***********************************************************************
-> This file contains detailed instructions for installing,
   loading and using BANK-PLAN. It can be used for reference
   purposes, resolving specific problems or learning in detail 
   about BANK-PLAN. It is NOT essential to read this file before 
   you start to use BANK-PLAN.

-> The file has been supplied as an integral part of the shareware
   version of BANK-PLAN, a cashflow planner for small businesses, 
   specially developed for use on a 'try-before-you-buy' basis 
   by Invest-Tech Limited. For contact details, see end of this file.

-> To print this file, type "PRINT MANUAL.TXT" at the DOS prompt.
***********************************************************************

		       BANK-PLAN (r3.3)
		       ================

		       SHAREWARE VERSION
		       =================


		Small Business Cashflow Planner
		===============================


			  USER MANUAL 
			  ===========


		      Invest-Tech Limited
	 27 Ardmeen Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
    
    Irish Tel: 01-283 4083      UK Tel: 01232-315454
      (Call 9 to 9 weekdays and 10 to 6 weekends - GMT/BST)  
    Fax: 278 2391 
      Fax codes: Irish:01-  UK:00-353-1-  Inter'l:+353-1-

    CompuServe: 100606,2665
    Internet: brianf@iol.ie
    WWW URL:  http://www.planware.ie/resource/planware


The information and data contained in this manual are subject to
change without notice and do not represent a commitment by the
vendor. Both the manual and the described software are supplied
under a licence agreement and may be used only in accordance with
the terms of this agreement (see README.TXT).

(c) Copyright  1993-95  Invest-Tech Limited  All rights reserved.

***********************************************************************

			    CONTENTS 
			    ========
	
	PREFACE
		
	HOW TO......TABLE
	
	1.  INTRODUCTION

	2.  PLANNING FOR THE BANK                
	
	3.  INSTALLING BANK-PLAN                        
	    
	    3.1   First-time Installation                      
	    3.2   Initial loading of BANK-PLAN              
	
	4.  BASICS OF BANK-PLAN                       
	    
	    4.1   Loading BANK-PLAN Projections  
	    4.2   Key Instructions                        
	    4.3   Initial Set Up Tasks              
		  
		  4.3.1  Video Display
		  4.3.2  Dot-matrix printer
		  4.3.3  Laser/page printer
		  4.3.4  Other printer setups
	  
	5.  EXPLORING BANK-PLAN                         
	    
	    5.1   First Exercise                        
	    5.2   Second Exercise                      

	6.  USING BANK-PLAN                        
	    
	    6.1   General Advice                        
	    6.2   Structuring a Model                       
	    6.3   Model-Building Procedure                            
	    6.4   Printing Reports and Graphs                             
	    6.5   Advancing Projections               
	  
	7.  SUPPORT & ASSISTANCE  

***********************************************************************

PREFACE
=======

For a general introduction to BANK-PLAN, its system requirements
and related information, please refer to the README.TXT text
file.

BANK-PLAN is a shareware product and supplied on a "try-before-
you-buy" and unsupported basis.  If you wish to continue using it
after a 30-day trial period you must register as a user with
Invest-Tech. In return for registering, you will secure the latest
fully-operational version of BANK-PLAN with access to all its print
and save functions along with a copy of the complete printed manual. 
You also gain access to full support. 

You can use the Registration Form in the text file REGISTER.TXT to 
register via Invest-Tech or you can register via "PsL" (Public
software Library). 

You can also upgrade and register directly with Invest-Tech via 
our World Wide Web (WWW) site on the Internet using a credit 
card and its special built-in forms. See bottom of file for 
details of its location.  Our Web site, called PlanWare, 
contains downloadable versions of *ALL* our financial planners 
for businesses and the home. It also offers useful advice in 
the form of text files on such topics as business planning, 
cashflow forecasting etc. as well as lots of other interesting 
stuff.

This is the most comprehensive of all the text files accompanying
BANK-PLAN. It is based on the more extensive 100-page printed manual 
which also contains several detailed appendices, comprehensive 
key-stroke tutorial exercises and many other items and features.

The other text files supplied with the shareware version are:
    
  Read-1st.txt  This should be read by all new users.

  Readme.txt    Basic information. Should be read by new users. 
  
  Register.txt  Contains registration details and Registration
		Form. Use to register.

  Vendor.txt    Contains short/long descriptions of BANK-PLAN 
		etc. For use by shareware libraries.

The following batch files also contain explanatory text:

   bp.bat     Used to load BANK-PLAN in conjunction with an 
	      existing *.ASS file specified by the user.

   Go.bat     Special introductory file which can be run by new 
	      users as soon as they have installed/unzipped 
	      BANK-PLAN. 

   Start.bat  Used to facilitate installation and unzipping of 
	      a self-extracting file called BANKPLAN.EXE. Neither
	      of these files may be present in some shareware 
	      versions.

***********************************************************************

HOW TO......   TABLE
====================

   -> You may wish to print and cut out this table.

  ==========================================================
   How to.....                             Initiating keys
  ----------------------------------------------------------          
   Load or reload assumptions              
     in "filename.ass"                     BP FILENAME.ASS        
   Save assumptions                        *F       
			 
   Get Help Page                           F1 or **CTRL+F1   
   Refer Help Note                         **RETURN+PgDn       
			 
   Access Main Menu                        F10 
   Use CTRL keys                           **CTRL       
			 
   Change title for projections            *I, T   
   Change Basic setup info                 *I, B   
			 
   Enter assumptions                       *A **F2 
   Copy assumption across row              **CTRL+F6 or F6       
   Change number of decimal places         **CTRL+F8       
   Remove selected assumptions             **CTRL+F7       
   Remove all assumptions                  *I, R       
   Advance all assumptions                 *D       
			 
   Recalculate                             *C or **F5 
			
   Review reports                          *R **F2 or **F3  
   Move around reports                     **CTRL+F2 
   Print reports                           *P 
			 
   View graphs                             *V or **F4 
   Print graphs                            *V
			 
   Set up printer                          *I 
   Change video display                    *I, V 
  ==========================================================
	*   Starting from BANK-PLAN's Main Menu
	**  Starting from within a report  
	
***********************************************************************

1. INTRODUCTION
===============

BANK-PLAN is a powerful and easy-to-use software package specifically 
designed for preparing cashflow projections and for forecasting 
short-term banking requirements.  It is ideally suited for small 
and medium-sized businesses involved in manufacturing, distribution 
or services and for use by professional advisers, consultants, 
training organisations and financial institutions. 

BANK-PLAN is the electronic equivalent of a very large sheet of 
ruled paper.  It contains variable descriptions in the left hand 
column, titles along the top and, in the middle, special areas for 
inputting hundreds of assumptions and for holding thousands of 
formulae which are fixed and hidden from the user.  The computer's 
screen serves as a small window on this electronic sheet which is 
held in its memory.  Because many elements of BANK-PLAN are linked 
by formulae, changes to an assumption will alter all dependent 
values throughout the model when it next calculates. The resulting
assumptions and projections can be viewed as reports or graphs
"on-screen" or printed.

