NRC User Manual
The Nonrecurring Cost Model
(NRC Version 3.57)
April, 2006
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Table Of Contents
Section
Tab
1.0 - Introduction
2.0 - The NRC Workbook
3.0 - The Input Sheets In The NRC Workbook
3.01 - The “Main Menu” Sheet
3.02 - The “Sheet List” Sheet
3.03 - The “Utilities” Sheet
3.04 - The “Labor Rates” Sheet
3.05 - The “Cost Factors” Sheet
3.06 - The “NRC Changes” Sheet
3.07 - The “NRC Formatting” Sheet
3.08 - The “Print Menu” Sheet
3.09 - The Element Sheet(s)
3.10 - The Discount Years Sheet
4.0 - The Output Sheets In The NRC Workbook
4.01 - The “Details Output” Sheet
4.02 - The “Groups Output” Sheet
4.03 - The “Summary Output” Sheet
4.04 - The “Study Summary” Sheet
4.05 - The “Results Summary” Sheet
4.06 - The “Error Output” Sheet
5.0 - Cost Calculations
6.0 - Error Messages
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1.0 - Introduction
The Nonrecurring Cost Program (NRC) performs mechanized cost calculations associated with the one time labor
expense resulting from a customer request for service. It does this using normal EXCEL spreadsheet formulas,
so that once the cost portion of an NRC study is created the workbook is independent of the program. The cost
formulas can be viewed/edited directly in EXCEL.
The NRC program is an EXCEL workbook. All inputs are stored in separate sheets within the workbook. The
cost analyst determines and creates all necessary input sheets from data collected that include: average work
time, probability of occurrence, labor rate, and expense factors. The program needs the following separate input
sheets:
- Average Work Times and Probabilities of Occurrence
- Labor Rates (the sheet contains Qwest rates)
- Expense Factors (the sheet contains Qwest average factors and factors for each of the 14 states)
The cost calculations consist of Labor Time times Probability of Occurrence times Labor Rate equals Direct
Cost. Added to the direct cost are appropriate Expense factors .
The NRC program generates three primary output sheets of cost summary work papers. The costs are the same
on all outputs; the outputs differ solely on the level of cost detail shown. They are:
SUMMARY OUTPUT
This highly summarized output sheet shows the overall cost results for each rate element that is
part of the study, using one row of output.
GROUP OUTPUT
This output sheet is a one page cost summary for each rate element that is part of the study. It
shows the overall time applied for each work group, the labor rate and the direct cost calculation.
The output page shows separate inward (connect) and outward (disconnect) costs.
DETAIL OUTPUT
This output sheet shows all labor cost details for all rate elements that are part of the study. It
provides a breakdown of all incremental times specific to each work function performed for each
work group. In addition the output shows each probability of occurrence for each work function.
Probabilities of Occurrence include percentage mechanization, percentage dispatch, various
weightings, etc. The display includes a column representing applied time in addition to labor rate
and calculated direct cost. After those costs is a section showing the cost factor calculations
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2.0 - The NRC Workbook
The NRC workbook is an EXCEL file containing all of the input sheets (rate elements, labor rates, cost
factors), output sheets (details, groups, summary), and program code modules used for a nonrecurring
study. It can contain a maximum of 255 individual sheets. When the NRC program is run, it builds the
cost output sheets using standard EXCEL formulas. Therefore, once a study is built it is independent of
the program and can be worked with directly in EXCEL.
All of the individual sheets in the NRC workbook have names hard coded by the model, with the exception
of the element sheets. The analysts set the names for, and the number of, element sheets in a particular
study. When updates to the model are made, the updated file is distributed as NRCxxx.XLS, where “xxx”
is the version number.
Additional sheets of the analyst’s choosing (such as documentation sheets) can be added. The model
only cares about the sheets it needs and will leave all other sheets in the workbook alone.
