System and Hardware Requirements

A computer capable of running Microsoft Excel 7a / 2000 (or later) and Microsoft Word 7a / 2000 (or later) within Windows XP Pro is needed for CostCalc 4.4. Updating times are just acceptable if its operating speed is at 2 GHz, but, depending on RAM size, less may work. The suggested safe RAM size is 1024 Mb, but 512 Mb may be sufficient for most projects - depending on what other programs are loaded on the computer at start-up and on user speed requirements. Hard dik space required is 250 Mb.

For projects involving more than three sub-assemblies, use of Microsoft Office 2003 version of Excel is advised as this allows a memory (internal heap space) of 1 gigabyte compared with 64 megabyte for 2000 and 128 megabyte for 2002 versions.

A kit of files covering one Sub-assembly typically requires 15 to 20 Mb of hard disk space. In practice a likely maximum for a Product manufacturing project is 80 to 100 Mb, depending on the number of processes involved. Details of individual file sizes are given on Page 59 of the Operating Manual.

For all projects it is advisable to store and/or back-up individual project data on a CD or an alternative storage system.

All the spreadsheets contain coloured data. 

Default print-out suggestions are given within each spreadsheet.

Note. Although in some cases A3 is the preferred paper size, they will be just legible on A4 also. 

FC questionnaire print-outs require one page of A4 paper in portrait format.

CC (BoM) file print-outs should preferably be in A3 landscape format. The number of pages will depend on the material item count of the selected file.

For CA Results spreadsheets, the preferred print-out option is on two A3 pages in landscape format, plus two extra pages if the detailed data are needed.

FA questionnaire files may typically need one A3 landscape page per assembly process – the current maximum range is from 13 pages (10 Process Groups/28 processes) to 33 pages (30 Process Groups/88 processes).

CE1 files are best printed on A3 size in landscape format, the number of sheets being dependent on material item count and process content.

FE1.xls questionnaire files require 5 pages of A4 paper in portrait format.

The above statements on page count do not include the Modification Record or Supplier list sheets attached to each file.

Note. If it is required to edit or add to the html pop-up Help pages, a compiler program (e.g., Microsoft HTML Workshop) and copy of Netscape Composer or equivalent is needed. The action sequence page for this is available free of charge from More4Business or Boswell Consultants, on request.