A related product, CASH-PLAN, is a more powerful version of BANK-PLAN. 
It handles about double the number of variables and contains extra 
facilities and features. These are described in the README.TXT file. 
A user who outgrows BANK-PLAN can upgrade to CASH-PLAN at a discount 
to the normal price. The menus etc. in CASH-PLAN are almost identical 
to those in BANK-PLAN. A user of the registered version of BANK-PLAN
can upgrade to CASH-PLAN at a discount to its full price.

BANK-PLAN is entirely menu-driven and incorporates extensive 
online "context-sensitive" help facilities.  It is suitable for 
experienced users as well as for those with only limited or no 
prior experience of either computers or cashflow planning.

BANK-PLAN is pre-formatted to handle the wide range of variables 
and functions normally encountered in the preparation of cashflow 
projections.  Based on assumptions entered by a user, BANK-PLAN  
compiles detailed and summary cashflow forecasts with projected 
bank balances for up to a year ahead on a monthly basis.  

It produces reports detailing the underlying assumptions together 
with graphs which highlight the key results.  It incorporates 
facilities for undertaking "what-if" analysis and for preparing 
"rolling" forecasts which can be quickly updated on a monthly 
basis.

This manual provides detailed explanations on all aspects of 
the shareware version of BANK-PLAN and will help users make 
effective use of the package with the minimum of preparation.  

Once the simple installation and set-up procedures have been 
completed, a user can then proceed to enter assumptions, project 
bank balances, compile cashflow forecasts and then print reports 
and graphs.
 
BANK-PLAN has been developed by Invest-Tech in association with 
the Small Business Development Programme of the Irish Management 
Institute (IMI).

***********************************************************************

2. PLANNING FOR THE BANK
========================

This Section explains the concept of cashflow; indicates how 
cashflows are calculated; highlights the central role of cashflow 
projections in determining bank funding requirements; and offers 
suggestions for improving cashflow and other useful advice.

When planning the short- or long-term funding requirements of a 
business, it is more important to forecast the likely cash 
requirements than to project profitability etc. Whilst profit, 
the difference between sales and costs within a specified period, 
are vital indicators of the performance of a business, the 
generation of a profit does not necessarily guarantee the 
development, or even the survival, of the business. More businesses 
fail for lack of cash than profit. 

Sales and costs and, therefore, profits do not necessarily coincide 
with their associated cash inflows and outflows. While, sales may 
have been secured and goods delivered, the related payments may be 
deferred as a result of giving credit to customers. At the same time, 
payments must be made to suppliers, staff etc., cash must be invested 
in rebuilding depleted stocks and new equipment may have to be 
purchased. The net result is that cash receipts often lag cash 
payments and, whilst profits may be reported, the business may 
experience a short-term cash shortfall. For this reason it is 
essential to forecast cashflows as well as to project likely profits.

The following simplified example illustrates the timing differences 
between profits and cashflows:

   ================================================================
     P & L        |      Cashflows relating to Month 1                    
     for Month 1  |                        Mth 1 Mth 2 Mth 3  Total  
   ----------------------------------------------------------------           
	   Pounds |                               Pounds (000s)
	   (000s) |
    Sales     75  | Receipts from sales       20    35    20   75 
    Costs     65  | Payments to suppliers     40    20     5   65 
    Profit    10  | Net cashflow             (20)   15    15   10 
		  | Cumulative net cashflow  (20)   (5)   10   10
   ================================================================
		    
This shows that the cash associated with the reported profit for 
Month 1 will not fully materialise until Month 3 and that a serious 
cash short-fall will be experienced during Month 1 when receipts 
from sales will total only 20,000 pounds as compared with cash 
payments to suppliers of 40,000 pounds.

Normally, the main sources of cash in a business are receipts from 
sales, increases in bank loans, proceeds of share issues and asset 
disposals, and other income such as interest earned. Cash outflows 
include payments to suppliers and staff, capital and interest 
repayments for loans, dividends, taxation and capital expenditure. 
Net cashflow is the difference between inflows and outflows within 
a given period. A projected cumulative positive net cashflow over 
several periods highlights the capacity of a business to generate 
surplus cash and, conversely, a cumulative negative cashflow 
indicates the amount of additional cash required to sustain the 
business. 

Cashflow planning entails forecasting and tabulating all significant 
cash inflows relating to sales, new loans, grants, interest 
received etc. and then analysing in detail the timing of expected 
payments relating to expenses, capital expenditure, loan repayments, 
dividend, tax and interest payments etc. The difference between the 
cash in- and out-flows over a given period indicates the net 
cashflow. When this net cashflow is added to or subtracted from 
opening bank balances, any likely short-term bank funding 
requirements can be ascertained.

With the aid of a computer and suitable software such as BANK-PLAN, 
a mathematical model can be used to prepare cashflow projections 
and project short-term banking requirements for a business.  The 
use of a computer-based model reduces the tedium of carrying out 
numerous repetitive calculations and simplifies the alteration of 
assumptions and the presentation of results. 

A cashflow model can be used to compile forecasts, assess possible 
funding requirements and explore the likely financial consequences 
of alternative strategies. Used effectively, a model can help 
prevent major planning errors, anticipate problems, identify 
opportunities to improve cashflow or provide a basis for negotiating 
short-term funding from a bank. 

Generally, when seeking external funding, the time horizon covered 
by a set of projections should be equal to or greater than the 
period for which the funding is needed. The greater the amount of 
funding required and the longer the period of exposure for the 
provider of these funds, the more comprehensive must be the 
supporting projections and plan. Whilst BANK-PLAN can be used to 
support applications for bank facilities of up to a year's duration, 
it is unlikely to be suitable for raising longer term finance - 
multi-year loans or external equity - as most financiers would 
require projected profit & loss accounts and balance sheets in 
addition to cashflow forecasts. (Invest-Tech has several other 
planning products, for example, EASI-PLAN, which are suitable for 
preparing comprehensive and fully integrated medium-term financial 
projections).

Typically, a computer model for short-term bank planning uses 
assumptions on sales, costs, credit, funding etc. to produce 
monthly cashflow projections for up to a year ahead. The initial 
assumptions can be readily altered to evaluate alternative 
scenarios. For example, a model could be used to explore the extent 
to which future sales could be increased whilst holding an 
overdraft within predetermined limits; to assess the effects on 
cashflow of varying sales, costs or credit terms; or to determine 
the likely short-term funding requirements for a business.

Once assumptions on sales, expense payments etc. have been 
established, a model can be used to produce the cashflow projections 
which, in turn, indicate the likely future cash balances or banking 
requirements. However, the quality of these projections will be 
completely determined by the standard and reliability of the 
underlying assumptions.  For example, if forecasts for sales, 
working capital or costs  are unrealistic or inadequately researched, 
then the value of the model's output is greatly diminished.  An 
impressive set of projections is of little benefit if it is 
unsupported by experience or research, or based on mere speculation.

Before using a model for short-term cashflow forecasting, a manager 
should:

  - Decide the central purpose of the  exercise (internal planning 
    and control, negotiate an overdraft etc.), the target audience 
    (directors, bank manager etc.), the time intervals and horizon 
    (e.g. monthly for twelve months) and the level of detail 
    required. 
    
