Halfmoon Systems 
 
print cost estimator 
  
PAPER  SETUP
 
The paper setup window is used to store and edit information about the various types of stocks which you might use.  A wide variety of common stocks has already been entered into the paper database, along with their size and basis weight availability and the manufacturer's stocking information.  The prices in the database are not accurate, and must be modified by each user in order to give accurate costing information.   A listing of stock types is on the right side of this screen.  By clicking on a stock type, the available basis weights and sizes for the stock are displayed.  The top of the window displays some general information about the grade.
Pricing:  The software uses the most accurate price entered when estimating paper costs. Because paper costs may fluctuate, a 3 tier pricing method is available to simplify the task of keeping your stock prices current.
 
1) Price/cwt $ - since most paper manufacturers sell each given grade by the pound, the price per hundred weight can be used to apply to all basis weights and sizes of one grade of stock.  You can calculate the cwt price by entering the $/M and Mwt in the calculator in the bottom right corner of the window.  Click the Transfer button to place the calculated value into the $/cwt field.  While not always exact, the hundredweight price is fairly accurate in most cases.
 
2) Different $/cwt - because of differences in packaging and stocking costs for different size sheets, certain sheet sizes may sell at a different price.  This usually applies to stocks which are available in both cut size (<11 x17) and folio sizes (>17.5 x 22.5).  The different cwt price for these sizes can be entered in the appropriate box.
 
3) Cost/M - since most merchants list their stock prices in cost per 1000 sheets, this basis is the most common pricing method used when estimating.  The cost/M for each individual basis weight and size can be viewed by moving the mouse over the corresponding stock.  You can edit the stock details for each basis weight and size by right-clicking on the check box, which opens a new window with detailed information on that particular item.  The manufactuters stock code, weight per 1000 sheets, price per 1000 sheets, and number of sheets per carton can be edited from this window.
 
NOTE:  Once CWT prices have been entered, the Apply CWT Price option at the top of the stock window can be used to automatically calculate and enter the Cost/M price for an entire grade of paper.  This button also calculates the weight per thousand on any stocks which do not have that information.

The Clear button will remove all checkmarks, as well as the stock codes, Mwt, prices, and carton sheets.  The $ button removes only the pricing information.

Due to the possibility that the information on this screen may be accidentally corrupted by a user error, this screen does not have an auto-save feature.  After a stock has been edited, you must click the Save button to store the revised information into the paper database.
 
Another paper related option is the Stock Basis Editor.  This contains information about the common sizes and basis weights available for each stock, as well as the equivalent text weight.  You will probably never need to edit this information since it doesn't change very often.  If you do need to change this information, bear in mind that any changes here will also be reflected on any stocks which use this information.  Changing a stock size here will also change the stock sizes on the stock screen.  It is not advised to change existing sizes, but to add new sizes instead.