study Number) can be modified separately from the other parameters. The user is also given an “Apply To All” check box allowing updates of a large number of Change History objects at once.

Properties

The data stored with the Change History object may be edited by selecting Edit…Properties or Double-clicking the item. The user is presented with the following input screen to make the edits. The value/amount of the change cannot be edited.


Page 261 of 286


Show Estimates

A Navigate command showing the Estimates whose change resulted in the creation of the change event.

3.6.24 Named Value

Named Values (Valeur Nommé U) are used to hold weight contributors. The following commands augment the ECM Base commands that are inherited by the Named Value class

Delete (Edit Menu)

A Named Value may be deleted. If the Named Value is used as the basis for a Weight estimate, the change will be immediately reflected in an updated weight rollup in any Scenario that uses the Weight estimate.


Page 262 of 286


Modify ID

The user can edit the ID of the named value. Note: Other commands such as Edit Name are also available for Named Values as they inherit these commands from higher classes in the database.

Modify Units

The user can edit the Units of the named value.

Modify Value

The user can edit the Value of the named value.




Page 263 of 286


Show Parent

A Navigate command that displays the Weight estimate using this Named Value as a basis for its weight value.

3.7 Rate

Rate objects hold the rate information for the ECM system. A rate is created by the Rate Table command Add…Rate or by importing rates from Excel spreadsheets. Once a rate is in the database, the rate is displayed by displaying the Rate Table that holds the Rate object. The command is Display…Show All…Rate Tables. This command is available to administrative users.

Delete (Edit Menu)

Delete the selected rate.

Modify Rate

Modify a rate value for an indicated year for the selected rate.


Choosing Properties from the Edit menu or double-clicking the object will raise a Properties dialog. The following dialog is presented allowing the modification of various types of data stored in the Rate.


Page 264 of 286


The identifier for the rate is changed by modifying the Rate Type, Plant, Rate Center, or Rate Class. To change a specific year’s rate, select that year and make the modifications in the bottom windows and then choose Add, Modify, or Delete. The Search String is the unique identifier for the Rate within the specific Rate Table or Factor Table where the rate is found.

Report Rates By Year

Display the year/value map of rate values for the selected rate object.


Page 265 of 286


Show Rate Table

Display the Rate Table the Rate object is associated with.

4.


Page 266 of 286


5. Index

Active Scenario......................................................95, 107

Active Scenario Status.................................................114

Add Approver To Group................................................37

Add Comment........57, 73, 84, 91, 92, 107, 142, 144, 146

Add Contact...................................................................81

Add Data File.........73, 79, 84, 91, 98, 107, 142, 145, 146

Add Descriptor.......................................................98, 107

Add Group.....................................................................23

Add Initiative...............................................................107

Add Labor Cost..............................................................73

Add Line Item........................................................91, 142

Add Line Items From Excel.........................................143

Add Material Cost..........................................................74

Add ODC Cost...............................................................74

Add Prior Part Number..................................................98

Add Rate......................................................................139

Add Setup Cost..............................................................74

Add SubComponent.........................................84, 92, 109

Add Template................................................................41

Add To Current Project..........................................68, 109

Add To Group Membership...................68, 109, 139, 146

Add User To Group.......................................................37

Add Value............................................................145, 146

Add Weight Approver To Group...................................37

Administration Commands............................................20

Administrative user......17, 26, 29, 36, 41, 53, 56, 77, 120

Administrative User...................11, 16, 17, 41, 42, 44, 53

Administrator Privileges................................................47

Advanced Search Engine (ASE)....................................13

Agent Action..................................................................22

Agent Action..................................................................10

Agent Action..................................................................26

Agent Action..................................................................47

Agent Action..................................................................71

All Change History........................................................29

All Cost Change History..............................................131

All Employees................................................................17

All Groups......................................................................17

All Login User...............................................................17

All My Costs................................................................135

All People......................................................................17

All Sessions....................................................................17

All Weight Change History.........................................131

Allow Multiple...............................................................42

Allow Trusted Logins....................................................42

Application Data......................................................42, 54


Page 267 of 286


Approved Initiative......................................................104

ASE....................................................8, 13, 19, 33, 53, 56

ASE Builder Mode...........................................................9

ASE_Base........................................................................5

Assemblies...................................................................104

Associated Estimate.......................................................84

Author............................................................................72

Burden Center................................................................61

Burden Rate...................................................................61

Business Group............................................12, 16, 23, 24

Business Unit.................................................................58

CanDisplay.......................................................................8

Category.........................................................................86

Center of Gravity.................................................118, 147

CER................................................................................66

Change Current Project..................................................22

Change History 29, 46, 72, 104, 106, 112, 131, 148, 149, 150

Change Password...........................................................33

Change Reasons.............................................................46

Change Root Password..................................................20

Change Status..............................................................105

Change Type..................................................................46

Check-In License...........................................................25

Check-Out License........................................................25

Chiffrage........................................................................72