  - Check that all the necessary key assumptions and data are to 
    hand and have been adequately researched. 
    
  - Compile opening balances for all items which will involve 
    cashflows within the forecasting period.

  - Think through the likely impact of the critical assumptions on 
    the cashflow projections. If necessary, prepare preliminary 
    forecasts manually to confirm their overall direction and 
    consider the underlying strategic issues relating to sales, 
    funding, costs, stocks etc.  As a guide, sales forecasts and 
    debtor & creditor terms are likely to have the most profound 
    impacts on short-term cashflows. 

When preparing cashflow projections, be aware of the dangers of: 
 
 - Overstating sales forecasts  
 
 - Underestimating costs and delays likely to be encountered 
 
 - Ignoring historic trends or performances by debtors etc.
 
 - Making unduly optimistic assumptions about the availability of  
   bank loans, credit, grants, equity etc.
 
 - Seeking spurious accuracy whilst failing to recognise matters 
   of strategic importance

These problems can arise as the result of a lack of foresight or 
knowledge, or because of excessive optimism.  They can lead to 
under-estimation of the cash and other resources required to sustain 
or develop a business with potentially disastrous consequences. When 
forecasting bank requirements and preparing cashflow projections, 
realistic views should be taken about future prospects.  There is 
often merit in compiling "worst" case projections to complement 
"most likely" or "best" forecasts and to accept that the "worst" 
case might occur and to plan accordingly.  BANK-PLAN's recalculation 
facilities can be used to explore alternative scenarios.

Once the cashflow projections have been prepared, they should be 
critically examined and used as a management tool to control and 
improve the business's expected cash position. Issues which might 
be examined include the following:

 - Increasing sales (particularly those involving cash payments) 
   and/or reducing direct and indirect costs;
 
 - Reducing the amount of credit given to customers and/or increasing 
   the credit taken from suppliers;
 
 - Reducing stock levels and improving control over work-in-progress;
 
 - Utilising factoring or discounting facilities to accelerate 
   receipts from sales;
 
 - Deferring major capital expenditure or using alternative financing 
   methods, such as leasing, to gain access to the use, but not 
   ownership, of the assets;
 
 - Re-negotiating bank loan or overdraft facilities to reduce charges 
   and/or extend repayment periods;
 
 - Selling off surplus assets or entering into sale and lease-back 
   arrangements;
 
 - Deferring dividends or raising additional equity.

Once a set of cashflow projections have been prepared, BANK-PLAN can 
be used to explore the impact of alternative measures, such as those 
described above, on the net cashflow and on bank facilities.

***********************************************************************

3. INSTALLING BANK-PLAN
=======================

This Section explains how to install and load BANK-PLAN for the first 
time. BANK-PLAN must be set up as explained in this Section before it 
can be used.

Please check the supplied disk(s) for a READ-1ST.TXT file containing 
the latest information on BANK-PLAN.  View this file (if it is 
present) as follows:

  - Switch to the drive/directory to which BANK-PLAN has been 
    installed/unzipped etc.
 
  - If it exists, read the READ-1ST.TXT file by typing 
    "TYPE READ-1ST.TXT|MORE" where "|" refers to the vertical pipe
    symbol (look for it in the left-hand bottom corner of the
    keyboard).


3.1  First-time Installation
----------------------------

A list of BANK-PLAN's files is contained in README.TXT.  All
these files should be included in the BANKPLAN.* archive file.

 a) Confirm that at least 0.3mb of space is available on your 
    hard disk (use the DIR or CHKDSK command) for possible use as 
    "virtual memory". 

 b) Get into the sub-directory on your hard disk where you have 
    copied/installed all BANK-PLAN's files (for example if the 
    sub-directory BANK was used, type "CD BANK" and press RETURN 
    at the DOS prompt).        
    
 c) If it exists, read the READ-1ST.TXT file by typing 
    "TYPE READ-1ST.TXT|MORE" where "|" refers to the vertical pipe
    symbol (look for it in the left-hand bottom corner of the
    keyboard).
 
 d) For general introductory information, type "GO". If your
   PC uses a very old type of display, do not select this option
   - refer to the next Section (3.2).
   

3.2  Initial Loading of BANK-PLAN
---------------------------------

Note that the try-before-you-buy version of BANK-PLAN is restricted 
to the loading and saving of one set of assumptions in a file called 
MASTER.ASS. Once upgraded, it can save or load multiple sets of 
assumptions in *.ASS files.

To directly (i.e. to bypass "GO" the introductory menu system) load 
BANK-PLAN after it has been installed, proceed as follows: 

 1. Get into the BANK sub-directory on the drive where BANK-PLAN has 
    been installed, i.e. type "CD BANK" and press RETURN at the C:\> 
    prompt if BANK-PLAN was installed onto a hard disk drive called 
    C. 
    
 2. If it is planned to print BANK-PLAN's graphs, run the DOS 
    "GRAPHICS" program (see Section 6.4 below for further info.).
    
 3. Type "BP MASTER" (ensure that a single space is inserted between 
    BP and MASTER) and press RETURN. Wait whilst BANK-PLAN loads 
    itself together with specimen projections on a file called 
    MASTER.ASS. 
    
 4. After a short time the initial help screen for BANK-PLAN will 
    appear. Press RETURN to skip this screen and wait a few moments 
    for BANK-PLAN's Main Menu to appear.

If the video display is unsatisfactory, press I (for Initialise) from 
BANK-PLAN's Main Menu and then V (for Video)  and select a different 
type of display. 

If using a LCD display, BANK-PLAN's "on-screen" cursor may not be 
visible until the display has been reset to L (for LCD/B&W) within 
the Video sub-menu. 

To quit BANK-PLAN, press G (for Goto) if it is  necessary to get 
back to BANK-PLAN's Main Menu, then press Q (for Quit) from the Main 
Menu and give "Y" responses to the subsequent questions. 

***********************************************************************

4. BASICS OF BANK-PLAN
======================

This Section describes in detail all the basic commands and features 
of BANK-PLAN and explains how to accommodate different types of 
video displays and printers.


4.1  Loading BANK-PLAN Projections
----------------------------------

To start using BANK-PLAN, get into the BANK sub-directory by 
entering "CD BANK" and pressing RETURN at the hard disk's root 
directory prompt (e.g.  C:\>).  

Note: The shareware version of BANK-PLAN does not permit the
saving of new files - you are restricted to changing, loading and 
saving the supplied assumptions file called MASTER.ASS. If you remotely 
upgrade your existing copy of BANK-PLAN to the full version, you will 
be able to create and save new files as well as access the MASTER file 
which may contain assumptions prepared while you were evaluating 
BANK-PLAN.

To load BANK-PLAN together with the MASTER.ASS file), type 
"BP MASTER" (ensure that a space is inserted between BP and 
MASTER), press RETURN at the C:\BANK> prompt and await the 
appearance of BANK-PLAN's initial help screen and Main Menu. 

The syntax for loading a BANK-PLAN model is as follows:

     BP [X:]ANYNAME   (Insert a blank space immediately after BP)

The following is an explanation of the make up of this command line:

	BP is a simple batch file which loads BANK-PLAN's two main 
	files (Bank.exe & Plan.ovr).