When a new NRC study is begun, the current NRCxxx.XLS file is copied by the analyst using a name of
their choosing (such as MYSTUDY.XLS), and then the specific inputs for that study are placed in the
copied file.
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Section 3.0 - The Input Sheets In The NRC Workbook
NOTE: The following sheet names have been hard coded into the model, and should not be changed.
The model does not care about the order in which the sheets appear in the workbook. It keys on the
sheet names, and not their location in the workbook.
Sheet Name
Description
“Main Menu”
This is the sheet initially displayed when an NRC workbook is opened.
This sheet contains the run options (such as which states to run, which
factors to use, applied discounts, etc.) that the analyst can select.
“Sheet List”
This is the sheet displayed when the analyst has clicked on the “Go!”
button on the “Main Menu” sheet. It displays the list of element sheets in
the current workbook, and the user can select which ones to include in
the current run.
“Utilities”
This sheet displays buttons for special functions. Currently, the only
function on this sheet is a button for zeroing out the cost factor values on
the “Cost Factors” sheet for factors that are not part of the study. When
other functions are added, buttons for them will be put on this screen.
“Labor Rates”
This sheet contains the available labor rates.
“Cost Factors”
The sheet that contains the cost factor values that are to be used in the
study. The cost factors themselves are developed in the Factors Model
(FM) and are simply copied and then pasted to this sheet. There are
three specific sheets depending on the study type. They are TELRIC
Wholesale, TSLRIC Wholesale and TSLRIC Retail.
“NRC Changes”
This sheet shows the list of changes in the current NRC version. This
helps us track “what” was changed, “when”.
“NRC Formatting”
This sheet contains formatting information (column labels, shading and
fonts) that are copied to the output reports during runs.
“Print Menu”
This sheet contains special printing options.
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Section 3.01 - The “Main Menu” Sheet
Figure 3.1 - The “Main Menu” Sheet
Shown above is an NRC “Main Menu” sheet, with sample settings shown. This sheet will be automatically
displayed first when the workbook is loaded. It can be displayed after runs by clicking on the “Main Menu”
tab, which will always be the first tab in the workbook. The items on this sheet are:
Study: The study name to show on the outputs for a run. This is entered by the analyst.
State(s): The states to include in a run. One state, all states, or any combination of states can be
selected. The “Select All” button will select all states; the “Clear All” button will clear all states.
Year: Study Year, default is current year.
FCC Run: If this check box is checked, special FCC processing is done. The standard cost formulas will
be applied to labor rates at the beginning of a run, instead of being applied to direct costs at the end of a
run. Mathematically, it does not matter at all which way the cost factors are applied. The resulting costs
will be the same.
Hours/Minutes: Determines if labor rates are to be shown per hour or per minute.
Apply Disconnect Discounts: Determines if discounts should be applied by the program.
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Analyst Name: This list box contains the list of analysts in the NRC group. The selected name will
appear on the outputs as part of the page header. Only one name can be selected per run.
Write Output As Values: The standard NRC output is written using EXCEL formulas. When this option
is selected, these formulas are replaced with values. This option is intended for studies that are to be
passed off to clients within the company. It should not be used for studies that are to be filed, as the
EXCEL formulas are considered important cost support.
Perform Input Checking: When this box is checked, the program will check the inputs in each element
sheet for different kinds of errors during runs. An example of this would be to verify that at least one nonzero probability value is used for each work item. When this box is unchecked, input checking is not done
during runs.
“Go!” Button: When clicked, the model assumes the selections on the screen are the ones to use, and it
will proceed to the next screen where the the list of element sheets in the current workbook is displayed.
“Quit” Button: When clicked, the workbook will close. If any changes were made since the workbook
was loaded the analyst will be asked whether or not to save the changes.
