Product Description

EZ-EIS is an Executive Information System that's easy to use!

EZ-EIS has been designed to be an easy to learn and use, tool for keeping, analyzing, and displaying key indicator information. Once postings have been completed, combinations of periods of time, for selected items and selected data types (actual, planned or standard), can be reviewed. This selected data may be used to produce derived values. Any of the data sets of selected and computed data may be used to produce a graph. Data can be imported and exported via ASCII files. Graph images and the graph spreadsheet values can be moved to other applications via the clipboard.

Graphs can be as 2D pie, 3D pie, 2D bar, 3D bar and line formats.

Licensing and Registration

Description of the windows in EZ-EIS

How To...

Getting started

Entering the Calendar

Entering Line Items

Entering Posting

Importing & Exporting Data

Data Selection and Review

Using the Clipboard for Graph Images & Spreadsheet Data

Glossary


Licensing and Registration

SIERRA SOFTWARE

P.O. Box 215081

Sacramento, Ca. 95821

LICENSE AGREEMENT AND LIMITED WARRANTY

This is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or an entity) and SIERRA SOFTWARE. By using SIERRA SOFTWARE applications, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this agreement, promptly return the unopened software packet(s) and the accompanying items (including written materials and their binders or other containers) to the place you obtained them for a full refund. If your application was obtained electronically, delete all files that make up the SIERRA SOFTWARE application.

LIMITED USE LICENSE. SIERRA SOFTWARE and its suppliers grant you the right to use one copy of the program for your personal use only. The Program is owned by SIERRA SOFTWARE, as set forth in the Program or associated documentation and is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaties. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by SIERRA SOFTWARE. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California.

FOR UNREGISTERED SOFTWARE YOU MAY:

A1.	Use the software for purposes of evaluation for a period of up to thirty days without charge. After the 30 day evaluation period the registration fee is due and payable to SIERRA SOFTWARE if you continue to use the application.
A2.	Transfer unregistered software freely. The registration procedures are included with the application, and the recipient assumes the conditions of this license agreement. Charges by third parties may be made for media, shipping, handling, etc. but no charge for the software may be made by anyone other than SIERRA SOFTWARE. No matter how the software is delivered, full payment and registration must be unconditionally made to SIERRA SOFTWARE.

FOR REGISTERED SOFTWARE YOU MAY:

B1.	Either (a) make one copy of the Program solely for backup or archival purposes provided that you reproduce all information (including copyright notices) which appeared on the original disk(s), or (b) transfer the Program to a single hard disk, provided that you keep the original disk(s) solely for backup or archival purposes.
B2.	Transfer the complete Program Package on a permanent basis, provided that you retain no copies and the recipient agrees to the terms of this Agreement.

FOR UNREGISTERED SOFTWARE YOU MAY NOT:

C1.	Use the software for profit in any manner, other than as allowed in section A2 above.
C2.	Reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works of the Program.

FOR REGISTERED SOFTWARE YOU MAY NOT:

D1.	Use the Program on more computers, computer terminals or workstations at the same time, than you have licensed. For instance, if this software is installed on a network that would allow ten people to access the software, then the appropriate registration for ten users must have been completed.
D2.	Make copies of the materials accompanying the Program, or make copies of the Program except as provided in item B1 above.
D3.	Use the Program in a network or other multi-user arrangement or an electronic bulletin board system or other remote access arrangement, other than already noted in item D1 above.
D4.	Rent, lease, license or otherwise transfer the Program without the express written consent of SIERRA SOFTWARE, except that you may transfer the complete Program Package on a permanent basis as provided in item B2 above.
D5.	Reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works of the Program.
D6.	Use the extra set of disks (if the Program Package contains multiple sets of disks, i.e. 3.5" and 5.25" disks) on another computer or loan, rent, lease or transfer them to another user except as part of the permanent transfer of the entire Program Package.

LIMITED WARRANTY.

SIERRA SOFTWARE warrants that the SOFTWARE will perform substantially in accordance with the accompanying documentation for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of receipt. Any implied warranties on the software are limited to ninety (90) days. Some states/countries do not allow limitations on duration of an implied warranty, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

CUSTOMER REMEDIES.