	[X:] is optional and refers to the disk drive/path 
	containing ANYNAME.  It needs to be used only when ANYNAME 
	is not on the same drive or sub-directory as BANK-PLAN's 
	other files, for example, when using a second hard disk 
	drive. If ANYNAME resides on a different sub-directory to 
	that containing BANK-PLAN, the path should be entered 
	immediately before ANYNAME. For example, to load an ANYNAME 
	file which is located in drive D in a sub-directory called 
	PRIVATE, use the following command line:
			
			BP(space)D:\PRIVATE\ANYNAME
	
	ANYNAME (max. 8 characters) is the name of the file 
	containing all the assumptions relating to a specific set of 
	cashflow projections.  BANK-PLAN automatically adds a file 
	extension .ASS to ANYNAME. For example, to load BANK-PLAN 
	along with projections for a subsidiary company called 
	ABC-LTD (previously saved as a file called ABC-LTD.ASS in 
	the same sub-directory as BANK-PLAN), the command would be 
	as follows:
			    
			    BP(space)ABC-LTD

If, in future sessions, a model's file name cannot be remembered, 
simply type "BP(space)X" and press RETURN at the C:\BANK> prompt 
and wait until the "File does not exist" message appears.  Press 
RETURN to remove this message, use the cursor to highlight the 
required file from the list which automatically appears on the next 
screen, and then press RETURN to load it. 

BANK-PLAN always looks for its help system file (BANK.HLP) on the 
same disk/sub-directory as is used to hold its assumption files 
(ANYNAME.ASS). If the help file is not found, an error message 
"Help File Not Found" will be displayed.  To restore the help 
facility, copy BANK.HLP onto the disk/sub-directory containing the 
assumptions files (ANYNAME.ASS).


4.2  Key Instructions
---------------------

The following instructions are fundamental to using BANK-PLAN.  If 
necessary, refer to the first set-up task described in Section 4.3 
below to change the video display. 

When using BANK-PLAN always ensure that the SCROLL LOCK key is off.

Load BANK-PLAN along with the specimen assumptions in the previously 
created assumptions file MASTER (i.e. enter "BP(space)MASTER") and 
explore and experiment using the instructions given below. Do not 
make any changes to the assumption values in MASTER for the time 
being. 

 # To move around BANK-PLAN's menus, either use the cursor keys to 
   locate the cursor over a specific menu item and press RETURN or 
   type the first capital letter (displayed in red on most colour 
   displays) of the menu item's name (without pressing RETURN). 

   From the Main Menu, experiment by pressing A (for Assumptions), 
   moving the cursor down/up the sub-menu to a specific report and 
   then pressing RETURN to select it.  When viewing a report, use 
   the cursor keys to move the rectangular or flashing cursor around 
   it. The computer will "beep" when the boundary of a report has 
   been reached.

   A mouse can be used to select menu items (press left-hand button 
   to select an item) or to move around reports displayed on the 
   screen.

 # All BANK-PLAN's formulae and most of its variable descriptions 
   have been protected and secured to prevent any possible 
   accidental changes.  

 # A user can enter data or make changes to assumptions only within 
   the unprotected areas of the six Assumption Reports. These are 
   shown with light coloured or white backgrounds on most displays.  
   Attempts to enter data in protected (i.e. secured) cells may be 
   frustrated by a "secured cell" error message (press RETURN to 
   clear).  

   To enter an assumption value, place the cursor at the desired 
   position within an unprotected area, enter the value and press 
   RETURN.

 # To get back to the Main Menu from within a report, press the 
   F10 function key (on most computers these function keys are 
   located along the top or left side of the keyboard). 
   Alternatively, use  one of the other function keys (F2 to F4), 
   as indicated by the function key strip at the bottom of the 
   screen, to directly call up a sub-menu.

 # Pressing G (for Goto) or RETURN when the cursor is at the first 
   item in any sub-menu always brings a user back up the menu chain 
   to the Main Menu. 

 # If menus unexpectedly disappear at any stage, press F10 to bring 
   up the Main Menu.  Alternatively, press a function key (F2 to F4) 
   to bring up a sub-menu and press RETURN or G (for Goto) one or 
   more times to get back to BANK-PLAN's Main Menu. 

   If a system error should occur due to conflicting commands etc. 
   being issued to BANK-PLAN, it may be necessary to press 
   CTRL+BREAK (i.e. press and hold down the CTRL key, then press 
   the BREAK key and release both keys) to clear the error and then 
   press F10 to retrieve the Main Menu. 

Care should be taken to ensure that command conflicts are not 
provoked by issuing simultaneous contradictory instructions using the 
pop-up menu and function key menus. 

To save a set of projections on disk, press F (for File) at the 
Main Menu to get into BANK-PLAN's File sub-menu.  This offers a 
range of options including Replace, Backup, New etc. for saving 
projections using either an existing or new file name. Note that
you cannot access the File New option with the shareware version
of BANK-PLAN.

When using the file commands, take care never to attempt to 
replace or back-up a non-existent file, or to create a new file 
where a file with the same name already exists.

The second line of BANK-PLAN's screen display shows the name of 
the currently loaded file and its disk/directory location (path). 

 # When using the File Replace command, BANK-PLAN overwrites the 
   existing file with a new version and it does not create a 
   back-up copy. 

 # File Backup renames the current file by changing its extension 
   name from .ASS to .BAK before saving the updated copy onto disk. 
   If necessary the back-up file can be changed back to an .ASS 
   file using the DOS "Rename" command.

 # When using the File New command to enter a new file name, its 
   name (with a maximum of 8 characters) can be edited using the 
   Backspace key. 

 # When using E (for Erase), be sure to only erase files with the 
   .ASS file extension otherwise key program files could be lost. 
   Press F10 after erasing a file in order to return to the Main 
   Menu.

 # Use D (for Default) to change the default (normal) drive and/or 
   directory (i.e. path) which BANK-PLAN uses for holding 
   assumption files (MASTER etc.).

   If BANK-PLAN is being used on a computer with a hard disk which 
   can be accessed by other people, a user may wish, for security 
   reasons, to always save assumption files on a removable disk 
   rather than on the hard disk.  The default drive should be 
   changed to refer to this disk drive by pressing F (for File) 
   and D (for Default) from the Main Menu and editing the indicated 
   path.

To completely exit from BANK-PLAN, press Q from its Main Menu. Be 
sure that the assumptions have been saved first ! 

To discontinue printing a report at any stage, press CTRL+BREAK, 
then use the printer's controls to clear its buffer and, if 
necessary, press F10 to retrieve the Main Menu. 


4.3  Initial Set Up Tasks
-------------------------

At this stage, a new user should undertake the following once-off 
tasks from within BANK-PLAN's Initialise sub-menu using an unaltered 
copy of the original model supplied with BANK-PLAN. For example, use 
MASTER but do not make any changes to the assumption values in 
MASTER for the time being.

The set up tasks relate to the video display and printing. They are 
summarised in the following diagram and then explained in detail.

