Model Documentation

6. Model Output Documentation

Within the CRYSTAL Model

Screen Capture Method

The Screen Capture method is the quickest method for documenting a scenario run, providing a picture of the graph or table. This method is appropriate for interdepartmental communication or during the process of creating metrics. This method is not appropriate for a complete scenario analysis, as the numbers generated are not available for comparison with other scenarios.

Steps for the Screen Capture method

The screen capture method requires the use of a graphic editor such as Microsoft Photo Editor or Microsoft Paint. This method requires that Powersim is open.

Activate the table or graph to be captured.

Press the Print Screen key on the computer keyboard. This selects the entire screen.

Copy the selected area.

Paste the selected area in the graphic editor.

Edit picture as needed.

Using a Spreadsheet

Data may be transferred to a Spreadsheet using a Dynamic Data Exchange link. This requires the use of some sort of spreadsheet, such as Microsoft Excel and Powersim.

Create a spreadsheet to receive information from Powersim.

In the Powersim toolbar, select the Dynamic Data Exchange icon.

Drag the cursor to the desired location for the link. Once the link has been placed, an icon will show up with the words near it "Transfer with application."

To select the data which will be transferred to the spreadsheet and direct the link to the desired file, click upon this icon twice to activate a dialog box similar to the one shown below.

Dialog Box Options

Times	This option allows the user to select the time steps during which information should be transferred.
Service	This specifies which software will be used to receive or transfer data. For instance, if an Excel spreadsheet is being used, type in "excel."
Headers	A column or row of headers will be transferred along with the data
Time Values	If transferring data with each time step, this will also transfer the corresponding time step.
Topic	This specifies the file to which data will be transferred.
Item	This specifies the exact location within the spreadsheet which data is being transferred to. Format: rxcx:rycy
Transfer	This determines whether Powersim will receive data from spreadsheet or transfer data to a spreadsheet.
Values	This determines whether data will be transferred with each time step, in series, or at the end of a simulation, which would provide a single value.
Parameters and Variables boxes	This specifies what data will be transferred by the link. To select a variable, highlight it and choose the arrow pointing right. To remove a variable from the data exchange, highlight it in the parameters box and chose the left arrow.

As mentioned above, this method can transfer data to a spreadsheet from Powersim as well as transfer input data to Powersim from a spreadsheet.