Track and categorize project capital expenditures relating to the distribution system using the Distribution Design module of a project. The distribution design costs will be pulled into the Financials module and used to calculate project financial performance metrics.
How to add distribution design costing line items
First, we will explain the different options you have for uploading your Distribution Network and Customer Connections bill of materials. You can add costs directly into Odyssey or if you have many costs, you can use the Excel template to upload all costs at once.
Add costs directly in Odyssey
This method is best if your costing data is not already housed in Excel or if you are in the process of determining and editing your costing information.
1. Select the Add button
2. Fill out the row with the following information for each cost item:
Type
The Type field categorizes your cost items. Select the appropriate Type of cost from the dropdown list (see an explanation of what you should include in each type category below).
Details
Provide details on the cost item.
Quantity
Enter the number of units of the cost item or material you will be using in your project.
Unit cost
Specify the cost per unit.
Unit
Select the correct unit type from the dropdown menu.
3. Once you fill out the row, use your cursor to click outside of the row (anywhere on the page) to save
4. View the calculated Total Cost for the line item and the summarized cost at the top of the section.
- Select the checkbox next to the cost item(s) you would like to delete
- Select the Delete button.
- If you would like to delete all rows, select the checkbox in the Header row.
Adding multiple costs with the Excel template
If you have many costs to upload and they are currently in an Excel bill of materials (BOM), you can copy/paste the costs into the Odyssey Excel template for easy uploading.
- Select the Download Template button to download a copy of the Odyssey Costs template.
- Read the Excel template Instructions sheet and complete your costs in the template
- Be sure to follow the instructions as the upload requires specific formatting in order to successfully upload to the platform.
- Save the completed Excel template
- Select Import Excel button and select your completed template for upload
- View the uploaded costs
Updating your costs with the Excel template
- You can upload a second Excel template in order to add additional line item costs.
- You can make edits directly in Odyssey or you can delete your existing line items and reupload an updated version of your Excel file.
What to include in each section
This section outlines the categorization of distribution design costs. You can use it as a reference to make sure you are accounting for all relevant costs.
Distribution Network
Include all materials and installation costs directly related to your distribution network (cabling, poles, etc.) in this section.
Transformers, mounting brackets.
Poles
Poles
Cabling
All costs directly related to distribution network cabling. Cabling and in-house wiring associated with household or other customer connections should go under the Customer Connection section.
Protections
Main distribution board, breakers, fuses, reclosers.
Shipping & Customs
Shipping related to the distribution design items, any customs on the distribution design materials.
Installation
All installation costs directly related to the distribution network. If you have distribution network related labor wages, equipment hire/rental, labor per diems, include them here. If you don't have broken down installation/labor costs related to Distribution Design/Customer Connections these can go in general costs.
Other
General costs/materials that apply to multiple distribution network categories such as screws, fasteners, etc. Also, other/miscellaneous Distribution Design costs.
Customer Connections
Include all materials and installation costs directly related to connecting your customers (drop cabling, house wiring, metering, etc.) General installation and labor costs should be added to the General Costs section.
Metering
Meters, mounting materials.
Installation
All installation costs directly related to customer connections. These costs can include: Labor wages, equipment hire/rental, labor per diems, etc. If you don't have broken down installation/labor costs related to Distribution Design/Customer Connections these can go in general costs.
In-house equipment
This could include all in-house wiring but also all light sockets, switches, electrical plugs, connection distribution board or breakers. Everything installed in-home besides the appliances.
Grid Connection
Cost of the cabling that connects the distribution network to the customer. Any costs related to distribution design cabling can go in the Distribution Design section.
Other
Other/miscellaneous Customer Connections costs.
Distribution Design Files
You have an option to use this section to upload your distribution design instead of the excel template. You can also upload your kml/kmz files of your design here if required.