Changes to algorithm of new feature
9/1/2010 @ 9:13 AM

After futher testing of the new feature that predicts what you need to order, I've made changes to the algorithm. I think the default calculation needed to be 2 months in advance, because of the order of events. I don't know how it is for everyone, but for us, we wait for last month's shipment to come in first before taking a count of our inventory, which is usually after we must place our orders.

I've updated my previous post to reflect the changes I made.-computerwiz12890

Change of Plans
8/31/2010 @ 7:26 AM

Howdy all!

I've been working on the new report system, and just now realized that the custom sorting is not working right. The 1st custom sort works, but LRO isn't picking up the 2nd custom sort. In addition, I'm only about 30% done with it. Therefore I have decided that the new report system can wait until 1.3.2. I want to do some more thinking and make sure I'm designing the new system in the best way possible. Also, there are too many other good changes (mainly with regards to the S-28 form) that I really want to get out there soon.

One of the new features will help detect erroneous S-28 links. For example, S-14 item 5334 clearly should be linked to S-28 field 5334. Since there's a direct relation, I can detect (and warn you) when this is not the case. LRO will also detect missing links now too. If you have item number 5306 in your inventory, but don't have any links at all on the S-28 builder, LRO will warn you. Because without the links, this inventory item would not be counted! And finally, there is a new report that will show you all of your current links. With all these improvements, LRO is really going to help you make sure your S-28 form is correct! :-)

Remember back then when I said I would consider Inventory Thresholds? Where you could set a minimum # of an item, and LRO would warn you when you get that low? Well, I've determined that this is not the best way to go. It would require much maintenance, and just add to the bells and whistles that are already going off for other things. So...I've decided the best course of action would be to create a report that uses an algorithm to predict what you need to order based on your previous movements of literature. No maintenance on your part! Just keep good inventory records, and LRO will try to help you out with suggestions on what to order. How cool is that??? ^_^

Here's what I have in mind:

You will get to choose between 3 "sensitivities": Low, Normal, or High. Based on your sensitivity, an algorithm involving the Average movement of literature and the Standard Deviation will be used. If the number of stock of an item is LOWER THAN the calculated number, than you will see LRO suggests you order more of an item. Here's the algorithms:

• Low: The threshold will be the Average + Standard Deviation
• Normal: The threshold will be whichever # is greater: either the Average or the Standard Deviation and then it will be multiplied by 2.
• High: The threshold will be whichever # is greater: either the Average or the Standard Deviation and then it will be multiplied by 2. The result will then be added to the lesser #: either the Average or the Standard Deviation.

So let's look at an example. Let's say over the course of 4 months, you move the following amount of Knowledge books: 10, 10, 50, 10. Based on these numbers, the Average would be "20" and the Standard Deviation would be "20". So the thresholds would be:

• Low: 40
• Normal: 40
• High: 60

If your current quantity of an item is below that threshold, then that item will show up on LRO's report. LRO will also suggest a quantity to order, while showing you your current quantity. Let's look at another example...one that is more steady. Let's say you have Bible Teach books that you regularly place over the course of 4 months: 50, 50, 55, 50. Based on these numbers, the Average would be "51.25" and the Standard Deviation would be "2.5". Notice how the Standard Deviation is much lower, because the movement is pretty much stable. So now the thresholds would be:

• Low: 55
• Normal: 104
• High: 107

As you can see, with these algorithms:

• Low tends to cover the worst case scenario (it leans towards the largest movement you've had).
• Normal tends to cover 2 months of movement.
• High tends to cover 2-3 months of movement.

All 3 take into account "unusual" movement based on standard deviation.

Other notes on this new feature:

• When calculating averages and standard deviations, decimals are always rounded up.
• If an item had a negative movement for a month, that month is calculated as "0". This might happen if someone returned an item to stock, and you didn't mark it down as "received".
• If an item is marked as "inactive", LRO will not make suggestions on it.
• If an item is part of an S-28 field with an asterisk in the name (*), then LRO will not make suggestions for it. Since these items (with the asterisk) should be special request items only.

Of course, you shouldn't 100% rely on LRO to tell you what you need to re-stock, but hopefully this will help you catch something you missed (or didn't think of). You might have a "good" stock of a particular item, but based on previous movement, it might be a good idea to stock up again. And that is what this will hopefully catch. As we test this new feature (and I get some feedback), the algorithms may be adjusted. But I think this will do fine.

So...version 1.3.1 is scheduled for this weekend, provided all goes well of course. :-)

-computerwiz12890

New Report Screen concept idea
8/26/2010 @ 2:05 PM

Howdy all!

Version 1.3.1 is moving along quickly! I've gotten a lot fixed up already. I'm about ready to start on the Report improvements. But before I do, I just wanted to show y'all and get your thoughts on it:

Click image to enlarge:

Notice the "Quick Reports" at the top...which will select all the right options below to give you exactly the report you need. If you have any ideas for "Quick Reports", let me know ASAP via either the Support Forum or the comments here.

If none of the "Quick Reports" will do it for you, you will have the ability to customize the report in almost any way you need with the options below. Change the grouping, the sorting, or filter what is displayed. :-)

Once again...if there are any ideas, let me know SOON. Also...keep in mind the screenshot is a rough-draft. There will be a few changes.

Thanks!

-computerwiz12890

New Poll & Updated S-28 Form for Russian users
8/25/2010 @ 1:38 PM

Howdy All!

I have a new poll available. Remember how I said the next release would have major improvements to the Reports? Well right now, I have some report buttons outside of the "Reports" screen. One can be found on the "View All Orders" screen and 3 are on the "Order Form & Mgmt" screen. These are NOT unique! You can run the same exact reports on the "Reports" screen by using the "Status" tab and checking off "Show Details".

That being the case...

Can I remove these "extra" report buttons, in order to save space & avoid confusion?

Please use the poll to the right to vote.

Thanks!


Also...Russian users have an updated S-28 form available for download. Download the update if you are ready for it. :-)

PS - I also just realized that the "Update Management" screen is mislabeled...it says it is the S-14 form that has an update, but in fact it is the S-28 form. So don't be confused by this...I will correct the wording to say "S-28" in version 1.3.1.-computerwiz12890

New Items available
8/18/2010 @ 10:19 PM

Howdy all!

New items are available for download:

• 9263:  Jehovah's Witnesses--Faith in Action, Part 1: Out of Darkness--On DVD
• 5232:  God's Word for Us Through Jeremiah
• 6654:  Was Life Created?
• 6655:  The Origin of Life--Five Questions Worth Asking

Also, I've received an updated S-28 form for Russian users.  I should have this update ready by this weekend.

-computerwiz12890