  ================================================================
  Task (Sub-sections)         Remarks 
  ----------------------------------------------------------------
  Select video display    May not be necessary as BANK-PLAN 
  (4.3.1)                 automatically detects most display types 
  
  Specify set up strings 
  for printing reports    Manual explains how to set up both  
  (4.3.2 & 4.3.3)         a laser and a dot-matrix printer 
  
  Specify other printer 
  settings                May not be necessary as the supplied 
  (4.3.4)                 defaults may prove satisfactory 
			
  Print reports           For test and reference purposes 
  (4.3.4)
  ================================================================

If necessary, re-load BANK-PLAN as follows: 

	Get into the BANK sub-directory by entering CD BANK at the 
	hard disk's root directory prompt (e.g.  C:\>).  
	
	Load BANK-PLAN with the previously saved working copy of 
	the specimen budget (MASTER), by typing "BP(space)MASTER", 
	press RETURN to skip the initial help screen and await the 
	appearance of BANK-PLAN's Main Menu.  
	

4.3.1 Video display
-------------------

With BANK-PLAN's Main Menu on the screen, check the video display. If 
it is satisfactory, skip to sub-sections 4.3.2 or 4.3.3 below to set 
up your printer. If you need to change the video display, proceed as 
explained immediately below. 

	Choose the most appropriate video display.  Press I (for 
	Initialise) from the Main Menu and then V (for Video) and 
	select from the three types of display listed.    
	
For most colour monitors, BANK-PLAN uses the following display 
settings:

  ===============================================================
				    Letters         Background 
  ---------------------------------------------------------------
  Secured values, formulae 
     and fixed variable descriptions  Grey           Blue 
  Inputted values                     Blue           Light Blue 
  Changeable descriptions             Blue           Light blue 
  Descriptions with Help Notes        Bright blue    Blue 
  ===============================================================
   
For most B/W, LCD or mono monitors, BANK-PLAN uses the following 
display settings: 

  ===============================================================
				     Letters         Background 
  ---------------------------------------------------------------
  Secured values, formulae 
    and fixed variable descriptions  White           Black 
  Inputted values                    Black           White 
  Changeable descriptions            Black           White 
  Descriptions with Help Notes       Bright white    Black 
  ===============================================================
	
Precise settings and appearances may vary from monitor to monitor. If 
the white and bright white letters cannot be distinguished, try 
changing the monitor's contrast settings. If it proves difficult to 
display BANK-PLAN, or to see its cursor when viewing reports or Help 
Pages, try changing the video display (from the Main Menu press 
I, V etc.) or review the instructions in Section 3.2 above. 

If a Hercules monitor is being used, it is not possible to display
the graphs on the screen. A special utility supplied with the 
fully-operational version of BANK-PLAN enables the graphs to be
displayed.

If it is planned to always use BANK-PLAN with a monitor which 
necessitates resetting of the display each time the program is used, 
it is possible to alter the batch file (BP.BAT) which loads BANK-PLAN 
to make the necessary changes automatically. This procedure is fully 
explained in BANK-PLAN's printed manual.


4.3.2 Dot-matrix printers
-------------------------

If using a dot-matrix printer, enter a setup string for the printer 
so that it will automatically print BANK-PLAN's 12-month reports 
using a condensed pitch. 
	
For details of the correct string to use, refer to the printer manual 
or a dealer.  If an alternative string is not immediately accessible, 
ignore the following instructions for the time being and see what 
happens when the string supplied with BANK-PLAN for condensed print 
(\015) is used. 
	
	 From the Main Menu, press I (for Initialise) to get 
	 into the Initialise sub-menu and press S (for String); 
	 note the supplied string and press any key once; enter 
	 a string in response to the prompt which will appear 
	 on the screen (or press RETURN to accept the offered 
	 string); and then wait a few moments whilst the string 
	 is installed. 

Skip to Section 4.3.4 for guidance on other printer set ups.
	 

4.3.3  Laser/page printer
-------------------------

If a laser/page printer is being used, the recommended approach is 
to select a small pitch in conjunction with landscape orientation 
to accommodate the 12-month reports. This switching to landscape 
orientation may also involve changing the page length.
	
The easiest, but possibly least satisfactory, method is to use the 
printer's controls to make the set-up changes as explained below:

	    First, remove the printer string supplied with 
	    BANK-PLAN by pressing  I (for Initialise) and S (for 
	    String) from the Main Menu and press any key to skip 
	    the explanatory note. Use the Backspace key to erase 
	    the string as soon as it is displayed in  a box on 
	    the screen and wait a few moments whilst it is being 
	    removed within BANK-PLAN.

	    When about to print a BANK-PLAN report, use the 
	    printer's own controls to set or re-set the font and 
	    orientation, for example, set the font size to 16.66 
	    cpi, use landscape as the orientation and, optionally, 
	    increase the line pitch from 6 to 8 lines per inch. 
	    Refer to the printer's manual for guidance.

An alternative (and much slicker) approach is to determine the 
composition of the printer setup string which will achieve the 
desired setting for the 12-month reports by referring to the 
printer's manual. Then, by entering this strings and the 
corresponding page length into BANK-PLAN, all the 12 month reports 
will be printed automatically using the correct settings. To do 
this, proceed as follows:

	   From the Main Menu, press I (for Initialise) to get 
	   into the Initialise sub-menu, press S (for Strings) 
	   and press any key to skip the explanatory note. Then, 
	   enter the new string in response to the prompt which 
	   will appear on the screen.
	
If using a HP LaserJet printer or compatible, the following string 
should give the desired results with A4 paper:
		
		    \027&l1o8D\027(s16.66H
	    (16.66 cpi, landscape and 8 lines per inch)

	    Enter the string exactly as indicated. ("0" is the 
	    number zero, "l" refers to the lower case letter L, 
	    1 is the number one, and "o" is the lower case letter 
	    O as in Oh!). DOUBLE CHECK your entries.

If the printer has a non-proportional font greater than 16.66 cpi, 
all BANK-PLAN's reports can be printed using portrait orientation.   


4.3.4  Other printer setups
---------------------------

Depending on your printer type, check through the following 
instructions and then try printing a report to confirm that the 
printer has been satisfactorily set up.

1.      Set the correct printer margins by choosing M (for Margins) 
	from within the Initialise sub-menu.  Select a margin to be 
	changed, enter a new value, and press RETURN.  Repeat this 
	procedure to change other margins. New users can opt to 
	ignore this step and try the margin settings supplied 
	with BANK-PLAN. 

2.      Printer page lengths can be changed by selecting L (for 
	Length) from within the Initialise sub-menu and entering 
	an appropriate value. The default length for continuous 
	(8," x 11" ) or A4 paper is 66 lines and should be 
	satisfactory for most types of impact printers.

	For a laser printer, the length should be changed as 
	follows:
	     
	   For landscape orientation with 6 lines per inch:  43
	   For landscape orientation with 8 lines per inch:  58

3.      To change other printer defaults for the interface and 
	paper handling, choose D (for Default) from within the 
	Initialise sub-menu.  As supplied, BANK-PLAN uses the 
	following defaults which can be altered one at a time 
	by the user:

	       -  Interface set for a parallel printer (LPT1:) 
	       -  Give line feed after RETURN 
	       -  Do not wait for paper to be loaded at a new page. 
		