SIERRA SOFTWARE's entire liability and your exclusive remedy will be, at SIERRA SOFTWARE's option, either (a) return of the price paid, or (b) repair or replacement of the software that does not meet SIERRA SOFTWARE's Limited Warranty and which is returned to SIERRA SOFTWARE with a copy of your receipt and return authorization number. This Limited Warranty is void if failure of the software has resulted from accident, abuse, or misapplication. Any replacement software will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer.

NO OTHER WARRANTIES.

SIERRA SOFTWARE disclaims all other warranties (either expressed or implied) including, but not limited to, implied warranties of use and fitness for a particular purpose, with regard to the software, the accompanying written materials. The limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights which vary from state/country to state/country.

NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

In no event shall SIERRA SOFTWARE be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use this SIERRA SOFTWARE product, even if SIERRA SOFTWARE has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states/countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.

US. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS.

The Program and documentation are provided with restricted rights. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(I)(ii) of The Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 or subparagraphs (c)(I) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights at 48 CFR 52.227-19 as applicable. The Contractor/Manufacturer is SIERRA SOFTWARE, Sacramento, California, (916) 641-7910.


Windows

Main	This is the main window of the application, and is always visible.
Calendar	Define, or redefine, the calendar. Includes holidays and data types that are allowed.
Holidays	Define, or redefine, the holidays.
Item Description	Define, or redefine, line items.
Calendar Review	Review the calendar, one month at a time, for actual, planned or standard data.
Day in Review	Displays all of the details for a given day selected from the Review window.
Posting	Post to items for a given day and data type (actual, planned or standard).
Spread Posting	Post a total amount, or prorate an amount, to a selected period of time for an item.
Select Items	Select items for line item summaries or when selecting data to view for a graph or graph spreadsheet.
Select Dates	Select time periods when selecting data to view for a graph or graph spreadsheet.
Data Selection	The data selection window used to define items and dates for a graph or graph spreadsheet.
Spreadsheet	Displays selected data in a spreadsheet, allows computations and graph specifications.
Graph	The graph window. This can be a 2D pie, 3D pie, 2D bar, 3D bar or line format.
Import/Export	A window that displays database and external data, and provides for selected copying of cells. Values can be imported or exported one month at a time.


Main Window

This window appears after all greeting windows, and it is the main window of the application. It's from this window that all functions are initiated. The following summarizes this window:

Menu Bar	All of the file, printing and exit options can be found here. Additionally, all of the access to HELP is included in the menu bar as well.
Application Tour	Click on this to view the tour of the application. This is very handy when getting started and can be viewed while using the EZ-EIS application.
Help	This will give you quick access to the HELP file and start you off in the table of contents.
New Database	Use this command button to create a new database. The current year will be used to build the initial database.
Open Database	Use this button to open an existing EZ-EIS database.
Calendar	Click on this button to review, or update, your calendar information.
Line Items	Use this command button to update line items.
Posting	Click on this to see the REVIEW window. From the REVIEW window you can select the posting day and then proceed to the posting window.
View Data	Use this button to go to the data selection window. Once you have entered your selection criteria of items and dates, the graph spreadsheet window will be displayed, and then you can display graphs.


Calendar Window

The calendar window is used to review, and modify your application calendar. The calendar is for the current database only. Each EZ-EIS database will have its own calendar. The calendar establishes business days, closed days and holidays. This information is not only handy to have, but is essential for the spread-style postings (prorated or repeated values for a period of time). The highlights of this window are:

First Day...	Select Sunday through Saturday as the first day of your work week.
Number of days...	Enter the number of consecutive work days in the work week.
Holidays	A list of the holidays that you have selected will be displayed here. To modify this list use the HOLIDAYS button.
From	Enter the first year that you want for posting data. No data will be deleted if you make this a later date than you have already posted data for.
Through	Enter the last year that you want for posting data. No data will be deleted if you make this an earlier date than you have already posted data for.
Post Data Types	Check all of the data types that you want from the list of ACTUAL, PLANNED and STANDARD. No data will be deleted if you clear a selection that formerly existed.
OK Button	Click on this button to update your database after all selections have been made.
Cancel Button	Click on this button to cancel pending changes and close the window.
Holidays Button	Click on this button to modify the holiday list.
Review Button	Click on this button to review the calendar in the REVIEW window.