CIPT.............................................................41, 43, 51, 55

Class Commands....................................................32, 153

Class Hierarchy................................................................5

Clear...............................................................................41

Clear Rate Table Dictionary........................................139

Clear System Log...........................................................20

Clear…Family Map.......................................................69

Clone Estimate.......................................................74, 109

Clone Line Item.....................................................92, 110

Clone Project................................................................138

Clone Study..................................................................143

Clone Value Estimate..................................................145

Clone Weight.......................................................110, 146

Close Model.................................................................137

COG Session..................................................................36

COG_Base...................................................................5, 6

COG_ImportFormat.......................................................40

Combine.........................................................................42

Combine Type..........................................................28, 42

Comment....44, 57, 61, 72, 91, 92, 96, 105, 107, 142, 148

Comment Types.............................................................44

Comments....................................................................131


Page 268 of 286


Commodities............................................................46, 54

Company......................................................10, 13, 23, 26

Company Information From XML................................47

Company Information Object....9, 28, 41, 43, 45, 48, 50, 51, 53

Compare Scenario Structure To File...........................129

Compare Scenarios Cost..............................................130

Compare Scenarios Structure.......................................130

Compare Scenarios Weight.........................................130

Component Cost..........................................................135

Consolidate..................................................................111

Consolidate Contributors.......................................74, 145

Contents of the Current Project.......................................9

Contents of the Response.............................................144

Context...........................................................................78

Context...............................................................10, 23, 68

Context Object...............................................................79

Copy File To Disk..........................................................80

Cost................................................................................57

Cost Basis Year........................................................58, 74

Cost Breakdown...........................................................131

Cost Change From Date.......................................131, 132

Cost Contributor............................................................57

Cost Description............................................................58

Cost Model...................................................................137

Cost Model Departments...............................................44

Cost Rollup....................................................................44

Cost Rollup Level........................................................136

Cost Status Details.......................................................132

Cost Status Summary...................................................132

Cost Tool..................................................................10, 49

Cost Trend Chart..........................................................132

Cost Type.......................................................................58

Count All Children.......................................................136

Count the ECM Objects.................................................54

Count the Elements........................................................54

Create Agent Action......................................................22

Create Average Weight................................................146

Create Business Group.............................................23, 24

Create Commands..........................................................22

Create Context...............................................................23

Create Element...............................................................23

Create LTA/Purchasing Agreement...............................23

Create New Elements.....................................................71

Create P&DR/Study.......................................................24

Create Person.................................................................24

Create Rate Table...........................................................24

Create Sceanrios From List............................................34


Page 269 of 286


Create Scenario......................................................92, 110

Creating Initiatives.........................................................82

Currency...........................................................59, 85, 114

Current Project...........................................................9, 78

Curve Code........................................43, 60, 74, 114, 140

Custom Data......................56, 57, 85, 114, 121, 125, 132

Custom Display Command..............................................8

Custom Execute Command...........................................19

Custom Navigate Command..............................32, 53, 56

Custom Operation Command........................................32

Custom Operations Command.......................................56

Custom Reports Command......................................32, 56

Customer Database........................................................48

Customer Specific Documentation........................72, 103

Customers................................................................46, 54

Data File...10, 13, 68, 73, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 88, 91, 105, 107, 120, 142, 143, 145, 148

Data Record.................................................27, 39, 40, 51

Data Record Reference Map....................................43, 54

Date........................................................................74, 114

Date Formats..................................................................43

Date Last Run................................................................71

Date Produced....................................................63, 65, 75

Dates......................................................85, 115, 126, 132

Dates With Problems...................................................132

Dates/Approval Status.........................................132, 136

Default Escalation Year.................................................43

Default Production Year................................................43

Delete...32, 36, 37, 39, 48, 58, 68, 69, 74, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 91, 98, 103, 111, 113, 138, 140, 143, 146, 149, 150, 151

Descriptors.................15, 49, 55, 100, 107, 116, 121, 136

Dictionary....................................................139, 140, 141

Dictionary of Model.....................................................137

Display All.......................................................................9

