Typically a price list starts as a grid of price/m² for a set of areas and lead times. Typically, there is a separate grid for each layer count. These grids, usually specified in a spreadsheet, give a representation of the fundamental price elements in a price list.
The price list wizard provides a quick method for creating these fundamental price elements, by automatically converting a price grid to the appropriate curves.
The wizard displays a tab for each layer count. The number of tabs is controlled by the minimum and maximum layer count values. The wizard also specifies several properties and constraints for the price list.
Each layer count tab consists of a spreadsheet-like grid and three curve display graphs. The first column in each row is the lead time (in days). The first row of each column is the total order area (in m²). The remaining cells is the basic price (in the price list currency) per square meter for the specified layer count, total area and lead time.
Curve calculation
Curves are calculated automatically whenever the contents of the grid are modified.
- Price/area The price/area curve is calculated from the last row in the grid. Typically, this will be a stairstep curve. The Area curve radio buttons specify the curve type.
- Price/day The price/day curve is calculated as the price increase relative to the price in the last row of the grid. Often, there will be a separate price/day curve for each column in the grid. The first row of each column has the same font color as the curve in the display. These curves are typically point-to-point. The Day curve(s) radio buttons specify the curve type.
- Area/day The area/day curve is determined by the empty cells in the grid. If no price is listed then the maximum area/day will prevent a price from being calculated.
Working with the grid
Grid values may be copied from a spreadsheet with the Paste to grid button. For proper results, the imported data must meet the following criteria:
- The first column must be integer day values. These values must be in increasing order.
- The first row must be numeric values in m². These values must be in increasing value.
- All other cells must be either empty, or contain numeric values. These values must be the price per square meter in the currency of the price list.
Note: Before importing, insure that the decimal character (typically . or , ) in the imported data is the same as that used by the program.
The number of rows in the grid is controlled by the Min day and Std day values. Min day also specifies the minimum constraint for the price element.
The Min area and Max area values specify the constraints for the price element. Max day also specifies the area for the last column of the grid. Double-click on an area cell to change its value. Right-click on the grid to add or delete columns.
Right-click on the grid to access a couple of helpful features for filling out the grid manually:
Copy to cells below copies the contents of the selected cell to all of the cells below it in the same column. This is useful when the minimum price in one column is reached at a shorter lead time than for other column(s).
Clear cells above clears all cells above the selected cell. This is a quick way to change the area/day curve.
Price list properties
Each price list must have a unique number and name.
The currency in which factory prices are calculated must be selected. The exchange rate for conversion to USD must be specified as: 1.0 USD = 1.0 Currency * Exchange Rate.
A supplier ID and name should be specified. This is used to determine if a product has been previously purchased from this supplier, and consequently whether or not a one-time cost should be added to the price.
Constraints
In addition to minimum and maximum layer counts, several constraints may be specified for the price list.
A constraint is created allowing a valid price only for the selected product type.
For each unchecked check box, a constraint is created which prevents a valid price if the property exists for the product/order.
Constraints are created for Minimum track/clearance, Minimum annular ring and Minimum through hole that will allow a valid price only if the product’s minimum feature is greater than or equal to the specified value.
Note: In cases where a constraint is not created, it will usually be necessary to create an appropriate price element for the allowed property.
Saving changes
After having specified price list properties, constraints, and grid values for all layer counts, click on the OK button to create the price elements and add them to the price list.