Holiday Window

This window provides you with the opportunity to create, and modify, the list of holidays for your calendar. The term holiday is used throughout EZ-EIS, but may also include days that you are closed for inventory, or other purposes than traditional holidays. The following summarizes this window:

Holidays	A list of the holidays that are (or will be) in effect are shown. To delete one date, select it, and then click on REMOVE.
Date	This text area allows you to type in a date to define a holiday. The date must be in the valid date range set up in the CALENDAR window. Leave this entry blank if you are going to select the common holidays for a year.
Description	A list of common holidays for each year can be selected, or select a description for the date entered above, or key in your own description for the date entered above. If you select common holidays you can then add to, or remove, dates as needed.
Question Mark	Click on this for access to the HELP file.
OK Button	Click on this button to update the calendar window. The database will not be updated until you select OK in the CALENDAR window.
Cancel Button	Click on this button to cancel pending changes and close the window.
Remove Button	Click on this button to remove one selected holiday in the holiday list.
Update Button	Click on this button to update the date and description entered. If common holidays for a year was selected, click on UPDATE to generate all of the common holidays.


Item Description Window

Use this window to create and maintain the definitions of the line items that can be used for posting and review. Line items are what you will post values too, such as SALES, CUSTOMER CALLS, etc. The following summarizes this window:

Items	All of the items that are currently in your database are shown. To delete an item, select it, and then click on REMOVE.
Item Desc.	This text area allows you to type in a full description of the item.
Short Desc.	A text area to enter a short description to use for labels in graphs. This should be just a few characters and is limited to five characters.
Type	Defines the value for this item as dollars, percentages or units.
Method	Defines how to handle the consolidation of the item. The most common is to accumulate, but average, low day, peak day and last found can be selected as well.
Sum of Items	Check this box if this is to be a summary item. A summary item uses two, or more, other items to accumulate a value. The type for each item must be 'accumulate'.
Items to Sum (summary item)	If the SUM OF ITEMS box is checked then this list will contain the items that make up the summary item. Use the ITEMS button to create, or modify this list.
Summarizes to (basic item)	If a basic item is selected that is used in a summary list, the summary items are listed. This label replaces the label: ITEMS TO SUM described above.
Close Button	Click on this button to close the line item window. The database has already been updated for each item via the UPDATE button.
Add Button	Click on this button to add an item. The item edit area will be cleared and the focus will be set to the item description field.
Remove Button	Click on this button to remove one selected item in the item list. Note that if an item is used in a summary list it cannot be deleted until it's removed from all summary lists.
Update Button	Click on this button to update the item with the data in the item edit area including descriptions and summary information.
Items Button	Click on this button to define the item list that makes up this item, via the ITEM SELECT window.


Calendar Review Window

The REVIEW window can be accessed from the CALENDAR or MAIN windows. From the CALENDAR window click on REVIEW or from the MAIN window, this window appears when POSTING is selected. This window gives you a graphic display of each month, one month at a time. You can easily see where data has been posted, notes entered, and what type of day each day is (business, closed or holiday). The following summarizes this window:

Month/Year	This is the month and year shown in the calendar. Select any other month and year from the list provided. The list covers the valid range of dates entered in the calendar.
Posting Date	This is the specific date in the month that you will post to. Select any date in the month that you desire. The last posting date initially appears.
A/P/S Type	Actual, planned or standard data. Only the data types that you have selected as valid will appear in this list.
(Calendar)	Click on any day to update the posting date selected in the top part of the this window. Underlined days have a note on file. The note can be reviewed in the DAY IN REVIEW window.
(Periods)	The monthly, quarterly and yearly period for the month shown, is displayed in this grid area.
Close Button	Use this button to close this window and return to the MAIN window.
Post Button	Click on this button to go to the POSTING window using the posting date and data type selected.
Day Info Button	Click on this button to go to the DAY IN REVIEW window using the posting date selected.


