Libris Britannia 4/science library(b).zip/science library(b)/ENGINEER/H477.ZIP/C2BASE.DOC

Text File | 1990-12-05 | 24KB | 553 lines

                       C2BASE - Core Cost Database

     C2BASE is the COPAN/II module that was written to work with
     PCAT and LAMCON.   Essentially, C2B is a core cost database for
     those individuals working with cores which are sold at a specific
     price per square unit.   Generally speaking, these units would be
     feet or meters.  If you are working with cores that are purchased
     by the pound or kilogram, C2B may not be of much interest.

     When working with more than one core manufacturer, it is
     advisable to develop separate cost files.   This way, the size of
     the file is kept at a more manageable level and thus reduces disk
     access time.

     By using C2B, it is simple to create these files.  Here's what is
     involved...

     The first step is to decide on what the costfile structure  will
     be.  This structure, referred to as a base within C2B, is made up
     of four different variables.

                Thickness, Density, Style and Price Catagory

     The thicknesses are any range of values that you work with
     frequently.   Generally, these are available from a price sheet,
     but if you are buying non-standard thicknesses, then these would
     be used.

     The same thing applies for the densities.   All of the densities
     that are possible candidates in a design should be entered.

     Style is a particular characteristic about the core itself.  The
     two primary catagories would be PLAIN and contoured.   PLAIN
     however could be broken down further into regular or high-
     temperature grades.   For contoured, the division might be GS, HS
     and so on.  Usually two is enough to keep track of.

     Price catagory is fairly straight forward.   This is the price
     points offered by the supplier depending on how much you buy  at
     one time.  Usually four catagories is about the maximum.

     C2B does have its limitations.   The maximum workspace that has
     been reserved is as follows:

                       Thicknesses: 10     Densities: 6
                       Styles     :  5     Price Catagories: 5

     This does not seem like many but a little bit of mathematics
     indicates that there are enough price variables in just one file
     to keep you busy for a long time.  (10x6x5x5=1500)
     


     C2B is responsible for creating three separate data files.   Two
     of these are required while the third is optional.

     The two mandatory files are structure and costs.   The structure
     file contains everything which was just discussed.  The cost file
     contains all of the costs which were input by you.

     When building the base file (remember base means structure) it is
     recommended that you follow these suggestions.

       1>   When entering your thicknesses, be sure that the base
       file contains ALL of the thicknesses that you will be using.
       If you buy two thicknesses from one supplier and a different
       thickness from another, put all three into the same base
       file.

       This will allow you to duplicate the base file for all other
       cost files that you will be preparing.

       2>   The same thing applies for the Styles and Price
       Catagories.  By keeping these identical in all base files, it
       is possible to compare the files using the compare function
       in C2B.

       3>   This is not true for the densities.  Enter the densities
       for your first base without considering what each subsequent
       base will contain.   Then when you are entering costs for the
       other suppliers, the densities can be easily changed as
       necessary.


     When your supplier hits you with a price hike, the costs in the
     file may be updated in a matter of seconds.   This also works the
     opposite direction but suppliers usually don't.

     To get a hard look at the facts,  C2B can produce a cleverly page
     formatted printer listing of a single density or all  costs.  If
     your printer is not available, should you be working on a lap
     machine, the printer listing can be sent to disk.   This allows
     you to view the entire cost file with an editor such as PC-WRITE
     or PE.  The file can then be printed at a later date.

     If you work with sandwiches, there is no easier way to keep track
     of all those numbers than with C2B.
     

                      Operational Instructions for C2BASE

     At this point, the HARD DISK or FLOPPY user should now be looking
     at the opening screen of C2B.

              - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
              COPAN/II * C2BASE - Edition I/A
              (c) Copyright 1986,87 PARADOS







              Costfile name >
              - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
                        The Opening Screen of C2BASE

     Near the bottom of the screen,  C2B will ask for the cost file
     that you wish to manipulate.  If you are using the program for
     the first time, then obviously, you cannot enter one to
     manipulate.   If this is the case, then enter the name of a file
     that you wish to create.

              Eg.   Costfile name > ACMECORE

     This might be an entry for a file that will contain all cores
     from a company called ACME Core Inc.   The maximum number of
     characters is 8 with no extensions attached.

     Because C2B does not know if this is a new file, it will try to
     read the ACMECORE file.   When it is not found, the message NEW
     FILE will appear.  This will confirm that C2B found nothing.

