Error Messages

Sometimes throughout the model-building process, error messages appear to show the user that an improper function has been encountered. If this happens, do not panic! There is a mistake somewhere in the user's calculations that will need to be corrected before moving forward and calculating the model successfully. Most error messages in this software are straight forward and tell you what the problem is related to. For example:

In this instance, the equation in the Variable Object, "Variable Costs", is flawed. The word "Material" is spelled incorrectly in the equation, and therefore the program does not know what linked influencing 'Input' is trying to be referenced. The 'Equation Error' dialogue box will appear letting the user know that there is an error in the equation. Click "OK" to return to the Variable Objects' properties, and correct the error. Once the error is corrected (in this case, spell 'Material' correctly), the action will be able to be performed as intended. To be sure that the model has been calculated successfully, Click on the Solution Tab to toggle into the Solution View (containing the calculation's spreadsheet). At the bottom of the Solution View page, a message will appear that reads "Model Calculated Successfully." If there is any disagreement between the models' equations or numbers, that message will not appear. Being precise on the name of the numbers being used in this software is important because they relate to other objects in order to complete the diagram once completed.