Day in Review Window

All of the information for a day will be displayed in this window. This. The following summarizes this window:

Date	The day selected for the display from posting date in the REVIEW window.
Day of the week	Sunday through Saturday.
Type of day	Business day, holiday or closed.
Description	Holiday or other description (if any).
Original type of day	This is the type of day that it would be if it were not a holiday. This is used when reassigning holidays in the CALENDAR window.
Note	The note for this date. Use the POSTING window to create, or modify this note.
Actual posted	Yes, no or not applicable. This is set to true when the posting for a given day and data type (actual, planned or standard) has been completed.
Planned posted	Yes, no or not applicable.
Standard posted	Yes, no or not applicable.
Week #	The week number of the year for the date shown.
Month #	The month number of the year for the date shown.
Quarter #	The quarter number of the year for the date shown.
Year #	The year number in the database for the date shown.
Close Button	Use this button to close the window.


Posting Window

Use this window to post to all line items for each day for each data type (actual, planned and standard). All items that are not summary items will be displayed in the grid. You can enter an amount for each and press return to accept the value and move to the next item. The grid will scroll automatically as you post item values. It's often handy, especially for planned and standard data, to post repeated or prorated values. To do this select the desired item in the grid that you want to post to, then click on SPREAD.

The following summarizes this window:

Posting Date	This date was selected in the REVIEW window.
A/P/S Type	The initial setting was selected in the REVIEW window. You may change the data type to any that is in your database including: Actual, Planned or Standard. This function is disabled during pending updates.
Weekday	This is displayed for your information as a confirmation of the date.
Periods	Again, this information is displayed to help confirm the date for posting.
Note	Enter an appropriate note for the day, if applicable. This is handy for unusual circumstances that would have an effect on your data. For instance: if the power was out and you lost half a days production, it would be helpful to know that later.
(Value)	Enter the appropriate type of data as dollars, a percentage or units.
(Item Grid)	All of the basic items in the database are shown with the description, current value and type of item.
< Button	Move backwards one day. This button is disabled during pending updates and when the first date of your database is displayed.
> Button	Move forwards one day. This button is disabled during pending updates and when the last date of your database is displayed.
OK Button	Use this button to update your database. The individual postings are not updated until you click on OK. Spread postings are updated as each is entered however. See SPREAD window for more information on that.
Cancel Button	Use this button to close this window without updating the individual postings from the grid information. Note that spread postings have already been updated.
Review Button	Use this button to return to the REVIEW window to select another day and data type for posting. This is the same as CANCEL except the REVIEW window is displayed.
Spread Button	Use this button to go to the SPREAD window. Note that the item selected in the grid will be the item to use for the prorated or repeated posting.


Spread Posting Window

Instead of posting each day individually, it's often convenient to post a total amount over a period of time (prorated). Also, it may be desirable to post a constant amount to each day over a period of time (repeated). All postings performed within this window are generated and posted only to business days in the selected period. The following summarizes this window:

Item, Posting Date, A/P/S Type, Data Type	These values are shown to verify the itemthat you are going to post to. This information was determined in the POSTING window.
Base Value	Enter the total amount (to be prorated) or the amount to repeatedlyposted to each business day for the period selected.
Period to post	A list of valid posting periods will be displayed. You must choose one of these entries.
Posting date range	This is shown for your review, and is based on the period selected.
Business Days, Each Posting, Total Value	These values are displayed based on the base value, time period selected and the method for posting. This information will help you confirm that you are posting correct values.
Posting Method	Choose PRORATE or REPEAT. Prorate will divide the value given by the business days in the period and post any balance to the last business day in the period selected. REPEAT will post the same value given for each business day in the period selected.
Question Mark	Click on this for access to the HELP file.
OK Button	Use this button to perform the posting and then close the window.
Cancel Button	Click on this button to cancel this operation and close the window. No updating will occur.


Select Items Window

This window is used when defining summary items or when selecting data for the graph spreadsheet and graph. This window allows you to develop a selected list of items from all of the appropriate items in the database. When no items have been selected and the data type and method is set to ANY, the entire list of items is available to you. Once an item is selected, or the data type or method are not set to ANY then the available items to select from is limited to those items that match the defined data type and method. The following summarizes this window:

Type	This will limit the items in the item list to those that match this data type. When ANY appears, then all items in the database match this criteria.
Method	This will limit the items in the item list to those that match this method of consolidation. When ANY appears, then all of the items in the database match this criteria.
Items Selected	This is list of items that you have selected. You can click on NONE to clear the list. You can select an item in this list and click on REMOVE to delete the single item.
Item List	A list of all of the items that you can select from as determined by the Type and Method.
Question Mark	Click on this for access to the HELP file.
OK Button	Click on this button to accept the list of items listed in ITEMS SELECTED.
Cancel Button	Use this button to cancel the selection of any items. This window will be closed and any prior list in effect when this window was opened will remain in effect.
Remove Button	Use this button to delete an item from the ITEMS SELECTED list.
None Button	Use this button to delete all itemsin the ITEMS SELECTED list.
Select Button	Use this button to select an itemfrom the ITEM LIST. A double-click on the item would work as well.
Expand Button	Use this button to expand summary items into the detailed items that make up the summary item and add the list to ITEMS SELECTED..


Select Dates Window

This window is used when selecting graph data for review. This window allows you to develop a selected list of times (periods). The periods that you can choose from will be based on the selection method that was chosen in the VIEW DATA window. The following summarizes this window:

Period Type	This display verifies the date ranges that you will be given to select from.
Dates Selected	This is a list of the date ranges that you have selected.
A/P/S Type	The data type of actual, planned or standard may be selected and is used with the date range to qualify the data to be selected from your database.
Date List	All of the appropriate date ranges that apply to the period type selected are displayed for you to select. The number of business days in the period is listed as well.
Question Mark	Click on this for access to the HELP file.
OK Button	Click on this button to accept the list of dates listed in DATES SELECTED.
Cancel Button	Use this button to cancel the selection of any dates. This window will be closed and any prior list in effect when this window was opened will remain in effect.
Remove Button	Use this button to delete a selected date from the DATES SELECTED list.
None Button	Use this button to delete all dates in the DATES SELECTED list.
Select Button	Use this button to select a date from the DATES list. A double-click on the date would work as well.


Data Selection Window

This window sets up the data to select for the graph spreadsheet and or making graphs. One or two sets of data can be defined. Always define data set 'A' before using data set 'B'. Often a single data set will suffice. The data sets can then be used with math functions, producing a third data set (data set 'C', see the SPREADSHEET window for more on this).

A data set can only contain like items. That is the items must be of the same type (dollars, percentages or units) and of the same method (accumulate, average, etc.). It is possible to select too many items, dates and reporting periods. If all three of these have more than one item selected then the data is too complex to display in the graph spreadsheet. This evaluation is done based on set 'A' and set 'B' combined. There is a display on the right side of this window that will inform you of the spreadsheet format and any problems that exist.

The following summarizes this window:

Data Set	Choose data set 'A' or 'B', but only use 'B' in addition to 'A'. Always define data set 'A' first. You will select dates and itemsfor each data set. Note that when 'B' is selected the data from the 'A' set is copied. You can replace 'B' set items or dates, as you desire - the copy is done for your convenience since either the items or dates will usually be the same.
(Items)	The items for the 'A' or 'B' data set. Use the ITEMS button to develop this list.
Data Type	This is shown for your information. All items will be of the same type.
Method	Items of the same method are selected, but you may change the method from this list. The choice will apply to all of items in the data set.
Selection > Reporting	Choose the selection and reporting period that suites your needs. This choice can only be made for the 'A' data set and is the same for the 'B' data set. For instance, the entry of WEEKS > DAYS means that data will be selected for a week and displayed as days, ie MON, TUE, etc. MONTHS > ITEMS means that data will be selected for a month and result in a single value to be displayed for each item selected.
(A/P/S & Date ranges)	The date ranges for 'A' or 'B' data set. Use the DATES button to develop this list.
Spreadsheet Layout	This display will inform you about how the graph spreadsheet will look. If items or dates are missing, or the selection criteria is too complex, you will see that in this display.
Items Button	Use this button to develop a list of items for data selection.
Dates Button	Use this button to develop a list of date ranges for data selection.
OK Button	All of the selection criteria must have been made before clicking on OK. Clicking on this will result in selecting the appropriate data and displaying the SPREADSHEET window.
Cancel Button	Use this button to close the window. All selection criteria will be kept in case this window is used later.
Reset All Button (Reset B Button)	If set 'A' is active then use this button to clear all the items and date ranges defined for both data sets 'A' and 'B'. If set 'B' is active then use this button to clear all of items and dates defined for set 'B' only. Note the caption changes.