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Section 3.02 - The “Sheet List” Sheet
Figure 3.2 - The “Sheet List” Sheet
Shown above is a sample “Sheet List” sheet. This sheet is displayed by the program when the “Go!”
button is clicked on the “Main Menu” sheet. Its purpose is to allow the analyst to select which element
sheets in the current NRC workbook to include in the current run. One sheet, all sheets, or any
combination of sheets will be selected. The items on the sheet are:
“Sheets In Workbook”: Whenever this sheet is activated, the program will search the current workbook
for element sheets, and will fill this list box with the names of all the element sheets found. The sheets will
be listed in the order in which they are located in the workbook.
“Include Selcted Sheets”: This list box will contain the list of element sheets selected by the analyst
from the “Sheets In Workbook” list. The sheets will be processed by the program in the order in which
they are listed in this list box.
“Include All Sheets” Button: When clicked, all sheet names listed in the “Sheets In Workbook” list box
will be moved to the “Sheets To Include In Run” list box. When there are no sheet names in the “Sheets
In Workbook” list box this button is turned off by the model.
“Sheets To Include in Run”: These list box houses the sheets that are selected by the user from the
“Sheets in Workbook” list box.
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“Exclude Selcted Sheets”: This list box will contain the list of element sheets selected by the analyst
from the “Sheets To Include In Run” list. The sheets will be processed by the program in the order in
which they are listed in this list box.
“Exclude All Sheets” Button: When clicked, all sheet names listed in the “Sheets To Include In Run” list
box will be moved to the “Sheets In Workbook” list box. When there are no sheet names in the “Sheets
To Include In Run” list box this button is turned off by the model.
“Start Run” Button: When clicked, the model will begin processing the sheets listed in the “Sheets To
Include In Run” list box in the order that they appear there. When no sheet names are shown in the
“Sheets To Include In Run” list box, this button is turned off by the model.
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Section 3.03 - The “Utilities” Sheet
Figure 3.3 - The “Utilities” Sheet
Shown above is the “Utilities” sheet in the NRC workbook. As of this NRC version, it contains only one
function but as additional ones are added buttons for them will be put on this screen. The item on this
screen is:
Clear Factors: When clicked, the model will go through the “Cost Factor” sheet and set all of the cost
factor values for all states but the current one to zero, since those factors are not needed.
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Section 3.04 - The “Labor Rates” Sheet
Figure 3.4 - Sample “Labor Rates” Sheet
Shown above is a section of the “Labor Rates” sheet. It contains the labor rates to be used for the labor
cost calculations. The labor rates are not linked to any other sheets, so when labor rates are updated they
need to be entered here by hand (or “cut” and “pasted” from another location). After the cost output
sheets have been built by the program, changes to the labor rates used in the study can be made on this
sheet and all affected costs will be recalculated automatically by EXCEL.
The format of the “Labor Rates” sheet is as follows:
Description [R4C1:R??C1]: These are short descriptions of each work function. The descriptions
themselves are not used by the model, but are there to make it easier for the analyst to find the rows
where particular labor rates are located. 1-100 work functions can be listed.
Code [R4:R??C2]: Each work function must have an associated two character code. During runs, the
model matches the two character code listed for all work items on an element sheet with the codes on this
sheet to determine which labor rate to use for the work item.
State [R3C3:R3C18]: For each work function, fifteen labor rates are listed beginning in column 3 (14
states and Qwest). During runs the model only loads labor rates for the state(s) requested by the analyst
on the “Main Menu” sheet.
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ELC/PLC/SOP Info [R4C19:R??C20]: For each work function, ELC/PLC/SOP information will appear in
columns 19 and 20. This information is not used by the model; it is just for informational purposes.
If this sheet is not present in the NRC workbook when a run is started, an error will occur.
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Section 3.05 - The “Cost Factors” Sheet
Figure 3.5 - The “Cost Factors” Sheet
Shown above is a section of a “Cost Factors” sheet. In the picture above, some of the output columns
have been hidden so that a column with non-zero values can be shown. The cost factors in the “Cost
Factors” sheet are not linked to any other sheet. When cost factors are developed in the Factors Model,
they are copied and pasted here by hand. After the cost output sheets have been built by the program,
changes to the cost factors used in the study can be made on this sheet and all affected costs will be
recalculated automatically by EXCEL.
