Inputs

When building a model, we need to provide values to the elements we are modeling.

If we have a Cost Model to calculate Employment Costs, we might want to base our costs on the following assumptions:

• Employee Numbers

• Salary by Employee Type

After adding inputs for these assumptions, we can calculate the Employment Costs and model them over time.

What are Inputs?

Inputs have a few common properties such as a Name, Group, Unit, Tags, and its value which depends on its type. There are four main types of Inputs; Time Based, Non Time Based, Matrix and Derived Inputs.

Time Based Inputs

These are inputs that change over time, and have a value for each calendar period.

Non-Time Based Inputs

These are inputs that do not change over time, a single value is across for each calendar period.

Derived Inputs

A Derived Input is an Input that can perform a calculation that can use other variables as Inputs. Derived Inputs allow you to perform complex calculations for a range of common tasks such as.

• Base Value, as a starting point for standard math operations

• Carry-Over Balance

• Final Period Balance

• Sum of Row

• Cumulative

• Straight Line Depreciation

• Diminishing Value Depreciation

• Deriver Based Depreciation

• Tax

Matrix

A matrix is essentially a lookup table that is used in conjunction with Matrix Schedule Elements. It allows you to specify two ranges, that map to a specified value. For example is costs change depending on time and complexity, or risks change based on impact and likelihood.