Spreadsheet Window

Once selection criteria has been entered in the VIEW DATA window and OK is clicked, the appropriate data is selected and will be displayed in this window. Two sets of data may be selected, and a third may be calculated from the 'A' data set and the 'B' data set. This window is used to calculate a third set of data and for selecting graph options. The following summarizes this window:

(Value Grid)	The grid displays data sets 'A', 'B' and 'C'. Data sets 'A' and 'B' were retrived based on your selection criteria. Data set 'C' is computed in this window as you direct.
Data Set C is	Select two operands and an operator to CALCULATE data set 'C'.
Data	Select the data set to be displayed in the graph.
Title	Default titles are displayed for 'A' and 'B'. Enter your own description as desired.
Graph Type	2D pie, 3D pie, 2D bar, 3D bar, and line formats can be selected.
Style	Choose the style that you would like. The options are based on GRAPH TYPE.
Grid Lines	Applies to 2D bar, 3D bar and line formats.
Compute 'C' Button	The compute button is used to calculate a value for the 'C' data set, based on your choices in the DATA SET C IS line.
Cumulate Button Detail Button	The values in each row initially are displayed as stored in the database (detail). You can use this button to calculate cumulative totals and then revert back to the detail.
Graph Button	Display (or redisplay) a graph based on parameters set in this window.
Selection Button	Return to the VIEW DATA window to change selection criteria.
Cancel Button	Close the GRAPH window (if visible) and this window, returning to the MAIN window.


Graph Window

Once data has been selected and graph parameters selected, this window can be displayed. A graph will be displayed as selected. This graph can be changed to a larger size on your screen, and can be enlarged to the full screen size, if desired. There is nothing to enter in this window and the only options are available via the control button (the upper left corner of the window).


Import/Export Window

Data can be moved into, and out of, a EZ-EIS database via ASCII files in two formats. The TEXT and CSV formats used in applications like EXCEL are used. This common window is tailored for either the import or export function, as needed. Data can be imported and exported for one month at a time. The following summarizes this window:

Month/Year	The month and year to use for importing or exporting data. Data can be imported or exported for one month at a time.
A/P/S Type	Import or export data for actual, planned or standard data.
Filename Button	The ASCII file to use for importing or exporting. This will open the common dialog window for defining a path and filename.
Format (exporting)	Only appears for exporting and allows for the selection of TEXT or CSV formatting.
Database	All data items (except summary items) will be displayed with the appropriate values as found in the database in this grid.
Copy Button	Used to move selected data into, or out of, the database grid.
Arrow	Points UP for importing data and DOWN for exporting data.
Top Left	Identifies the top left cell of the source area.
Bottom Right	Identifies the bottom right cell of the source area.
Top Left	Identifies the top left cell of the destination area.
External Data	All data items from an external file if importing, or for the external file if exporting, are displayed in this grid.
Undo Button	Can be used after a copy to reverse (or undo) the copy.
Post Button (importing)	For Importing use this button to post all of the values in the database grid to the database.
Export Button (exporting)	For Exporting use this button to write all of the cells in the external data grid to the selected file.
Cancel Button	Closes the window without updating the EZ-EIS database, or writing to an external file.


Getting started

A tour of the application has been provided so that you may become familiar with the EZ-EIS application quickly. Please take a look at the tour as the first step in using this application. Secondly, the TOUR outlines how to create your first database and we suggest creating a sample database to experiment with. These steps are probably the fastest way to learn how to use EZ-EIS, and to see how powerful this application can be.

Please feel free to contact us. Even if you have not registered, we want to help you. We have spent countless hours developing this software. We believe it's the best software for the purpose it was designed, and we want to hear from everyone!


Entering the Calendar

Please see the description of the windows: CALENDAR and HOLIDAYS for detailed information. The purpose of entering a calendar is to put collecting statistics into perspective. The typical case would be a business that enters key indicators on a daily basis. Perhaps planned data and even standard data was entered as well. In any case, reviews of data will be on a business schedule: comparing this week to last, this month to last, actual to planned, and so on. A calendar is essential to accomplish this.

Secondly, it's convenient to be able to see at a glance, that postings have been completed, or that a note has been recorded for a particular a day. Notes will normally mean that an exception has occurred.