Cost Factor Vintage [R2]: Every set of cost factors has a name. This name will match that used for the
same set of cost factors in recurring studies. The program writes this name to the “Study Summary” sheet
at the end of a run as part of the study documentation.
Cost Of Money [R3]: The cost of money used as an input in generating the cost factors for a given factor
vintage. The program writes this value to the “Study Summary” sheet at the end of a run as part of the
study documentation.
Factor Name Labels [R7C1:R24C1]: The model does not use these labels. They are there to make it
easier to go into the sheets and find or make changes to the cost factor values. The order in which the
factors are listed must not be changed. During runs, if the “Direct Costs Only” option is checked the cost
factors are not used. If the “Cost Factors” sheet needed for a run is not present when the run is started,
an error will occur.
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Section 3.06 - The “NRC Changes” Sheet
Figure 3.6 - Sample “NRC Changes” Sheet
This sheet is not used by the model. Every time the model is changed, the changes are listed in this sheet
for documentation purposes.
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Section 3.07 - The “NRC Formatting” Sheet
Figure 3.7 - “NRC Formatting” Sheet
Shown above is a section of the “NRC Formatting” sheet. This sheet contains formatting information for
the different output reports. The formatting is used for print titles, subtotal lines, column labels, and
individual print titles. This sheet was set up to make it simpler to format output reports by putting the
information here and then copying and pasting it as needed to each output report (as opposed to doing it
with macros). The first cell in each row contains a short description of what the formatting in the rest of
the row is used for. The fonts, shading, and borders shown here can be changed by the analyst. After
rerunning the study, any changes made on this sheet will be reflected on the output sheets.
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Section 3.08 - The “Print Menu” Sheet
Figure 3.8 - Sample “Print Menu” Sheet
This sheet is not needed to run the NRC model. It is provided as a utility for printing sections of output
sheets, after a study has been done. When multiple-state runs are done, the outputs for the selected
states are written to different sections of the same sheets. This screen was included in the workbook to
make it easier to print out the outputs for individual states. The sections of this screen are:
States To Print: This shows the list of states for which there is cost output in the current NRC workbook.
A check box will be displayed for those states. On the screen above, there is output for only one state –
Oregon.
Reports To Print: This shows the list of output sheets, with a check box next to each one.
Start Printing: When clicked, the selected outputs will be printed, using the selected options.
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Section 3.09 - The “Element” Sheets
Figure 3.9 - Sample “Element” Sheet
An NRC study must include at least one element sheet, and may have up to 255. These element sheets
are set up by the cost analyst. A sample sheet is shown above. When the model processes an element
sheet, it starts at the top of the sheet and continues downward until a blank row is found, at which time the
model assumes that the end of the sheet has been reached. These element sheets are not in a fixed
format, since there can be a variable number of groups and work items depending on the particular study
being done. When the end of a sheet is reached the model continues with the next element sheet. Each
line of an element sheet contains a keyword in the second column which tells the model what type of data
is in the line. The line types are described below. The model processes element sheets in the order in
which they appear in the NRC workbook.
After a run is done, the values in element sheets can be edited manually directly in EXCEL, and the
resulting cost changes will be automatically recalculated by EXCEL. The columns in an element sheet
are:
Line Num (R?C1): This information is not used by the model. This column is for the analysts to note for
themselves line references to other reports where information for individual work items is located.
Line Type (R?C2): The value of this cell in each row of an element sheet is a keyword that tells the
model how to process the line. The valid keywords are:
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HEADER: This keyword was used in the DOS NRC model but is not used in the Windows
version. It is just here so that DOS NRC element files can be loaded into the new spreadsheet
format.