     In the future, when using C2B, it may happen that you forget what
     files are on the disk.   Although this program can read the
     directory, the main menu functions are not available at this
     point.   To  bring up the files on the default drive, enter a  ?
     after the Costfile name > prompt.
     


     After C2B finds nothing, the main screen of C2B will appear.  The
     display is divided up into three working areas.   The upper and
     lower displaying the following:


              - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
              COPAN/II C2B     Current File: A:ACMECORE     Date
              Thick : 0    Densities: 0      Total Costs : 0
              Styles: 0    Price Cat: 0      % of Costs=0: 100





               ================================================
               I                  (Main Menu)                 I
               I                                              I
               ================================================
              - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
                            Main Screen of C2BASE

     Assuming that this is your first use of C2B, as most read the
     manual then, it will be necessary to create the structure for the
     costs.

      Creating the BASE File

     The base file is made up of four separate parts.   These are
     Thickness, Density, Style and Pricing.

     Before any costs can be entered, the base must be defined.

     The main menu which is situated at the bottom of the screen  has
     12 visible items.

              = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
              [1] Enter Costs    [5] Change Name    [D] Directory
              [2] View Costs     [6] Duplicate      [C] Drive
              [3] Save Costs     [7] Global Update  [B] Base Menu
              [4] Print Costs    [8] Valid Date     [Esc] Exit
              = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
                             The Main Menu of C2B

     However, the [B] function will produce another menu below the
     Main which displays 6 new options.

              [F1] Thicknesses   [F2] Densities   [F5] Display
              [F3] Styles        [F4] Pricing     [F6] Save Base
     


     When running C2B for the first time,  it will be necessary to use
     this secondary menu to set the base variables.

     By pressing the [B] the Base Menu should be immediately visible.
     If not, you've got a problem.    There is no particular order
     that must be followed in establishing the base so [F1] is as good
     as [F4]

     Let's start at the top this time and try [F1].

      [F1]  The Thicknesses   (max 10)

     The [F1] key will cause all work areas to clear.   A >>  prompt
     will then appear which will be waiting for the first thickness to
     be entered.   Below this prompt will be a list of all  available
     options which may be invoked from the >> prompt.

     Any thickness can be entered here whether it is in millimeters or
     inches.

     As each value is input, it is listed in window 3 for you to
     verify.   Should you type in a wrong value,  it can be removed
     using the delete function.   To delete the previous entry, enter
     the 3 letters DEL.   If you enjoy typing, the whole word will be
     accepted as well.

     If at sometime you make a mistake but do not discover it
     immediately, the change function should be used to bail yourself
     out.  Type in CHAN from the >> and press enter.

     The help function is available but if you have a problem,  don't
     get your hopes up.  All help will tell you is what you have just
     read.   The help was installed more to assist all of the illegal
     users.  (just kidding)

     When all of the entries for thickness have been made, C2B will
     respond to the word END.  Yes, all three characters please.

     Upon returning to the main screen you will notice, if you are
     observant, that the status screen in the top window now indicates
     the number of core thicknesses that you have entered.   This is
     generally a useless feature except that it helps to keep you
     straight on what the score is.

     Your next task will be to eliminate another zero from the status
     board.   To do this, you will have to go back to the Base Menu
     which has been shelved during you thickness session.  To bring it
     back, you'll will have to hit the [B] again.
     


      [F2]  Densities  (max 6)

     This Base Menu stays out of sight because in most cost editing
     sessions, the base will not be changing as frequently as the
     actual costs.

     The next requirement on the list is the core  densities.  Here,
     you will use the same routine, except this time you will be
     inputting the densities that you expect to be using.   You're
     allowed up to six so you may as well insert them now.   After the
     Base  Menu  is  visible,  the [F2] key is used  to  initiate  the
     sequence.   If  you get lost,  go back a few paragraphs and  find
     yourself.

     Upon your return you shall notice another less zero in the status
     board, that is,  if you did something while in  [F2].   Continue
     this process for [F3] and the pricing catagories which is [F4].

      A Few Notes on Styles and Price Catagories

     Thicknesses and densities are no problem.   Real numbers, both of
     them.   But you're thinking,  "what did the author have in mind
     with this stuff?"

     The style of a core is what form it is supplied in. For example a
     1/2",  5  pound  core could be available in more than one form.
     This is especially true for plastic foam cores.  Two primary core
     styles for foam cores would be plain sheet and contoured.  If you
     are not familiar with the term contour then not to worry as
     you're probably not buying too much.

