BOM?

[ksafin]

Since they don't ask to keep the BOM, is it ok to:

1) Show them the BOM in excel on a laptop
and
2) Make the BOM during the regional, on say, the practice day?
We didn't get a chance to do the BOM before bagging.

[nitneylion452]

Originally Posted by ksafin

Since they don't ask to keep the BOM, is it ok to:

1) Show them the BOM in excel on a laptop
and
2) Make the BOM during the regional, on say, the practice day?
We didn't get a chance to do the BOM before bagging.

We showed the inspector the BOM on a computer at Hatboro, but it is vastly preferred that you hand them a hard copy.

[jspatz1]

I did read somewhere that is is acceptable to show the BOM on a laptop (although I'm sure the inspector would prefer a printed copy.)

You can work on it Thursday, but you cannot complete your inspection, and therefore compete, until it is finished.

Those that were involved with the design and construction of your robot should be able to complete the vast majority of the BOM from memory. I would recommend doing as much of it as possible from memory ahead of time (you'll be surprised how much you can remember, especially if you have a CAD model). Then you can fill in forgotten details at your event on Thursday. It will be much more difficult to look up details such as cost, model numbers, etc. at the event than it would be at home. It can be quite time consuming, and is not the way you want to spend your time at the event.

[MrForbes]

I guess that's the problem...it was so much fun with the first BOM template finding a computer that could open the file, we never bothered to look at the updated BOM template.

Having it in .xlsx format was not a good move.

[nitneylion452]

Originally Posted by squirrel

I guess that's the problem...it was so much fun with the first BOM template finding a computer that could open the file, we never bothered to look at the updated BOM template.

Having it in .xlsx format was not a good move.

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=3


That is the link for a compatability pack for Office 2003 (files end in .doc, .xls, .ppt, etc) so it can open files created in Office 2007 or later (files ending in .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, etc.)

This should solve any and all future problems you would encounter with opening .*x files.

[MrForbes]

I know all about the compatibility pack and have had it installed on my computer for several years, but for some reason it would not open this spreadsheet. Maybe it doesn't like Office 2000? I guess that is kind of old software..

[nitneylion452]

Originally Posted by squirrel

I know all about the compatibility pack and have had it installed on my computer for several years, but for some reason it would not open this spreadsheet. Maybe it doesn't like Office 2000? I guess that is kind of old software..

That's strange. It should work. (Boy if I had a nickel for every time I said that during build season).

Unless you aren't on SP 3. The link specifically indicates Office 2000 Service Pack 3.

Back on topic, I would try to do as much of the BOM from memory as you can. You need the prices and its amazing how much you will remember from the robot. Fill in any holes at competition.

[slijin]

Originally Posted by squirrel

I know all about the compatibility pack and have had it installed on my computer for several years, but for some reason it would not open this spreadsheet. Maybe it doesn't like Office 2000? I guess that is kind of old software..

You could also try importing a .*x into Google Docs (if you don't need the really advanced formatting abilities) and download it from there, which generally converts it into a simpler version.

[Dad1279]

Originally Posted by ksafin

.....
2) Make the BOM during the regional, on say, the practice day?
We didn't get a chance to do the BOM before bagging.

I think trying to produdce the BOM on practice day would be a mistake. It takes us hours to do the BOM, and you need prices.... I wouldn't be able to remember them, and we looked up alot of prices online.

I would try to get as much of it done as possible ahead of time.

Break it down into sections, like electronics, drivetrain, ball-handling, etc... and flip through receipts, and you should be able to get most of it in advance.

[lcoreyl]

Originally Posted by Dad1279

I think trying to produdce the BOM on practice day would be a mistake. It takes us hours to do the BOM, and you need prices.... I wouldn't be able to remember them, and we looked up alot of prices online.

I would try to get as much of it done as possible ahead of time.

Break it down into sections, like electronics, drivetrain, ball-handling, etc... and flip through receipts, and you should be able to get most of it in advance.

Done it a few times (...fool me thrice, shame on..??) . It sucks. Hours spent in the stands when many other things need to get done, but it can be done.

Also--the hard/soft copy question apparently depends on the regional. I've turned in soft copies in CO since I started in 2009, although this year students handled BOM and inspection (FINALLY!!!)

[Racer26]

@squirrel: seriously? you're complaining about xlsx? It was released in 2007, a full 5 years ago.

Office 2000 is 12 year old software. 2003 is 9 year old software. I highly doubt you're still using a 600MHz single core computer, so why use software written for that?

[Dad1279]

Originally Posted by 1075guy

@squirrel: seriously? you're complaining about xlsx? It was released in 2007, a full 5 years ago.

Office 2000 is 12 year old software. 2003 is 9 year old software. I highly doubt you're still using a 600MHz single core computer, so why use software written for that?

You should see how lotus123 & wordstar fly on my 600 mhz pc......

Mark my words, nostalgia computing is going to make a comeback, like vinyl records and tube amps! Squirrel & I are just ahead of the rest.

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by 1075guy

@squirrel: seriously? you're complaining about xlsx? It was released in 2007, a full 5 years ago.

Office 2000 is 12 year old software. 2003 is 9 year old software. I highly doubt you're still using a 600MHz single core computer, so why use software written for that?

My cpu is only five years old.

Sorry, I haven't been very good at buying into the periodic upgrade thing. Unless it's free.

And yeah, I do have a few Z80 computers around here...

[PAR_WIG1350]

Originally Posted by squirrel

My cpu is only five years old.

Sorry, I haven't been very good at buying into the periodic upgrade thing. Unless it's free.

And yeah, I do have a few Z80 computers around here...

Try open office (although, I'm not sure it is called that anymore). It is free.

[MrForbes]

Tried it, didn't like it....