4.      Finally, go to the Main Menu and use F (for File) and R 
	(for Replace) to save the current set of assumptions, with 
	the new printer settings, as an updated copy of MASTER.

Having set up the printer, test the printing of any report. From 
BANK-PLAN's Main Menu, press P (for Print) etc.

ALWAYS ensure that the printer is loaded with paper and 'on line' 
before using BANK-PLAN's print sub-menu. 

If successive reports tend to creep down/up the page during 
printing, reduce/increase the page length being used by BANK-PLAN by 
the number of lines of creep.  

As BANK-PLAN sends extended ASCII characters to the printer no 
other printer configuration should be necessary. However, if the 
printer fails to print the  pounds currency sign, it may be 
necessary to switch the printer to using a different character set 
or symbol set. Refer to the printer's manual for guidance.

If, during printing, problems of alignment, line or page skipping, 
line wraparound etc. are encountered, refer to the guidance notes 
in the Help Pages dealing with "Resolving printer problems" (display 
the Main Menu, press F1 for the index to Help Pages, place the 
cursor over this item and press RETURN). Then, either use the I (for 
Initialise) sub-menu to change the printer set-up, or make changes 
directly to the printer using its own controls. 

A final initial task which a new user may wish to perform at this 
stage, is to print BANK-PLAN's six 12-month reports containing the 
specimen assumptions.  If necessary, reload a copy of MASTER which 
has been previously set up and saved as indicated in steps 3 to 7 
above. Put the printer online, prepare it with paper and then 
press P (for Print) from the Main Menu and then A (for All) to 
print BANK-PLAN's six Assumption Reports. Even though it is not
possible to print BANK-PLAN's three output reports with the
shareware version, these reports can still be viewed on the screen 
and their related graphs can be displayed or printed (see Section 
6.4 below).

To stop printing at any stage, press CTRL+BREAK.

If any reports have not printed satisfactorily, refer back to steps 
1 to 4 above and review the printer set-up (sub-sections 4.3.2 or 
4.3.3).

***********************************************************************

5.  EXPLORING BANK-PLAN
=======================

This Section describes all the main facilities provided by BANK-PLAN 
by means of introductory exercises.


5.1  First Exercise
-------------------

This exercise explains how to use BANK-PLAN's menus, locate reports, 
enter assumptions, access help facilities and use the primary 
function key commands. So long as the assumptions file (i.e. 
MASTER.ASS) is not saved, no harm can be done by working through 
the guidance notes below and altering assumption values.

To start, load a copy of the model which was set up in the previous 
Section, namely MASTER, by typing "BP(space)MASTER" at the BANK sub-
directory prompt.

BANK-PLAN is divided into a series of reports containing assumptions 
and calculated results. Begin by exploring these reports with the 
aid of the menus. 

To access any report, get into BANK-PLAN's Main Menu (press F10 if 
necessary) and press A (for Assumptions) or R (for Reports) to view 
the range of reports. Use either of these sub-menus to select and 
access a particular report (by moving the cursor and pressing 
RETURN or pressing the first capital letter).

Once in a report, use the cursor keys to hop from cell to cell and 
explore the contents of the report.  Use the computer's PgDn key 
to move the cursor quickly down a report and use the CTRL+LEFT or 
CTRL+RIGHT (or TAB) keys to step across a report. Alternatively, 
use a mouse to scroll around a report. 

Notice that when viewing a Report, a function-key menu strip 
always appears along the bottom of the screen. Any of these primary 
function keys (F1 to F5) can be used to directly access sub-menus 
or operations without having to revert to the Main Menu. 

Note that the Summary Profit & Loss Accounts have been derived 
from the sales forecasts and projected cash outflows relating to 
expenses etc. As a consequence, they have not been compiled on 
the normal basis of accrued expenses with the result that some 
expenses may not be properly allocated between months. The 
indicative profit for each month excludes depreciation, interest 
paid on long-term debt, finance lease charges, capital grant 
amortisation, profits/losses on the sale of fixed assets, 
corporation tax and dividends. Note that the "Cost of sales" 
takes no account of any stock-building.

When finished with a report, press the function key F10 to get 
straight back to the Main Menu or use one of the other function 
keys (F2 to F4) to directly display a sub-menu which will pop-up 
on top of the report. 

In the case of the Assumption Reports, observe that assumptions 
can be entered only in unsecured cells in rows of cells adjacent 
to the <<->> and ->> arrows and shown in reverse video on most 
displays. Variable descriptions in the left-hand column of some 
reports opposite the <<->> arrows and shown in reverse video can 
be changed by the user or left blank.  Zero values are signified 
by the .. symbol and automatically change to blank spaces during 
the printing of reports. 

The following rules about entering assumptions must be observed:

 - BANK-PLAN will not permit the entry of values other than in 
   cells or areas (blocks of cells) which have been designated 
   for inputted assumptions.  Otherwise, a "secured cell" error 
   message may be displayed.  
   
 - Never try to enter letters instead of numbers into cells which 
   have been reserved for numeric entries. Clear the error 
   immediately by pressing the Backspace key until the computer 
   beeps and then press RETURN twice to complete the task.

 - When entering a value into a cell, always complete the entry  
   process by pressing RETURN. Never start to enter a value and 
   then, in midstream, try to invoke a menu or function key 
   option. 
   
BANK-PLAN allows "in-cell" arithmetic in unsecured cells. For 
example, "2*3-4" could be entered into a cell and the result, "2", 
would be displayed as soon as the RETURN key is pressed. The usual 
"calculator rules" about priority and bracketing apply. If a 
mistake is made when entering a value in a cell, use the Backspace 
key to remove it and press RETURN.

BANK-PLAN incorporates extensive "online" help facilities which can 
be accessed as follows: 

 #  Use the primary function key F1 at any stage to access a 
    context related Help Page.  Alternatively, access the main 
    Index to Help Pages by pressing F1 when BANK-PLAN's Main Menu 
    is being displayed.  Once in the Index, use the up/down cursor 
    keys to move the special Help Page cursor bar to a specific 
    item and press RETURN. To exit from a Help Page, press the 
    ESC key or refer to the instructions at the bottom of the 
    page. First-time users should check the Help Pages for  
    "Details of latest changes to BANK-PLAN". 

 #  Variable description shown with "brightened letters" in the 
    left-hand column of reports contain Help Notes relating to 
    the brightened description.  A Help Note can be accessed by 
    placing the cursor over a brightened description, pressing 
    RETURN and then pressing the keyboard's PgDn key. Press PgUp 
    to clear the Note, or simply let it scroll off the screen or 
    be tiled over by another Note. If brightened items cannot be 
    distinguished, try changing the monitor's contrast. 

 #  When viewing a Report, press F1 to gain access to help 
    regarding its origin or contents. 


5.2  Second exercise
--------------------

This exercise introduces a second set of function key commands 
which can be accessed by holding down the computer's CTRL key 
before pressing a function key. These can be used to speed up the 
entry of assumptions etc. With some slower computers there might be 
a very slight delay before these function key commands take effect.