Entering the calendar is fast and yet gives this application a lot of it's power!


Entering Line Items

Line items are the basic topics that you will post to. For instance items may include: sales, salesmen, customer calls, units shipped, etc. Line items are all of the things that you might want to keep statistics on.

Entering line items is described in detail in the LINE ITEM window description. Basically two types of line items are entered into EZ-EIS. Fundamental, or basic, items are like those already mentioned above. A second type of line item summaries two, or more, basic line items. This capability makes EZ-EIS useful for looking at logical collections of items. For instance. bank deposits might be made to three banks daily. Three basic line items would describe each bank account. A fourth line item might be called: ALL BANK DEPOSITS. This fourth line item will be a summary line item and will be made up of all of the data for the three bank deposit items.

Hints:

You might want to put in several variations for one item. For instance you might want to enter statistics for a salesman as dollars and also for number of sales. This can be accomplished with two items being defined such as MARY: SALES DOLLARS and MARY: SALES CONTRACTS.

Summary items can be defined so that totals are conveniently available to you. For instance if you had two sales people and you wanted a total dollar item you might define an item like ALL: SALES DOLLARS that list MARY: SALES DOLLARS  and FRED: SALES DOLLARS as items to be used to accumulate ALL: SALES DOLLARS.


Entering Postings

The detailed description of how to enter each item is covered in the description of the POSTING and SPREAD windows. The posting of data is done for each data type of actual, planned and standard separately. A posting date and data type is already selected in the REVIEW window and then all basic items will be displayed in the POSTING window. Summary items will not be displayed for posting. Each item can receive a posting value, and any preexisting value is shown in the grid display.

For planned and standard data it may be useful to post a value for each business day in a period, or post a value over a period of time as a prorated amount. This can be done by selecting the item in the grid display in the POSTING window and the use the SPREAD window (by clicking on the SPREAD... button).


Importing & Exporting Data

Importing and exporting of data can be accomplished via the Import/Export Window. All of the importing and exporting of data is accomplished through ASCII text files in one of two standard formats:

TEXT FORMAT which lists cells separated by tabs. Each line is a row.

CSV FORMAT (comma separated values) which lists cells separated by commas. Each line is a row.

Access to these functions is via the IMPORT or EXPORT option listed under the FILE choice in the menu bar in the main application window. One window format is used and is slightly modified for each function. Data can be imported and exported for one month and choice of data type (actual, planned or standard) at a time. These choices are made in the import/export window.

Both functions work the same way when moving data from one grid to another. Cells to be moved are selected by clicking on the top left cell, then dragging the mouse to the bottom right cell, and releasing the mouse button. This results in an area being selected to be moved. To select the destination area, click on the top left cell. The destination area will be the same as the source, except that areas that exceed the destination grid width or depth will not be copied. To select entire lines, click on the first column that displays the line number. All of the cells on the selected lines will be included in any copies of data.


Data Selection and Review

Once some data has been posted, you will probably want to review the data. Beyond simple displays of data that you have captured, EZ-EIS provides a powerful way of selecting two sets of data and then performing mathematical functions on the data producing a third set of data. This derived data offers tremendous potential for discovering the hidden information within your data.

Select one, or two sets of data, 'A' and 'B'. At least one set of data must be selected and if only one set is selected it must be set 'A'. Any combination of items and dates can be selected with the following exception. The layout of the display grid is determined by counting the number of items, dates and periods to report for both data sets 'A' and 'B'. If the number of items, dates and periods are each greater than one, then the data is too complex to display in a two dimensional grid. There is a display area that will inform you of the spreadsheet layout, as you build your criteria list.


Using the Clipboard for Graph Images & Spreadsheet Data

Once data has been selected, and a graph displayed, it may be desirable to copy and paste the graph image, and possibly the spreadsheet data, to another application. This is very useful for including this information in reports or for preparing presentations.

Once you have the data selected, and a graph displayed, select PRINT from the FILE option in the main windows menu bar. A print selection window will be displayed. A list in this window will give you options to copy the graph image or spreadsheet data to the clipboard. Note that you must copy one item (a graph image or spreadsheet data) at a time, from EZ-EIS to another application. Each copy to the clipboard will replace the previous contents.