Display All Agent Actions.............................................10

Display All Companies..................................................10

Display All Contexts......................................................10

Display All Cost Tools..................................................10

Display All Data Files....................................................10

Display All Dictionaries................................................10

Display All Documents..................................................10

Display All Elements.....................................................10

Display All Estimates....................................................10

Display All Import Events.............................................11

Display All Initiatives....................................................11

Display All LTA............................................................11

Display All P&DRs.......................................................11

Display All Projects.......................................................11


Page 270 of 286


Display All Purchasing Agreements..............................11

Display All Rate Tables.................................................11

Display All Stored Reports............................................11

Display All Studies........................................................11

Display All Unused Estimates.......................................11

Display All Unused Initiatives.......................................12

Display All Unused Weights.........................................12

Display All Value Estimates..........................................12

Display All Vendors/Suppliers......................................12

Display All Weight........................................................12

Display Contents of the Current Project..........................9

Display Element Databases...........................................12

Display Format on Screen..............................................40

Display People and Groups............................................17

Display Selected................................................36, 37, 39

Domain Manager Object................................................53

Double-click...................33, 101, 111, 119, 145, 150, 151

Drag/Drop................................84, 93, 111, 112, 138, 143

Drag/Drop Files.............................................................68

Dsiplay Selected..........................................................104

Duplicate Estimates.......................................................44

EC Types........................................................................46

ECM Base......................................................................56

ECM Security Manual.............................................36, 68

ECM User Preferences...............................................9, 18

ECM_Base.......................................................................5

Edit.........................................................................13, 151

Edit Commands..............................................................48

Edit Properties................................................................38

Efficiency.......................................................................62

Efficiency Center...........................................................62

Efficiency Rate..............................................................64

Element 10, 11, 14, 15, 23, 68, 69, 73, 82, 83, 84, 88, 89, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 113, 146, 148

Element Database....................................................12, 69

Email........................................................................34, 38

Email All Open Task Lists.............................................20

Employee.......................................................................15

Empty Prior Part Number Map......................................69

End Date........................................................................60

Enterprise Entities..........................................................81

Errors.............................................................................57

Escalation.......................................................................60

Escalation Year............................................................116

Estimate10, 11, 45, 57, 58, 61, 68, 72, 73, 74, 76, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 89, 92, 95, 97, 105, 106, 109, 111, 112, 113, 116, 117, 122, 124, 126

Estimate Choices............................................................44


Page 271 of 286


Estimate Cost.................................................98, 112, 113

Estimate History..........................................................132

Estimate Ratio..............................................113, 117, 123

Estimate Type................................................................77

Estimate Types...............................................................45

Estimate Value.................................................84, 98, 113

Estimate Weight.....................................................99, 113

Estimator......................................................................106

Excel Reports...............................................................131

Exchange Cost.....................................................112, 113

Exchange Cost Estimate..............................................113

Exchange Value Estimate............................................113

Exchange Weight Estimate..........................................113

Export.......................................................................26, 29

Export Curve Codes Multi-Column.............................140

Export Escalation Rates Multi-Column.......................140

Export Initiative.............................................................90

Export LCF Rates Multi-Column................................140

Export Rate Table Dictionary......................................140

Export Rates Multi-Column.........................................140

Export Rates Single Column........................................140

Export Scenario To Excel............................................130

Export Scenario To XML............................................131

Export Stored Report...................................................142

Export Summarized Scenario......................................131

Export To DOORs.......................................................131

Export To SEER..........................................................131

Factor Table.................................................................139

Family Map....................................................................69

Family Tree..................................................................132

Family Tree Visio........................................................132

File Commands..............................................................50

Files................................................................................68

Find................................................................................12

Find Articles by Search..................................................13

Find Company................................................................13

Find Documents.............................................................13

Find Elements by Name.................................................13

Find Elements by Part Number......................................14

Find Elements By Sort Keys..........................................15

Find Employee...............................................................15

Find Initiatives By Name...............................................15

Find P&DR/Study..........................................................16

Find People....................................................................16

Find Scenario.................................................................16

Find Unit Costs..............................................................16

Find Vendor/Supplier....................................................16

Formats..........................................................................43


Page 272 of 286


Framework.....................................................................32

Framework Commands..................................................32

Fringe Rate.....................................................................62

From Query..................................................................133

Funding Sources............................................................45

Generate Quotation......................................................143

Global Commands...........................................................8

Global Display Commands..............................................8

Global Edit Commands..................................................18

Global Execute Commands...........................................19

Global File Commands............................................26, 29

Go Down........................................................83, 140, 145

Go Down All....................................................93, 96, 104

Go Down All End Items........................................97, 104

Go Down By Name..........................................93, 97, 104

Go Down By Name With Parents................................104

Go Down By Part Number...............................94, 97, 104

Go Down By Part Number With Parents.....................104

Go Down By Sort Key...........................................94, 104

Go Down One Level........................................94, 97, 104

Go Up.........................................................83, 94, 97, 103

Group.....................................................17, 23, 33, 36, 37

Group Membership........................................................78

Groups............................................................................48

Highest Name..............................................................136

How Many Of Me........................................................136

Implementation Date......................................................86

Import.............................................................................26