SERVICE: This keyword is used to set a description for the current element sheet to appear as a
label on the output reports. The description of the element is entered in column 3.
ADD: This keyword is used to mark the beginning of an Inward (or Install) group. The entries in
the element sheet that follow the ADD line will be treated as part of the group, until a
DISCONNECT line, another ADD line, or the end of the sheet is reached. There are no other
entries needed on this line.
DISCONNECT: This keyword is used to mark the beginning of an Outward (or Disconnect)
group. The entries in the element sheet that follow the DISCONNECT line will be treated as part
of the group, until an ADD line, another DISCONNECT line, or the end of the sheet is reached.
There are no other entries needed on this line.
GROUP: This keyword is used to mark the beginning of a list of individual work items for a work
group. A name for the group is entered in column 3. Group totals are shown on the “Detailed”
report (along with the individual work items in the group), on the “Groups” report, and as part of
an element on the “Summary” report.
WORKITEM: This keyword is used to show the information for an individual work item. For
these lines, the entries are time estimates (minutes) in column 4, any weightings (probabilities)
in columns 5-8, and a labor rate code in column 9. The entry in the labor rate code column
needs to match a line in the Labor Rates sheet. These work items will be shown individually on
the “Detailed” report, as part of a work group on the “Groups” report, and as part of an element
on the “Summary” report.
COMMENT: This keyword is used when analysts want to include descriptions for entries in the
element sheet. Any number of comments can be used by the analyst. Comments will show on
the “Detailed” report only.
EXPENSE: This keyword is used to enter dollar amounts for which no labor rate calculations are
to be performed. The dollar amount is entered in column 9 of the line. These items will be
shown individually on the “Detailed” report, as part of a work group on the “Groups” report, and
as part of an element on the “Summary” report.
Line Description (R?C3): This column contains descriptions for the current line, set by the analyst. This
applies to all line types except ADD and DISCONNECT, for which no additional information is needed.
Time Estimate (R?C4): This column is used for individual work items only, and contains the time (in
minutes) needed to perform the individual work item.
Probabilities (R?C5:8): These columns are used for individual work items only, and contain weightings
(set by the analyst) to be applied to time estimates. One to four probabilities can be entered for a work
item.
Labor Code (R?C9): This column is used to enter a labor rate code for individual work items. The code
needs to correspond to a labor rate in the “Labor Rates” sheet. This column is also used to enter dollar
amounts for expense items.
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Section 3.10 - The “Discount Years” Sheet
Figure 3.10 - The “Discount Years” Sheet
Shown above is a sample “Discount Years” sheet. This sheet is displayed by the program when the
“Apply Disconnect Discount” check box is clicked on the “Main Menu” sheet. Its purpose is to apply
Disconnect Discount Rates, which are based on the costs of Money. This option also allows the analyst to
modify the Disconnect Discount Rates or years.
“Continue” Button: When clicked, brings the analyst back to the main menu.
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Section 4.0 - The Output Sheets In The NRC Workbook
NOTE: The following sheet names have been hard coded into the model, and should not be changed.
The model does not care about the order in which the sheets appear in the workbook. It keys on the
sheet names, and not their location in the workbook. As mentioned in a previous section of this
documentation, the cost outputs all show the same costs – they differ only in the level of detail shown.
Sheet Name
Description
“Details Output”
This sheet contains the labor cost output showing full cost details for a
run (both labor and cost factor calculations).
“Groups Output”
This sheet shows the costs by work group, in a summarized format.
“Summary Output”
This sheet shows the costs in a very summarized format.
“Study Summary”
This sheet contains the Study Summary results, which include run date,
analyst name, factors used, etc.
“Results Summary”
This sheet shows the same output as the “Summary Output” sheet, but
in a slightly different format which includes page referencing of the
corresponding costs on the “Details” sheet.
“Error Output”
This sheet contains the list of error messages generated during a run.
