Named formulas

Use named formulas to create and store formulas for repeated use. Named formulas allow you to modify a formula definition once, and have the modification propagate to each task or calculation that uses the named formula.

The variables '$sp' (output service point) and '$spc' (output service point channel) are used as references to retrieve readings from the database when processing a formula.

To fetch interval data not yet stored in the database, the variable '$input' directly references an interval stream of data passed into the UCE. This variable uses the passed-in data as the service point.

Note: Advanced formula supports either variable $input or $input:XX, but not if both are used in the same formula.

These instructions refer to basic formula construction. If the user has the proper security role assigned, there is also an Advanced tab where more complex formulas can be constructed either manually or using the Expression Builder, accessible by clicking on the Builder button.

Use the following procedure to create a Named Formula:

  1. Go to Meter Data Management > Application Data > Named Formulas.

  2. On the Named Formula window, right-click and select Add. The configuration elements appear in the window.

  3. Enter a Formula Name and Description.

  4. Select the Aggregation Type for this formula

  5. In the Service Point column, enter all or part of the service point ID. If you entered a partial ID, right-click it and select Search to find the full ID.

  6. Edit the values in the other columns by clicking the box and typing the new value over the existing value. These changes do not affect the service point configuration. They apply only to this named formula.

  7. Click Validate to check the syntax of the formula. An error message displays if the validation fails due to syntax error. The error message provides an indication of the problem. Edit the settings and re-run the validation.

  8. Specify selected termination conditions in the Status Conditions pane. The formula fails if it encounters any of the selected termination conditions while executing.

  9. Specify an Effective Start and Effective End date for this formula to be valid. Multiple formulas with the same name but with different calculations can be created so that a new one becomes effective as the previous one reaches its end date.

  10. Click Save.