VPB Formulas / Variables
- Matthew Garrett
Description
VPB Formulas are a feature of the Framework ECM VPB module which allows both VPB item cost and retail prices to be defined by simple arithmetic formulas, across VPB versions.
The formulas may contain hard-coded values and/or variables which can be updated independently of the VPB items which use them.
The use of VPB Variables provides a simple way to achieve consistent and fast bulk pricing updates, with maximum flexibility and minimal mass editing over time. Establishing VPB Variables is recommended for margins (or perhaps components of a margin), these can then be adjusted on demand as needed. Incorporating VPB variables into an item's pricing formula enables the item pricing to be updated by simply updating the value in these variable(s) at the version level.
All VPB items should have retail price formulas that refer to the item cost and the variable to create the sell price. All VPB items and formulas should be calculated using figures inclusive of GST (use of a GST variable is also an option).
VPB Version Variables
Multiple VPB variables are recommended where different default margins are desired for different VPB sections eg: for base houses, appliances, structural upgrades, etc. The use of multiple VPB variables will allow you to update appliances without having to update base houses or structural upgrade item formulas (example).
VPB Variables are accessible on the VPB Version dialog within the Framework ECM VPB Module (Versions screen - Variable Tab):
There are 2 system default VPB variables available in every VPB version. These include [Item_cost_price] and [Item_quantity], in yellow above. These variables cannot be edited or deleted. When used in a formula for an item price, they represent the item's cost price and quantity, as entered on the VPB item dialog's General tab
To add a VPB Item-area variable
Double-clicking a VPB variable pops up the Variable dialog, where the name, reference, value and notes for a variable can be updated.
Modifying the Value field and clicking OK/Apply will apply the change to all VPB item formulas using the updated variable, automatically updating all affected item prices.
VPB Item Formula fields
VPB Item formulas are accessible on the VPB item dialog within the Framework ECM VPB module.
There are separate fields for item Cost Formula and Retail Formula.
Both fields support free-text entry of formulas as well as list-selection of VPB variables to automatically insert variables into the formula.
The text entered in these fields must be valid arithmetic statements to be applied and saved with the item.
Clicking the Select VPB Variable button on the item dlg toolbar pops up a list of variables to select for insertion into the currently selected formula:
There are 2 system default VPB variables available in every VPB version. These include [Item_cost_price] and [Item_quantity], in yellow above. These variables cannot be edited or deleted. When used in a formula for an item price, they represent the item's cost price and quantity, as entered on the VPB item dialog's General tab.
Click OK to add the selected variable to current place in the currently selected formula:
VPB Formula Rounding Function
Rounding Up
Syntax:
Rounding up to 50 cents: roundup .5
Rounding up to 1 dollar: roundup 1
Rounding up to 1000 dollars: roundup 1000
Rounding Down
Syntax
Rounding down to 50 cents: rounddown .5
Rounding down to 1 dollar: rounddown 1
Rounding down to 1000 dollars: rounddown 1000
Once the formula has been entered, it can be validated and applied to the item via the Validate and apply formula button on the item dialog toolbar.
Once clicked, the formula string in the currently-selected field is validated as an arithmetic statement and the pricing is applied to the item if it's valid.
If the formula couldn't be validated arithmetically, the following message is displayed and the formula is not applied to the item's pricing:
The price formulas are also validated and subsequently applied when the dialog's OK and Apply buttons are clicked.