As soon as the CTRL key is pressed a different menu strip appears 
at the bottom of the screen. To use a CTRL function key, press and 
hold down the CTRL key whilst pressing one of the listed function 
keys. These work as explained below whenever a report is being 
displayed on the screen:

   CTRL+F1 gives access to context-sensitive Help Pages relating 
   to the CTRL function keys.

   CTRL+F2 enables a user to automatically mark the cursor's 
   current position, move to a new location anywhere in BANK-PLAN, 
   perform a task or tasks (such as checking, entering or changing 
   assumptions), and then jump back to the initial position.  Try 
   pressing CTRL+F2, move the cursor sharply downwards, change an 
   assumption and then press ESCAPE to jump back to the start again.  

   After CTRL+F2 has been invoked, the cursor can be moved freely 
   around any of BANK-PLAN's assumption and output reports.  Avail 
   of this facility to become familiar with the sequence of 
   reports and their locations relative to each other.

   CTRL+F6 (or F6 by itself) can be used to speed up the entry of 
   constant values across a row reserved for assumptions in an 
   Assumption Report.  To use it, place the cursor in a row 
   containing a ->> or <<->> arrow and in the column for the 
   "first" month. Hold down the CTRL key, press the F6 key and 
   release both keys (or, more simply, press F6 by itself).  Next, 
   enter the constant value as directed, and press RETURN.  This 
   value will be automatically copied across the remaining months 
   and the cursor will move down one row.  On some slower 
   computers, allow a few moments for this command to take effect. 

   CTRL+F7 can be used to erase assumption values in cells within 
   a rectangular assumption area.  To try it, get into an 
   Assumption Report and proceed as follows: 

	Position the cursor at a corner of the "unprotected" area 
	whose values are to be erased. 

	Press CTRL+F7, move the cursor to the diagonally opposite 
	corner of the "unprotected" area to be erased and press 
	RETURN. 
	
   CTRL+F8 can be used to change the number of decimal places 
   for either calculated or inputted values.  Position the cursor 
   at a corner of the area to be re-formatted; press CTRL+F8; 
   enter the desired number of places; move the cursor to the 
   diagonally opposite corner of the block of values to be 
   formatted; and press RETURN to finish.  If the number of 
   places exceeds a cell's capacity to display them, a string 
   of asterisks (*******) will appear.  Use CTRL+F6 again to 
   reduce the number of places. 

When using the CTRL function keys take great care never to 
initiate a second function before the previous one has been 
completed. 

Please note the following:

  - With a colour display and some B/W displays, the cursor can 
    be used to "paint" the area to be erased etc.  With some mono 
    displays, the cursor may change from a solid dark block to 
    a flashing dash during erasing etc.  A user should experiment 
    to gain familiarity with using the CTRL function keys before 
    embarking on a cashflow planning assignment.

  - BANK-PLAN only permits the erasing of values within unprotected 
    (i.e. unsecured) areas which are shown in reverse video. 
    Otherwise, the command may fail, the computer will beep, or an 
    error message will be displayed (clear by pressing CTRL+BREAK 
    and/or F10).

***********************************************************************

6.  USING BANK-PLAN
===================

This Section starts by offering some general advice on using BANK-PLAN 
and explains how to use it to construct cashflow projections. It then 
discusses specific issues relating to printing graphs and "rolling" 
projections forward. 


6.1  General advice
-------------------

On the first occasion that BANK-PLAN is used to produce cashflow 
projections for a business, curtail the number of  monthly 
assumptions relating to sales, expenses etc.  For example, start 
by entering just single rows of assumptions for sales  and only 
use a few rows for direct and overhead expense payments.  If all 
other sales and overhead assumptions have been erased, the number 
of assumptions will have been reduced to manageable proportions.  
Review the results and then progressively add greater detail. 

BANK-PLAN contains variables and features which may not be 
required by every user.  These can be left empty or with zero 
values (displayed as .... on the screen). BANK-PLAN runs 
satisfactorily with only the minimum number of assumptions relating 
to sales, expense payments, cash movements etc.

Starting to construct a cashflow forecast for the first time is 
likely to reveal some very significant gaps in the information 
which is required to plan effectively.  It may be necessary to 
review bank statements, accounting records, existing budgets and 
historic accounts to derive the necessary information.

To get going, load a copy of MASTER and erase all its monthly 
assumptions by using the R (for Remove) command within the 
Initialise sub-menu. 

A printout of all the Assumption Reports with all the assumptions 
erased can be used to facilitate the compilation of assumption data 
away from the computer. To do this, put the printer on-line and 
then press P and A from the Main Menu. 

Note that assumptions should be entered only in rows containing 
->> or <<->> arrow signs on a printout and shown in reverse video 
on the screen. Variable descriptions opposite <<->> arrows and 
shown in reverse video in the left-hand column of Assumption 
Reports can be altered by a user (or simply left empty if not 
needed). Zero values display as ... on the screen and change to 
blank spaces during printing.

Always make regular file copies when building a set of projections 
by pressing F (for File) and R (for Replace) or B (for Backup).

When entering assumptions, make liberal use of  the facilities 
provided by the CTRL function keys especially F6 or CTRL+F6, 
consult BANK-PLAN's Help Pages and access the Help Notes appended 
to brightened variable descriptions. 


6.2  Structuring A Model
------------------------

BANK-PLAN is already structured to suit a manufacturing business 
and includes a diverse range of pre-formatted variables which can
be used by most types of businesses.  

BANK-PLAN contains descriptions of variables which should be 
suitable to prepare cashflow projections for most types of small 
manufacturers or trading businesses.  Whilst many users are likely 
to use BANK-PLAN exactly as supplied, others may wish to change 
the descriptions of variables which are displayed in reverse 
video in the left-hand column of the Assumption Reports.  Do not 
confuse these cells with bright-lettered cells to which Help 
Notes are appended. 

To change a variable name e.g. to replace the direct expense 
item "Consumables" in the  Assumption Report No. 1 with "Contract 
labour", simply place the cursor over the cell containing the 
description and overwrite it.  This change will be automatically 
copied into other reports when the model next recalculates. When 
making such changes to descriptions, the replacement must use the 
exact same units, i.e. 000, as the original, otherwise formulae 
will be incorrect.


6.3 Model-Building Procedure 
----------------------------

To use BANK-PLAN to make cashflow projections for a particular 
business, proceed as described below. 

After entering a batch of assumption values, recalculate to check 
results using the F5 function key.  Note that the calculation 
errors which may be indicated whenever the model recalculates 
can usually be ignored until all the assumptions have been entered.

1.      Erase all existing assumptions. Press I (for Initialise) 
	and R (for Remove) from BANK-PLAN's Main Menu.

2.      From the Main Menu, press I (for Initialise) and B (for 
	Basic).  Follow the on-screen instructions to enter the 
	number of the first month to be covered by the projections 
	(1 for January, 2 for February etc.); the start of the first 
	year to be covered by the projections; and descriptions of 
	the sales/product groups (maximum of three) most appropriate 
	to the company.  If a mistake is made, correct it immediately 
	using the Backspace key, otherwise repeat this procedure.
	
	When this basic data has been inserted, it will be 
	automatically entered throughout the model and the 
	appropriate months and years will be incorporated in all 
	the report headings.