Use the CLIPBOARD utility program distributed with WINDOWS to view what has been copied to the clipboard.

Copy the clipboard image, or data, to a destination application such as WORD. This is accomplished by using the destination application's PASTE option.


Glossary

Accumulate

Actual/Planned/Standard

Average

Calendar

Compute

Data Set 'A'

Data Set 'B'

Data Set 'C'

Items

Last Found

Low Day

Notes

Peak Day

Posting

Prorate Posting

Repeat Posting

Spread


Accumulate

This is a method for consolidating more than one days postings for display or reporting. Each appropriate days posting will be added to a total value for the period and item combination selected.


Actual/Planned/Standard

Three data types may be used in EZ-EIS. Actual data is most often used and represents actual values for each day for each item. Planned data is posted to each item as well, but this might be a prorated amount, and is used as a comparison to actual. Standard data may exist in some circumstances and is included for completeness although this data type will probably be used less often. Standard data would generally be data that represents an industry standard.


Average

This is a method for consolidating more than one days postings for display or reporting. Each appropriate days posting will be added to a total value for a period and item combination When the last item has been added, the total will be divided by the number of values added. Zero postings are counted in the divisor.


Calendar

A calendar is kept that is defined by you. Business days, holidays and closed days are all defined. Types of data allowed and posting years are established as well. This feature offers visibility about the status of postings, notes.


Compute

This function is available in the SPREADSHEET window and allows for the dynamic creation of a third data set ('C') from selected items from data sets 'A' and 'B'. This feature offers unlimited possibilities for discovering hidden data within the data that you post to the database.


Data Set 'A'

One, of possibly two, data sets that can be created via the VIEW DATA window. Data set 'A' will exist as the first data set selected. All items in the data set must match the same type of data in terms of being dollars, units or percentages. Also, the method for handling consolidation must be the same.


Data Set 'B'

One, of possibly two, data sets that can be created via the VIEW DATA window. Data set 'B' will exist only as the second data set selected. All items in the data set must match the same type of data in terms of being dollars, units or percentages. Also, the method for handling consolidation must be the same.


Data Set 'C'

This data set is the result of a calculation using combinations of data sets 'A' and 'B'. This calculation is performed in the SPREADSHEET window. This is a powerful feature of EZ-EIS that will allow you to view data that's hidden within the data actually posted in your database.


Items

Items, or line items, are topics that EZ-EIS uses to post actual, planned and standard values. Examples of items are units shipped, customer calls, etc. Summary items can be created that are made up of two, or more, basic items. You cannot post to summary items.


Last Found

This is a method for consolidating more than one days postings for display or reporting. Each appropriate days posting will replace the current value for the selected period and item combination, thus the last value found will be the value reported. The last value for an item posted, just before the selection date range, is used when no other postings have been made. All zero posted values are excluded from this process.


Low Day

This is a method for consolidating more than one days postings for display or reporting. Each appropriate days posting will be compared to the current value and if the new days value is not zero and is lower than the current value, it will replace the current value. All zero posted values are excluded from this process.


Notes

Provision has been made to allow for a note for each posting day. This is useful for noting exceptions that could influence a particular day in a positive or negative way. Notes can be up to 255 characters. Notes are entered in the POSTING window. Review the note in the DAY INFORMATION window, via the REVIEW window.


Peak Day

This is a method for consolidating more than one days postings for display or reporting. Each appropriate days posting will be compared to the current value and if the new days value is higher, it will replace the current value. All zero posted values are excluded from this process.


Posting

A posting is the recording of a single value to an item for actual, planned or standard data for a given date. The accumulation of postings makes your database more, and more valuable. You will be able to measure trends over longer periods of time and compare more periods of time.


Prorate Posting

A prorated posting is a way to quickly post values to a range of dates. Posting may be prorated to a week, month, quarter or year, based on the date selected for posting. The total value given for posting is divided by the business days in the period selected and that amount is posted to each business day. Any balance is included in the last posting.


Repeat Posting

A repeat posting is a way to quickly post values to a range of dates. Posting may be repeated to a week, month, quarter or year, based on the date selected for posting. The value given for posting is posted to each business day in the period selected.


Spread

This option is available during the posting process in the POSTING window. You must select the item for the prorated or repeated posting before clicking the SPREAD... button.