In Phocas, Period Types define the core increments of time that allow users to analyse their data. It is fundamental to the use of the software, and it forms the basis of Defined Periods. There are three default period types:
- Months
- Days
- Years
Phocas gives users the ability to add other period types that are significant to their own businesses, such as Quarters or Weeks. This can be done in two ways:
- Upload a file that contains the start and end dates for each period
- Direct entry into Phocas
Only administrators with the 'period types' profile option ticked can set Period types.
Step 1: Select Administration > Period types.
The Period types screen
image required
Set period type
- Choose New, name the new period type and Save.
Once you save, you are taken back to the Period types screen. From there you can add moments to the period type, or import from a .txt. file.
Add moment (date range)
- Select the period type you just created and choose Add.
- In the dialog that opens, enter the required date range and Save. By default this dialog will show today's dates.
Note that you can not enter dates that overlap with an existing period type. If you try to do this, you will see a warning, allowing you to adjust your dates.
Import moments
To import a period type from a text file select Import rather than Add.
- Select a .txt file.
- Set the date format to march that if the imported file and Upload.
Using period types in Designer OLD OLD OLD
When creating a database, select the period types to appear in that database (standard period types and any you have created will be in the list).
To create a new period in Designer, choose New and select a period type from the drop down. Populate as required and save.