4.      From the Main Menu, press I (for Initialise) and T (for 
	Title) to give the model a specific title, e.g.  "First 
	Attempt".  This will be inserted at the top of the screen 
	and on the cover page of reports. 

5.      From the Main Menu, press F (for File) and N (for New) to 
	save these cashflow projections under a new name, for 
	example, XXX1.

6.      From the Main Menu, press A (for Ass) to get into the 
	sub-menu for the Assumption Reports. Press A (for Any) or 
	call up each report in turn to enter forecasts and 
	assumptions. Concentrate initially on entering approximate 
	values with a view to refining them later on. Although 
	BANK-PLAN can handle cashflows for twelve months, shorter 
	term projections can be compiled by entering assumptions 
	for the required months only.  
	
	Use the facility for "in-cell" arithmetic and the CTRL 
	function keys to quickly enter constant assumption values 
	across the twelve months. 
	
	Refer to BANK-PLAN's Help Pages and Notes for detailed 
	guidance on entering assumptions. 

7.      From the Main Menu, press F (for File) and R (for Replace) 
	to save an updated version of the projections to disk. 
	Alternatively, press B (for Backup).

8.      From the Main Menu, view graphs (press V etc.), inspect 
	reports (press R etc.) and print results (press P etc.).  
	If necessary, refer to Section 4.3 above to review 
	procedures for changing the printer strings, margins, page 
	lengths etc. being used by BANK-PLAN. With this shareware 
	version of BANK-PLAN, it is not possible to print the
	projected cashflow and P&L reports. However, these can
	be inspected "on-screen" via the R (for Reports) menu 
	option and the related graphs can be displayed (V for 
	View) or printed using GRAPHICS.

Always maintain a regularly updated file copy of projections to 
minimise any disruption or inconvenience caused by computer or 
system faults. To do this, press R (for Replace) or B (for Backup) 
from within BANK-PLAN's  File sub-menu.


6.4  Printing Reports and Graphs
--------------------------------

Refer to Section 4.3 above if it is desired to change the printer 
string, margins, page lengths etc. being used by BANK-PLAN.  As 
BANK-PLAN sends extended ASCII files to the printer, no other 
printer configuration should be necessary. However, if the printer 
fails to print reports correctly, review the guidance notes in 
Section 4.3 and consult the Help Pages dealing with "Resolving 
printer problems".

The MS-DOS Graphics program supplied with DOS can be used to print 
(dump) the graph currently being displayed on the screen directly 
to a printer. Only use this approach if the computer has some 
expanded memory in addition to its base memory of 640k. Try it 
before using BANK-PLAN with 'real' data (or immediately after 
having saved a model file), in case the system hangs etc.

To use Graphics, load it before loading BANK-PLAN by typing 
"GRAPHICS" at the hard disk's root directory DOS prompt. Refer to 
the MS-DOS manual for further guidance on the range of options 
provided by the Graphics program to accommodate different printer 
types etc. especially if a laser printer is being used.

Having loaded Graphics and then BANK-PLAN, proceed to display 
one of its graphs on the screen. Make sure the printer is 
'online' and then press the SHIFT + PRINT SCREEN keys on the 
keyboard and wait whilst a very reasonable copy of the graph 
on the screen is being printed. Try changing the settings used 
by Graphics in order to improve the appearance of the printed 
output.

If using the Graphics program with a colour monitor to print 
graphs, the quality of the printed graphs can be greatly 
improved by temporarily switching, if the monitor permits, the 
display to Black/White immediately before printing. To make this 
switch, press I, V & L from the Main Menu. 

Always maintain regularly updated second copies of a model to 
minimise disruption or inconvenience caused by computer or 
system faults. To do this, press R (for Replace) or B (for Backup) 
from within BANK-PLAN's File sub-menu.


6.5  Advancing projections
--------------------------

BANK-PLAN incorporates a facility to "advance" or "roll-forward" 
assumptions and projections one month at a time.  For example, if 
projections had been originally prepared for the twelve months 
commencing March, the advance facility would replace March's 
assumptions & projections by April's and so on for the remaining 
months.  

The Advance facility makes BANK-PLAN ideally suited for 
preparing regularly updated short-term cashflow forecasting and 
planning.  Because most assumptions will not change from month 
to month, the task of updating projections is greatly simplified.
Before using Advance, it might be wise to save a copy of original 
projections using a file name describing the projections, e.g. 
called MAR96.

To use the Advance facility, press D (for aDvance) and follow 
the "on-screen" instructions. Once assumptions have been advanced, 
the following values will need to be updated:
      
    Opening balances for VAT and PAYE in Assumption Report No. 4 

    Opening balances for the current and deposit accounts in 
    Assumption Report No. 5
      
    Opening balances for debtors and trade & sundry creditors 
    in Assumption Report No. 6 and the phasing of their payments

As the original assumptions for the "new" twelfth month will now be 
the same as for the "old" twelfth month, they must be reviewed 
carefully, paying particular attention to once-off items which will 
be automatically duplicated in both the "new" eleventh and twelfth 
months. 

The original assumptions for the earlier months, particularly sales 
and major non-recurring expenses, may need to be revised in the 
light of recent experiences.

***********************************************************************
   
7.  SUPPORT & ASSISTANCE
========================

BANK-PLAN has been supplied as shareware at minimal cost to
enable users to try it out before registering etc. 

We regret that we can only provide support to BANK-PLAN users
who have registered with us and secured a copy of BANK-PLAN with
its comprehensive manual.

Registered users of BANK-PLAN who wish to upgrade to CASH-PLAN, a 
more sophisticated cashflow planner, can do so at a discount to 
CASH-PLAN's normal price (see README.TXT).

In addition to BANK-PLAN and CASH-PLAN, Invest-Tech offers an
extensive range of business and financial planning packages for 
use by businesses. As the same basic structures, menus etc. are 
used throughout the product range, conversion from one product to 
another would be very straightforward for a BANK-PLAN user. 
General information about these other products is contained in 
Help Pages within BANK-PLAN and in README.TXT. More comprehensive 
details can be obtained by contacting Invest-Tech.

Invest-Tech also provides a model-building service on a fee-paying 
basis to expand or modify BANK-PLAN to meet a user's particular 
requirements.  This work is undertaken on a confidential basis 
and to the highest professional standards in accordance with the 
Code of Professional Conduct of the Institute of Management 
Consultants in Ireland and the UK.  

Invest-Tech would welcome feedback from users and invites 
suggestions relating to BANK-PLAN. 

***********************************************************************
BANK-PLAN (c) Copyright Invest-Tech Limited 1993-95   
All Rights Reserved     

    Invest-Tech Limited  
    27 Ardmeen Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
    
    Irish Tel: 01-283 4083      UK Tel: 01232-315454
      (Call 9 to 9 weekdays and 10 to 6 weekends - GMT/BST)  
    Fax: 278 2391 
      Fax codes: Irish:01-  UK:00-353-1-  Inter'l:+353-1-
    CompuServe: 100606,2665
    Internet:   brianf@iol.ie
    WWW URL:    http://www.planware.ie/resource/planware

***********************************************************************
  
	      To print this file, type "PRINT MANUAL.TXT".
		    *** End of MANUAL.TXT file ***