Import Action Map..................................................43, 55

Import Agent Actions....................................................26

Import Application Data................................................50

Import Companies..........................................................26

Import Cost Breakdown List..........................................51

Import Cost Studies.......................................................27

Import Data Records......................................................39

Import Data Records Action Map..................................51

Import Data Records Reference Map............................51

Import Date Records......................................................27

Import Estimates From Excel........................................27

Import Estimates From SCM.........................................27

Import Estimates SEER/DFM.......................................27

Import Event................................................11, 39, 40, 43

Import Family Map........................................................70

Import Initiative Data.....................................................27

Import Initiatives............................................................27

Import IPT Data.............................................................51

Import Part Data.............................................................27

Import People and Groups.............................................27


Page 273 of 286


Import Prior Part Numbers............................................27

Import Rates Multi-Column...........................................28

Import Rates Single Column..........................................28

Import Report From Query List.....................................51

Import Scenario from Domain.......................................28

Import Scenario from File..............................................28

Import Scenario from XML...........................................28

Import WBS From File..................................................28

Import WBS Indent........................................................29

Import WBS Sequence Number....................................29

Import Weight Data.......................................................29

Importing Initiatives......................................................82

Incorporation Date.........................................................86

Initialize Application.....................................................20

Initialize ASE.................................................................20

Initiative 11, 12, 15, 23, 27, 43, 45, 46, 68, 73, 74, 82, 83, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 96, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 112, 120, 126, 130, 133, 134, 146

Initiative Cost Take Out...............................................133

Initiative History..........................................................133

Initiative Impact By Year............................................134

Initiative Risk Factors..............................................43, 55

Initiative Risk Values...................................................109

Initiative Status............................................................134

Initiative Type........................................................46, 109

Interchange Option......................................................117

IPT...............................................................41, 43, 51, 55

Keep Rejected Initiatives...............................................43

KFactor..........................................................................62

Labor Cost................................................................61, 73

Labor Cost Contributor..................................................73

Labor Hours...................................................................62

Labor Rate......................................................................63

LCF................................................................................61

Learning Curve........................................................60, 61

Learning Rate...............................................................136

Leased..........................................................................117

Liaison.....................................5, 68, 92, 96, 98, 102, 103

Licensing Commnds......................................................25

Line Item........................................................92, 142, 143

Login User.....................................................................36

Lot Charge.....................................................................58

LTA............................................11, 23, 45, 73, 81, 91, 92

LTA Organization Types...............................................45

LTA Types.....................................................................45

Manage Global History..................................................20

Manage Groups..............................................................20

Manage Mail Servers.....................................................21

Master Structure.................................................5, 92, 103


Page 274 of 286


Material Burden Center.................................................64

Material Burden Rate.....................................................64

Material Cost............................................................64, 74

Material Cost Contributor..............................................73

Material Efficiency Factor.............................................64

Material Specifcations...................................................55

Material Specification....................................................65

Material Specs................................................................47

Minimum Purchase Amount..........................................75

Minimum Purchase Penalty...........................................75

Minimum Purchase Quantity.........................................75

Model...........................................................................137