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Section 4.01 - The “Details Output” Sheet
Figure 4.1 - Sample “Details Output” Sheet
This is the output sheet that shows the labor costs at the most detailed level. All of the cost calculations
are done with EXCEL formulas, so the calculations can be viewed by calling the workbook up in EXCEL
and clicking on the desired cell. All of the group labels and individual work item descriptions are written
using links back to the input sheet where they are located so that the inputs used can be tracked.
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Section 4.02 - The “Groups Output” Sheet
Figure 4.3 - Sample “Groups Output” Sheet
Shown above is a sample “Groups Output” sheet. It is generated automatically by the model on every run,
for every element sheet used for the run. It shows the total Inward and total Outward costs by the labor
groups listed in each of the element sheets used in a run. The GROUP keyword is used in element
sheets to separate lists of individual work items by group. The ADD and DISCONNECT keywords are
used in element sheets to separate lists of Inward and Outward groups. As with all of the other cost
output sheets, the costs are done with EXCEL formulas. The workbook can be called up in EXCEL, and
the calculation for a particular cost can be viewed by clicking on its cell. The items on this report are:
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Section 4.03 - The “Summary Output” – TELRIC Example Sheet
Figure 4.4 - Sample “Summary Output” Sheet
Shown above is a sample “Summary Output” sheet. It is generated by the model automatically on each
run. This report shows the total costs for every element that is part of a run. As with all of the other cost
output sheets, the costs are done with EXCEL formulas. The workbook can be called up in EXCEL, and
the calculation for a particular cost can be viewed by clicking on its cell. The information on the sheet is:
State (R?C1): The current state name. A line of output for every element that is part of a run will be
written for each state checked by the analyst in the state check boxes on the “Main Menu”.
Element Names (R?C2:R?C2): There will be one line of output on this report for each element included
by the analyst for the current run. The elements to include in the run are set by the analyst on the “Sheet
List” screen, after all entries on the “Main Menu” have been made. The description shown in this column
is taken from the “SERVICE” or “HEADER” line in each element sheet.
Direct (C3): This column shows the Direct costs for an element sheet, the Direct sum for all of the
individual work items in the element sheet.
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Marketing (C4): This column shows the Marketing costs for an element sheet, the Marketing cost sum
for all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
Support Assets (C5): This column shows the Support Assets costs for an element sheet, the Marketing
cost sum for all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
Uncollectible (C6): This column shows the Uncollectible costs for an element sheet, the Marketing cost
sum for all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
TELRIC (C7): This column shows the TELRIC costs for an element sheet, the TELRIC sum for all of the
individual work items in the element sheet.
Common (C8): This column shows the Common costs for an element sheet, the Common cost sum for
all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
TELRIC + Common (C9): This column shows the TELRIC + Common for an element sheet, the TELRIC
+ Common sum for all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
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Section 4.04 - The “Study Summary” – TELRIC Example Sheet
Figure 4.5 - Sample “Study Summary” Sheet
Shown above is a sample “Study Summary” sheet. Every time a run is done, this sheet is updated
automatically with information for each particular run. The sheet itself is used as a template and must
exist in the workbook when runs are done, otherwise an error will occur. The items updated for each run
are:
Study Name: This is taken from the name used on the “Main Menu”. It is written out by the program,
during the run.
Completion Date: This is the date that the run was done. It is written out by the program, during the run.
Cost Analyst: This label is taken from the analyst name selected in the “Analyst” list box on the “Main
Menu”. It is written out by the program, during the run.
Version: This label is taken from the NRC version number that is hard coded in the “Global Module” code
module. It is written out by the program, during the run.
Factor Names: These labels are for the cost factors selected for the run on the “Main Menu”. They are
written out by the program, during the run.
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Factor Release Dates: These dates are copied from the release dates that are located in the “Cost
Factors” sheet used for the current run. They are written out by the program, during the run.