     If you wanted to even detail the contour section further, it
     could be broken down into types of contour.   The  amount of
     refinement is up to you but the maximum number of styles allowed
     is 5.  Maximum string length is limited to 16.

     Pricing catagories are allowed because from time to time,  it is
     possible to purchase the core at a more  favorable  level.   The
     degree of benefit is directly correlated with the depth and
     contents of your pocket.

     A simple price structure would be a single entry as  "standard".
     If you always buy small quantities and never have projects  that
     allow you the OEM price list, then this is fine.   However, you
     might be thinking bigger and frequently have projects that allow
     you to scalp the supplier.   Should this be the case, and I hope
     it is, it is possible to enter more than one catagory; up to five
     actually.
     


     As with the styles, the amount of detail is up to you with your
     limitation at five price points.   Each price catagory can be
     described with any character string up to 16.

     When all four base items have been completed,  the status board
     will then calculate the total number of cost variables that the
     structure has made room for.   The results of this complex
     calculation is then posted after:  Total Cost Variables:

     Just below this, another indicator is set to 100%.   This 100%
     means that all of the cost variables are equal to zero.  This is
     what the status board will look like if you enter a filename from
     the opening screen that has only a base file on disk.   It  will
     read the skeleton, with no meat.  Of course you know by now that
     the meat file is the .CST file.

     Before proceeding, it is imperative that the base variables be
     recorded on the disk.  If you forget to do this, you will have to
     enter it all over again next time you use C2B.  That would not be
     pleasant.   To save, call up the Base Menu with the [B] key.
     Then, press [F6].  C2B will ask you if you are serious about the
     request and if so, will escort the information to the magnetic
     media.

     The remaining [F5] is available for screen viewing of the current
     settings.   This might be useful when working with an old file or
     if you have a bad memory.


      Entering Costs

     Now that all base variables have been established, and safely
     stored away the actual core cost entry may begin.

     To begin the entry session, either for creating or editing, press
     key [1] when viewing the main menu.  This action will take you to
     the entry routine where you will be brutally interrogated for
     more information.

     Each time you enter costs,  you will first determine where in the
     costs will be stored.  This storage area refers to the cost array
     which is four dimensional by declaration.   What is a four
     dimensional array?  Simple.

     Costs are stored in a variable called  COSTS.   Creative name,
     wouldn't you say?   Each time a cost is entered,  it is stored in
     COSTS.  But to store more than one value in COSTS, it must be an
     array.
     


     The array is declared as COSTS(10,6,5,5).   These numbers reflect
     the maximum amount of storage area.   The 10 is thickness,  the 6
     density, the remaining two are style and price catagory.  This is
     why you are limited to 1500 variables for a single file.

     When entering information you need to tell C2B  where, in the
     COSTS array, the data should be stored.   For this reason, the
     following prompts will occur immediately following key [1].

      Which density? >   This is determines which group of densities you
     wish to enter costs for.  Only a single group of densities can be
     entered at one time.   We were going to allow a streamlined LOTUS
     type of data entry but we didn't want to make it too easy for
     you.

     Note:  C2B will be waiting for an actual density value.   Do not
     enter its reference number as this will do little.


      Which  Style?>   Enter the style that you wish to enter  densities
     for.   C2B  always defaults to the first style (if you press the
     <CR> with nothing entered).    Please do not enter a reference
     number as C2B is patiently waiting for a legitimate style.


      Price Catagory >   Again, if the one that you wish to work with is
     the first one, press the <CR>.   This is also handy when you're
     working with only one catagory.

     We make you type the actual string in because you are less likely
     to screw up if you have to think once in awhile.

     The status window will now be displaying all of the decisions
     that you have made up to this point.   This way,  if you run off
     for a cup of joe, you will know where you left off.

     C2B will now go through all of the core thicknesses that you have
     entered previously.  The thickness will be displayed just above a
     prompt that looks like this:  Core cost? >

     If the core thickness being asked for does not have a cost, enter
     a null string.  (a <CR> )

     After each cost is entered, the data will be transferred to the
     top window.   This allows you to easily keep your place in the
     entry sequence regardless of how often you're interrupted.
     


     When all densities have been entered, C2B will ask you if you
     wish to enter more costs.   If [Y], then the whole interrogation
     process will begin again.

     A [N] will return you to the main menu.


      Saving the Costs on Disk

     Now that the costs have been entered,  it is a good idea to  get
     the saving business out of the way.  The key with a 3 on it takes
     care of this.   The familiar "Are you sure" prompt will appear to
     remind  you to make a last minute check on the default drive and
     anything else you want to check before the  save.   Information
     regarding filename used and destination drive will be shown.