Modify.......................................................42, 44, 99, 101

Modify Active Scenario Status....................................114

Modify Attrition.............................................................58

Modify Attrition Rate....................................................99

Modify Base Cost..........................................................64

Modify Burden Center.............................................61, 64

Modify Burden Rate..........................................61, 64, 85

Modify Business Unit....................................................58

Modify Center Of Gravity...........................................147

Modify Change Reason...............................................149

Modify Change Types...................................................46

Modify Combine Type...................................................42

Modify Commodities.....................................................46

Modify Complexity..................................................58, 74

Modify Cost Basis Year...........................................58, 74

Modify Cost Description...............................................58

Modify Cost Model Departments..................................44

Modify Cost Rollup Factor..........................................114

Modify Cost Type..........................................................58

Modify Create New Elements........................................71

Modify Creation Parameters..........................................85

Modify Currency..............................................59, 85, 114

Modify Curve Code...................................43, 60, 74, 114

Modify Custom Data.................................34, 56, 85, 114

Modify Customers.........................................................46

Modify Data File............................................................80

Modify Date...........................................................74, 114

Modify Date Last Run...................................................71

Modify Date Produced.............................................60, 75

Modify Dates/Approval Status....................................115

Modify Dates/Approval Status................................85, 99

Modify Default Currency...............................................34

Modify Default Escalation Year....................................43

Modify Default Production Year...................................43

Modify Descriptors..............................................100, 116

Modify Dictionary of Model........................................137


Page 275 of 286


Modify EC Types...........................................................46

Modify Eff Center....................................................62, 64

Modify Effected Part Number.......................................86

Modify Efficiency Factor...............................................64

Modify Element Sort Keys..........................................116

Modify Escalation Department......................................60

Modify Escalation Year.........................................60, 116

Modify Estimate....................................................75, 116

Modify Estimate By Factor............................................75

Modify Estimate Choices...............................................44

Modify Estimate Complexity.......................................116

Modify Estimate Ratio.................................................117

Modify Estimate Rollup Type.....................................117

Modify Estimate Types..................................................45

Modify Estimator.........................................................117

Modify File Name..........................................................71

Modify Fringe Rate........................................................62

Modify Function............................................................81

Modify Funding Amount...............................................86

Modify Funding Sources...............................................45

Modify Hours.................................................................62

Modify ID....................................................147, 150, 151

Modify Impacts..............................................................86

Modify Incorporation Date............................................86

Modify Inertia Input.....................................................147

Modify Initiative Category............................................86

Modify Initiative Descriptions.......................................46

Modify Initiative Number..............................................86

Modify Initiative Owner................................................86

Modify Initiative Risk Factors.......................................43

Modify Initiative Type.............................................46, 86

Modify IPT-CIPT Map..................................................43

Modify IPT-Module Center Map...................................43

Modify KFactor.......................................................62, 75

Modify Labor Cost.........................................................62

Modify Labor Rate.........................................................63

Modify LCF Data...........................................................60

Modify LDAP Preference..............................................34

Modify Leased Status..................................................117

Modify Lists...................................................................44

Modify Lot Size.............................................................67

Modify Material Cost.....................................................64

Modify Material Spec....................................................47

Modify Material Specification.....................................100

Modify Maximum Estimates Tested..............................34

Modify Method..............................................................71

Modify Minimum Purchase Amount.............................75

Modify Minimum Purchase Quantity............................75


Page 276 of 286


Modify Model..............................................................137

Modify Monte Carlo Standard Deviations.....................43

Modify Name.........................40, 43, 68, 70, 75, 117, 140

Modify Next Initiative Number.....................................43

Modify NRE Status................................................86, 117

Modify Number...............................................81, 91, 143

Modify ODC Cost..........................................................66

Modify ODC Name.......................................................66

Modify Optional Output Items......................................34

Modify Order of Children..................................86, 91, 94

Modify Order Of Children...........................................117

Modify Order of Contents............................................138

Modify Order of Line Items.........................................143

Modify Output List........................................................47

Modify Owner..........................................68, 75, 117, 140

Modify P/N Separator Character...................................43

Modify Part Centers.......................................................47

Modify Part Database Information................................44

Modify Part Family......................................................100

Modify Part Number..............................................94, 117

Modify Part Type.........................................................100

Modify Permission To See Structures...........................35

Modify Plant............................................................60, 75

Modify Pricer Status......................................................35

Modify Pricing Center.............................................66, 67

Modify Pricing Rates.............................................75, 117

Modify Production Parameters....................................100

Modify Production Schedule.......................................118

Modify Quantity............................................86, 103, 118

Modify Quantity Basis...................................................76

Modify Quotation Text..................................................44

Modify Rate.................................................................151

Modify Rate Center.......................................................63

Modify Rates..................................................................76

Modify Related Status.................................................118

Modify Report Footer Text............................................44

Modify Risk Factor........................................................87

Modify Rollup Preferences............................................44

Modify Rollup Type......................................................76

Modify Scenario P/N List..............................................35

Modify Setup Cost.........................................................67

Modify Similar To Code................................................76

Modify Sort Keys...........................................77, 101, 118

Modify Source.............................................................147

Modify Spec...................................................................65

Modify Start/End Dates.................................................60

Modify Status.......................68, 77, 87, 94, 118, 141, 147

Modify Status-Structure.........................................94, 103


Page 277 of 286


Modify System Units.....................................................46

Modify Target Cost Choices..........................................47

Modify Target Value.....................................................87

Modify Total Setup Cost................................................67

Modify Type....................................................77, 81, 145

Modify Units........................................................147, 151

Modify Value.........................................................87, 151

Modify Value Achieved.................................................87

Modify Value Estimate Types.......................................47

Modify Values To Resend To Model..........................137

Modify Variant Types....................................................47

Modify Vendor..............................................................65

Modify Weight.............................................................147

Modify Weight By Factor....................................118, 147

Modify Weight CG Input.............................................118

Modify Weight Impact...................................................87

Modify Weight Rollup Type................................119, 148

Modify Weight Types....................................................44

Modify Weight Unit.....................................................119

Modify Yield........................................................101, 119

Module Center.............................................41, 43, 51, 55

Moments of Inertia...............................................118, 147

Monte Carlo...................................................................43

Monte Carlo Simulation...............................................134

Move Under as Child...................................................112

Multiple Estimates.......................................................123

Multiple Target Costs..................................................121

My Unit Cost Details...................................................136

Myself............................................................................17