Cost Of Money: This value is copied from the cost of money values that are located in the “Cost Factors”
sheet used for the current run. They are written out by the program, during the run.
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Section 4.05 - The “Results Summary” – TELRIC Example Sheet
Figure 4.6 - Sample “Results Summary” Sheet
Shown above is a sample “Results Summary” sheet. It is generated by the model automatically on each
run. As with all of the other cost output sheets, the costs are done with EXCEL formulas. The workbook
can be called up in EXCEL, and the calculation for a particular cost can be viewed by clicking on its cell.
The information on the sheet is:
Header (R1C2): The first part of the header is fixed from run to run.
Study Name (R3C2): This label is taken as is from the text in the “Study Name” text box on the “Main
Menu”, the contents of which are set by the analyst.
State (R5C2): The current state name. A “Results Summary” page will be written for each state checked
by the analyst in the state check boxes on the “Main Menu”.
Year (R6C2): The cost year.
TELRIC Label (R8C2): This label will always begin with “Total Direct Costs”. If cost factors are selected
for the run on the “Main Menu”, the label will continue with “and Common Costs”.
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Element Names (R?C16:R?C16): There will be one line of output on this report for each element
included by the analyst for the current run. The elements to include in the run are set by the analyst on the
“Sheet List” screen, after all entries on the “Main Menu” have been made. The description shown in this
column is taken from the “SERVICE” line in each element sheet.
Direct (C3): This column shows the Direct costs for an element sheet, the Direct sum for all of the
individual work items in the element sheet.
Marketing (C4): This column shows the Marketing costs for an element sheet, the Marketing cost sum
for all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
Support Assets (C5): This column shows the Support Assets costs for an element sheet, the Marketing
cost sum for all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
Uncollectible (C6): This column shows the Uncollectible costs for an element sheet, the Marketing cost
sum for all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
TELRIC (C7): This column shows the TELRIC costs for an element sheet, the TELRIC sum for all of the
individual work items in the element sheet.
Common (C8): This column shows the Common costs for an element sheet, the Common cost sum for
all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
TELRIC + Common (C9): This column shows the TELRIC + Common for an element sheet, the TELRIC
+ Common sum for all of the individual work items in the element sheet.
Detail Page Ref (C10): This column shows the output page range on the “Detailed” output that contains
the costs for the current element.
Detail Line Ref (11): This column shows the Line range on the “Detailed” output that contains the costs
for the current element.
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Section 4.06 - The “Error Output” Sheet
Figure 4.9 - Sample “Error Output” Sheet
Shown above is a sample “Error Output” sheet. It lists any error messages that occur during a run. When
an error occurs during the run, a message box is displayed to the analyst asking if the run should be
continued. If the analyst chooses “No”, the run ends. If the analyst chooses “Yes”, the run continues and
any other errors that occur are written to this sheet.
The list of error messages contained in the model is in the “Error Messages” section of this
documentation. If this sheet does not exist when a run is started, the model will create it.
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Section 5.0 - Cost Calculations (Factors)
Figure 5.1 - Sample “Groups Output (Factors)” Sheet
Shown above is a sample sheet from an NRC workbook that shows the cost factor calculations. This
sheet is automatically produced every time NRC is run. The actual calculations are done with normal
EXCEL formulas, which can be viewed by calling up the workbook in EXCEL and clicking on the various
cells on the sheet.
.
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Section 6.0 - Error Messages
Unexpected program error in sheet ‘xxxxxxxxx’, Routine ‘yyyyyyyyyy’.
Cause: An error has occurred for which no special error handling has been set up. As part of this
message, the generic EXCEL message for the error will be displayed which may or may not be of much
use in figuring out what happened. the sheet name where the error occurred will be displayed (where the
“xxxxxxxxx” is shown here), and the routine name within that sheet will also be displayed (where the
“yyyyyyyyy” is shown here). Having the sheet and routine name displayed will make it easier to determine
exactly what caused the error.