      How to Print the Core Costs

     From time to time,  the need will arise to hard copy the costs
     that you have collected.  To do this, key [4] is available.

     Two different destinations, as well as two different modes, are
     at your disposal.


      All or One

     These are your choices when outputting core costs.  You can print
     one density or all densities.   This is as easy as pressing  the
     right keys.

     To output a single core density, enter the density that you
     desire.   If C2B does not have the density that you enter in
     memory, you will be informed of such.

     To have all costs printed, enter the word ALL.

     Now you will have two more options: Disk or Printer
     


      Printer Listing

     By taking  option [P],  it is assumed that you have a parallel
     printer waiting to receive.  The output uses nothing fancy and is
     set for 80 columns  by  66 lines.  Most printers should not have
     a problem.

     The output is page formatted but will not stop between pages.  If
     you need to pause, do a [Ctrl] [NumLock] to suspend the printing.


      Disk Listing

     Why would anyone want a disk listing?   Good question.   We gave
     you this option for two reasons.   The first is when you are
     working with a lap top machine and want to save the file for
     printing later.  This might be desireable just before you install
     a price increase.   Or, the second reason,  is that we found
     reviewing prices via C2B a little cumbersome.   You have to press
     one key, then another to indicate the density.  When the finally
     start coming out on the screen, only 10 fit on the middle screen
     at one time.  It was a pain.  So with a full listing on disk, you
     can use an editor like PC-WRITE or PE and really check it out.
     Give it a try and see if you don't agree.

     By the way,  don't forget about the DOS functions PRINT and TYPE.
     If you do not have an editor, TYPE will give you a top down view
     of this disk file.   The PRINT command,  entered as A>PRINT file,
     will send the whole file to your printer.

          Eg.   A>TYPE filename.COD  or  B>PRINT filename.COD

     Where filename is whatever file you have created and .COD is the
     required file extension added by C2B.  The .COD must be included
     when using TYPE or PRINT.

     Just so you know, the COD stands for Costs Output to Disk.


      Getting (or starting) a Different File

     While within C2B, it is possible to read in files other than the
     one you began with.   Key [5] in the main menu provides this
     service.
     


     The status window will clear and a prompt will appear asking  for
     the new filename.  If you actually wish to enter one, then key it
     in.  DO NOT include any file extensions as C2B will think you are
     a  fool.  If you change your mind, enter a null string and  you
     will be returned to the main menu.

     If you do enter a new filename,  C2B will ask if you wish to
     retain the old base settings.   This might be useful if you were
     beginning a new file that did not have any base settings.

      Duplicating Base Files

     When you are creating all of the various files for your cost
     database,   it is not necessary to enter all of the same
     information over and over again.

     Simply  create one base file and save it on disk as you would do
     normally.  Then, using the Duplicate function [6], enter in a new
     filename which you would like to have the same structure.   The
     file will then be created using the same data as was used by the
     previous file.   Information regarding destination drive will be
     posted during the duplication.  When the process is complete, the
     control will go back to the main menu.

      Global Cost Update

     For handling those price changes, C2B can change costs in a
     matter of seconds.  The limitation here is that the costs changes
     must be able to be expressed in a percentage of change.

     Key [7] is used to produce the multiplier prompt.   The prompt is
     waiting for a real number above or below 1.  A zero or one is not
     valid.

     To express a 5% increase, the multiplier would be 1.05.   A
     decrease of 5%  would be a multiplier of .95   Before modifica-
     tions take place,  C2B will confirm the request.   If you
     indicate [Y] to the confirmation, changes will be made
     immediately.  A message will indicate the number of changes made.

     These changed costs however,  will not be automatically saved on
     disk as it is not assumed that you wish to write over your old
     cost data.   Therefore, you will have to return to the main menu
     and do a [3] (save) to cast it in stone.   If you wish to save
     these updated prices under a different name,  use the [5] key to
     assign a new name.   Don't forget to answer [Y] to the  "preserve
     old data?" prompt.
     


      Reading the Directory

     The [D] key produces all of the base files on the current drive.
     The ? produces all files on the current drive.  Want the DIR of a
     different drive; change the drive first using...


      Change the Drive

     To change the drive-path which is being addressed by C2B, use the
     [C]  key.    Just follow the instructions which appear under the
     main menu and you'll do just fine.


      How to Exit

     Press the [Esc] key.