Named Value.......................................................146, 150

Navigate Commands....................53, 72, 83, 96, 103, 142

No Combine...................................................................42

Notifications – Selected User........................................35

NRE Cost.......................................................................58

Number Formats............................................................43

Number of Elements......................................................71

Object Base....................................................................68

Object Database.......................................................12, 71

ODC...............................................................................66

ODC Contributor...........................................................73

ODC Cost.......................................................................74

ODC Fixed Costs.........................................................134

ODC Summary............................................................134

Only Unit Cost.............................................................135

Open Data File.........................................................71, 80

Open Model.................................................................137

Operation Commands..................41, 73, 84, 98, 107, 142

Other Direct Costs.........................................................66


Page 278 of 286


Output Code Map...........................................................71

Output Comments....................................................91, 95

Output Contents.............................................................39

Output Cost Breakdown.................................................51

Output Cost History.......................................................95

Output Dates/Approval Status.....................................102

Output Element Map To Excel......................................70

Output Element Map To Text........................................70

Output Families To Excel..............................................70

Output Format to Excel..................................................40

Output List.....................................................................47

Output Parts List............................................................95

Output Prior PN Map.....................................................70

Output Weight History...................................................95

P&DR.................................................................11, 16, 24

P/N Separator Character................................................47

Part Centers..............................................................47, 55

Part Number...........................................................94, 117

Part Type..................................................................49, 55

Part Type/Descriptor/Unit Map.....................................55

Parts Database................................................................43

Parts Database Domain............................................13, 14

Password........................................................................33

Percentage Costs..........................................................134

Percentage Weights......................................................134

Person...................................16, 17, 24, 32, 33, 34, 35, 81

Person/Group Manager..................................................17

Pitch, Roll, and Yaw............................................118, 147

Plant...............................................................................75

Preference List...............................................................45

Preferences.....................................................................33

Priced Nomen..........................................................5, 103

Pricing Center..........................................................66, 67

Pricing Rates............................................................67, 75

Primary Estimate..................................................113, 117

Print Home Address.......................................................35

Prior Part Numbers......................................................102

Prior Scenario..............................................105, 120, 121

Process Data Record......................................................39

Process Data Records.....................................................39

Process Format.............................................40, 41, 53, 55

Product Cost Walk.......................................................134

Product Index.................................................................55

Product Weight Walk...................................................134

Production Schedule....................................................121

Project............................................................................68

Project..................................................................9, 11, 22

Project............................................................................69


Page 279 of 286


Project..........................................................................109

Project..........................................................................120

Project..........................................................................138

Project..........................................................................138

Project..........................................................................139

Properties. . .33, 38, 48, 49, 60, 63, 65, 66, 67, 69, 77, 87, 101, 111, 119, 141, 145, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152

Purchasing Agreement.......................................11, 23, 81

Purge Tmp Files.............................................................36

Quantity...............................................................103, 118

Quantity Basis................................................................76

Quotation Request................................................142, 143

Quotation Text.........................................................41, 44

Rate................................................................76, 127, 151

Rate Table........................................................11, 24, 139

Rate Tables Used.........................................................136

Rates.........................................61, 62, 63, 64, 75, 89, 152

Reinitialize the Families................................................70

Related Status......................................................117, 118

Remove..................................................................38, 120

Remove All Initiatives With No Matches....................120

Remove an Article from the Project............................138

Remove Approved Initiatives......................................120

Remove Approver From Group.....................................38

Remove Contact.............................................................81

Remove Data File. .78, 79, 88, 91, 95, 101, 120, 143, 145

Remove Date File..........................................................88

Remove Duplicate Estimates.................................44, 101

Remove Estimate.....................................................79, 80

Remove From Context...................................................78

Remove From Current Project.........................69, 78, 120

Remove From Group Membership. .69, 78, 120, 141, 148

Remove From Scenarios................................................88

Remove Initiative.........................................................120

Remove Line Item.................................................91, 143

Remove Parent.............................................................149

Remove User From Group.............................................38

Remove Weight Approver From Group........................38

Replace...........................................................................35

Report All My Costs....................................................135

Report Average............................................................148

Report Commands.....................54, 79, 90, 102, 129, 143

Report Contents on Screen............................................39

Report Cost For Year.....................................................61

Report Count All Children.............................................95

Report Currencies........................................................138

Report Custom Data.................................................35, 57

Report Descriptors.......................................................102


Page 280 of 286


Report Escalation Rate...................................................61

Report Footer Text.............................................41, 44, 47

Report From Query........................................51, 133, 142

Report Headings............................................................40

Report Impacts...............................................................90

Report Import Time.......................................................40

Report LCF Calc............................................................61

Report Prior Part Numbers..........................................102

Report Rates By Year..................................................152

Report Records Processed.............................................40

Report Sort Keys............................................................95

Reset...............................................................................47