Solution: Call your NRC support person about the message. The model can then be changed so that
the error message does not come up again, or special error handling for it can be set up.
Sheet ‘sheetname’ Cannot Be Found!
Cause: This will occur when a run begins if one of the required input sheets (“Labor Rates”, the “Cost
Factor” sheet), is not in the current workbook. “sheetname” will appear as the name of the sheet that
cannot be found.
Solution: Copy the missing sheet to the current workbook from another workbook.
An error has occurred during the run. Continue?
Cause: A data item in one of the input sheets has been entered improperly, usually in the current element
sheet. For example, an “O” instead of a “0” may have been entered in a line in the service sheet. This
message will only be displayed the first time such an error occurs during a run.
Solution: When this message appears, another message describing the specific error will be written to
the “Errors” sheet. You can choose to continue the run or stop it at this point. If you continue the run, this
message will not be displayed if more errors occur, but those errors will still be written to the “Errors”
sheet. Look at the error message in the “Errors” sheet and make any needed correction(s).
For “statename”, Sheet “sheetname”, Row # rownum. Bad Time Estimate of time In Column 3.
Cause: This is an error message that will be written to the “Errors” sheet. It will occur during runs if a line
in the current service sheet contains a time estimate less than .001. statename will be shown as the state
that was being processed when the error occurred. sheetname will be shown as the name of the service
sheet being processed when the error occurred. rownum will be shown as the row number in the current
service sheet where the error occurred. time is the value entered in the Time Estimate column in the
current row of the service sheet that caused the error.
Solution: Correct the time estimate and redo the run.
For “statename”, Sheet “sheetname”, Row # rownum. Bad 1st Probability Of prob In Column 4.
Cause: This is an error message that will be written to the “Errors” sheet. It will occur during runs if a line
in the current element sheet contains a 1st probability of zero. statename will be shown as the state that
was being processed when the error occurred. sheetname will be shown as the name of the service sheet
being processed when the error occurred. rownum will be shown as the row number in the current
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element sheet where the error occurred. prob is the value entered in the 1st probability column in the
current row of the element sheet that caused the error.
Solution: Correct the 1st probability and redo the run.
For “statename”, Sheet “sheetname”, Row # rownum. Bad Labor Rate Of laborrate In Column 8.
Cause: This is an error message that will be written to the “Errors” sheet. It will occur during runs if a line
in the current element sheet contains a labor code that refers to a labor rate of zero in the “Labor Rates”
sheet. statename will be shown as the state that was being processed when the error occurred.
sheetname will be shown as the name of the element sheet being processed when the error occurred.
rownum will be shown as the row number in the current element sheet where the error occurred. laborrate
is the value in the “Labor Rates” sheet corresponding to the labor code entered in the labor code column
of the element sheet.
Solution: Edit the cell in the “Labor Rates” sheet that has the zero rate and replace it with a non-zero
value. Or, change the labor rate code in the element sheet to refer to a non-zero labor rate in the “Labor
Rates” sheet. Then, redo the run.
For “statename”, Sheet “sheetname”, Row # rownum. Unknown Line Type Of linetype in Column 1.
Cause: This is an error message that will be written to the “Errors” sheet. It will occur during runs if a line
in the current element sheet contains a line description that is not in the list of valid line types. This will
most often be caused by a mispelling. statename will be shown as the state that was being processed
when the error occurred. sheetname will be shown as the name of the element sheet being processed
when the error occurred. rownum will be shown as the row number in the current element sheet where
the error occurred. linetype is the value in the current element sheet that caused the error.
Solution: Correct the line type and redo the run.
There are no non-zero cost factors in the Factors sheet for the selected factor type and state!
Cause: This will occur if a run is begun and there are no non-zero cost factors in the selected factor
sheet for the current state.
Solution: Make sure that the selected factor sheet has factor values for the desired state. Make sure
that the selected product group has factor values.
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