Reset Changed Status.............................................88, 121

Reset Custom Data...........................................35, 57, 121

Reset Descriptors.................................................102, 121

Reset Effected Part Numbers.........................................88

Reset Part Names...................................................89, 121

Reset Pending................................................................72

Reset Prior Part Numbers............................................102

Reset Prior Scenario.....................................................121

Reset Production Schedule..........................................121

Reset Sort Keys............................................................121

Reset Target Costs.......................................................121

Reset Target Weights...................................................121

Reset Yield...................................................................122

RFQ..............................................................................133

Rollup Preferences.........................................................44

root user.........................................................................36

Run Agent Action..........................................................72

Run All Agent Actions..................................................47

Scenario. 5, 16, 21, 57, 68, 73, 74, 79, 82, 83, 84, 88, 89, 92, 93, 96, 98, 103, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 116, 118, 120, 121, 122, 123, 125, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 138, 142, 143, 149

Scenario Excel Reports................................................144

Scenario Monthly Reports...........................................144

Scenario Word Reports................................................144

Search.....................................................13, 14, 15, 89, 92

Search For Costs................................76, 78, 79, 122, 143

Search For Estimates For Quantity..............................123

Search For Initiatives...................................................123

Search For Value Achieved...........................................89

Search For Values Achieved From Scenario.................89

Search For Weights......................................................123

Secondary Estimate......................................113, 117, 123

Security Manual...............................................................8

SEER..............................................................................27

Select..................................................................32, 36, 53

Session...........................................................................17


Page 281 of 286


Set Cost Basis Standard...............................................138

Set Escalation Department...........................................139

Set Factor Table Standard............................................139

Set Rate Table Standard...............................................139

Setup Cost......................................................................74

Setup Cost Contributor..................................................73

SetupCost.......................................................................66

Show............................................................................138

Show Active Scenario............................................95, 107

Show All Approved Initiatives....................................104

Show All Articles in the Project..................................139

Show All Assemblies...................................................104

Show All Change History....................................104, 106

Show All Changed Items.............................................105

Show All Comments....................................................105

Show All Data Files.....................................................105

Show All Elements......................................................105

Show All Estimates..........................................83, 97, 105

Show All Estimates For This P/N..........................95, 106

Show All Initiatives.............................................105, 107

Show All Initiatives For This P/N.........................95, 106

Show All Problem Date Items.....................................105

Show All Rate Tables..................................................151

Show All Uncosted Items............................................105

Show All Unweighed Items.........................................106

Show All Value Estimates...........................................106

Show All Weights........................................................106

Show All Weights For This P/N......................96, 98, 106

Show Author..........................................................72, 145

Show Change History............................72, 106, 145, 148

Show Comments............61, 72, 83, 92, 96, 142, 145, 148

Show Contact.................................................................81

Show Cost Studies.......................................................146

Show Current Project.....................................................33

Show Customer............................................................142

Show Data files............................................................107

Show Data Files...................72, 80, 83, 97, 142, 145, 148

Show Domain Manager.................................................53

Show Element................73, 83, 84, 96, 97, 106, 146, 148

Show Estimate.................................................61, 83, 106

Show Estimate Cost Components..................................73

Show Estimates..............................................80, 144, 150

Show Estimator............................................................106

Show Group Membership..............................................69

Show Groups..................................................................33

Show Highest...............................................................106

Show Highest Name....................................................136

Show Initiatives.....................................................97, 146


Page 282 of 286


Show Initiatives – This Line Item................................107

Show Labor Components...............................................73

Show Labor Rates........................................................141

Show Line Items..........................................................142

Show LTAs....................................................................81

Show Material Components...........................................73

Show Material Rates....................................................141

Show Misc Rates.........................................................141

Show Model.................................................................144

Show Most Recent Estimate..........................................97

Show Most Recent Scenario..........................................98

Show ODC Components................................................73

Show Parent...........................................................39, 151

Show Parents..........................................................81, 149

Show Process Formats...................................................53

Show Rate Table..........................................................152

Show Records................................................................40

Show Scenarios........................................83, 96, 107, 146

Show Setup Cost Components.......................................73

Show Structure...............................................................97

Show Supplier/Vendor/Unit..........................................61

Show Support Rates.....................................................141

Show Tasks....................................................................40

Show Value Estimate...................................................107

Show Value Estimates...................................................98

Show Values................................................................148

Show Vendor.................................................................92

Show Weight................................................................107

Show Where Used.....................73, 96, 98, 107, 146, 149

Similar To....................................................................123

Similar To Code.............................................................76

Simulated (Monte Carlo) Cost.....................................134

Simulation......................................................................43

Sort Key...................................................................15, 94

Sort Keys..........................................77, 95, 116, 118, 121

Source............................................................................79

Start Date.......................................................................60

Start/End Dates..............................................................61

Status..........................................................77, 87, 94, 103

Stored List......................................................................46

Stored Report.........................................................11, 142

String............................................................................149

Structure...........................................................92, 94, 103

Study..................................................11, 16, 24, 142, 143

SubComponent...................................................92, 93, 94

Subcomponents..............................................................97

Supplier..............................................................12, 16, 61

System Log Report........................................................29


Page 283 of 286


System Units..................................................................46

Target Cost...........................................................121, 129

Target Cost Choices.......................................................47

Target Cost Scenario....................................................121

Target Scenario Name - Cost.......................................136

Target Scenario Name - Weight..................................136

Target Weight..............................................121, 122, 129

Tasks – Selected User....................................................36

Terminate.......................................................................36

Trace............................................................................144

Trusted Logins...............................................................42

Type...............................................................................86

Uncosted Items............................................................105

Unit Cost........................................................................16

Units...............................................................................55

Unused Estimates...........................................................11

Unused Initiatives..........................................................12

Unused Weights.............................................................12

Unweighed Items.........................................................106

Update......................................................................47, 48

Update All Costs Forced......................................125, 128

Update All Values Forced..............................................89

Update All Weights Forced.........................................125

Update Changed Costs.................................................125

Update Changed Values.................................................89

Update Company Information From XML....................47

Update Costs From Weights........................................125

Update Custom Data From Import..............................125

Update Dates From Element........................................102

Update Dates From Import..................................102, 126

Update Estimates From Context..................................126

Update Estimates From Excel......................................126

Update Estimates From Scenario.................................126

Update Estimates From SCM......................................126

Update Help Files..........................................................21

Update Initiatives From Scenario................................126

Update LCF Factors - Estimates..................................127

Update LCF Factors - Scenario...................................127

Update My Cost...........................................................127

Update My Value...........................................................89

Update Rate Table Dictionary.....................................141

Update Rates................................................63, 65, 78, 89

Update Rates On All....................................................127

Update Risk Factors.......................................................89

Update Scenario - Recalculate.....................................128

Update Scenario Date Produced..................................128

Update Scenario From Scenario..................................128

Update Sort Keys From File........................................128


Page 284 of 286


Update Stored Report From Excel...............................142

Update Structure From Element..................................129

Update Structure From Import.....................................129

Update Structure From Scenario..................................129

Update Target Costs.....................................................129

Update Target Weights................................................129

Update the Families.......................................................70

Update Values From Scenario.......................................85

Update Values From Scenario.......................................89

Update Weight.............................................................149

Update Weights From Excel........................................129

Update Weights From Scenario...................................129

Upgrade Application......................................................21

Upgrade ECM................................................................21

Usage Report............................................................30, 31

User....................16, 17, 18, 19, 24, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 48

User Group.....................................................................17

User Groups...................................................................48

User Preferences................................................18, 19, 93

User Specific Documentation........................................77

User Status.....................................................................55

Validate Element Map...................................................70

Validate Scenario Costs...............................................134

Value............................................................................148

Value Estimate.........12, 68, 106, 107, 113, 144, 145, 146

Value Estimate Types..............................................47, 56

Variant...........................................................................92

Variant Type..................................................................56

Variant Types.................................................................47

Vendor...........................................................................65

Vendor.........................................................12, 16, 24, 61

Vendor...........................................................................92

Vendor Database............................................................48

Verify...35, 38, 40, 48, 57, 79, 90, 96, 102, 129, 139, 149

Verify All Scenarios......................................................21

Verify Child Pointers.....................................................96

Verify Element.............................................................102

Verify Estimate..............................................................79

Verify Scenario............................................................129

Verify Users and Groups...............................................48

View Style........................................................................8

WBS.........................................................................28, 29

Weight..12, 29, 68, 92, 96, 106, 110, 113, 118, 125, 129, 146, 148

Weight Breakdown......................................................135

Weight By Initiative.....................................................135

Weight By Serial Number............................................135

Weight Estimate History..............................................135


Page 285 of 286


Weight History.............................................................135

Weight Rollup................................................................44

Weight Rollup Factor...................................................119

Weight Status...............................................................135

Weight Trend Chart.....................................................135

Weight Types.................................................................44

Weight Unit..................................................................119

Weight Units................................................................147

Which Family................................................................70

Who Am I......................................................................17

Windows Files...............................................................68

Word Reports...............................................................135

Work Units...................................................................144

XML.......................................................................47, 131

Year of Production.......................................................111


Page 286 of 286


Date post:	03-Jul-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	nguyenanh
View:	226 times
Download:	0 times