Service Release 10 — includes Feature Pack 3 for SUA users

Released September, 2008.

The tenth service release of Studio 7 contains some bug fixes and minor improvements.

Improvements:

• The new "Go To Parameter Source" command makes it easy to locate the source of a control's parameter. You can for example find which variable is connected to a graph in a Time Graph Control.
• Modify time is now available for variables, units, and ranges allowing you to easily identify the most recent model changes.
• Now displays more explicit error messages when Studio prevents opening simulation project files.

Bug fixes:

• Fixed problems sometimes experienced when the "Enforce time unit consistency" setting is switched off.
• Fixed a problem sometimes causing the "Monitor Performance" command to be disabled.
• Fixed several problems experienced when switching between Button and Custom type for an Action Button.
• Fixed a text alignment problem sometimes experienced with Action Buttons.
• Double-clicking a name of a hierarchical variable in the Variable Definition property page now selects the full hierarchical variable name.
• Fixed a problem with syntax coloring in the Variable Definition property page when using « and » characters.
• Fixed problems sometimes experienced when using the documentation, note, and resource fields in the lower part of the Variable Definition property page.
• Fixed a problem sometimes causing the Select Hyperlink Target dialog to appear behind other dialogs.

Service Release 9b — with Feature Pack 3 for SUA users

Released July, 2008.

The ninth service release of Studio 7 introduces Feature Pack 3 for users with Support and Upgrade Agreement (SUA). It also contains several improvements and bug fixes available to all users.

New features (Requires Feature Pack 3 access):

• Reshaped the Hyperlink object as the Action Button object, giving you the possibility to execute actions (not only Open Hyperlink) and to select additional appearances.
• Introduced the Execute Command action that lets you perform a user interface command when an event occurs or an Action Button is pushed.
• Performance monitoring allows you to determine which of the variables take the longest time to simulate, thereby giving you the chance to optimize your model with respect to simulation performance.
• Introduced a new function, INITIF, that enables initialization of constants and levels when a given condition is fulfilled. It can also be used to initialize the elements of the variables individually.
• You can now provide the name of the simulation project's help file.
• You can now select to hide the toolbar and the staus bar when showing a presentation of your simulation project.

Improvements:

• The value of permanent variables can now be changed also when the simulation has finished.
• Arrow keys can now be used to nudge the symbols of a diagram.
• Introduced function indicators for variable symbols.
• Files of other types than HTML can now be used for the simulation project's help.
• Documentation and note fields are now available in the Definition property page of a variable.
• Introduced new "Begin Link Here" command in the context menu of link symbols. The command inserts a snapshot of the tail variable and reconnects the link tail to the new snapshot.
• The "Make Single Straight Segment" and "Make Single Curved Segment" commands are now available on the Symbol toolbar.
• Improved layout and functionality in the Presentation Setup property page.
• It is now possible to copy values of permanent variables from one simulation to another.

Bug fixes:

• Fixed problem with the Fill property page sometimes displaying wrong preview for picture fills.
• Fixed problem sometimes causing temporary loss of dataset connections for some variables when enabling feature packs.
• Fixed problem experienced when pasting multi-level hierarchical submodels.
• Fixed problem causing the F1 and F9 shortucts not to work when showing a presentation of your simulation project.
• Fixed problem that prevented editing of dates and times in Studio Dataset variables.
• Fixed problem that prevented units like "bill USD" from being accepted unless Studio 2005 compatibility mode was used ("bill" being a unit defined to "1e9").
• Fixed a problem causing data of certain columns to be left out when copying text from the Equations and Connections windows.
• Fixed problem sometimes causing Studio to crash when loading models with undefined variables due to circular definitions.
• Fixed problem causing the Spreadsheet Connection Wizard to loose changes in the variable order if no other changes are made in the Dataset Variables step.
• Fixed problem causing values of variables to be indefinite when using units containing expressions like (10^12).
• Fixed problem causing controls not to be updated when the name of connections changed.
• Fixed problems sometimes causing Studio to crash when deleting dataset connections.
• A scalar value is now allowed in the Value field when defining a Set Value action where the Destination is an array.
• An integer value is now allowed in the Value field when defining a Set Value action where the Destination is a real number.
• Fixed problem sometimes experienced when loading simulation projects using delay functions ("Loading simulation state failed" error message).
• Fixed problem with the Reference Data dropdown list sometimes displaying wrong selection.
• Fixed problem sometimes experienced when switching between manual and automatic unit in the Variable Definition propety page.
• The focus frame is no longer displayed for empty check box labels in the Switch Control.
• Multiline texts are now displayed correctly in Switch control buttons.
• Studio now asks whether to save changes when shutting down or logging off Windows.

Service Release 8 — includes Feature Pack 2 for SUA users

Released April, 2008.

The eighth service release of Studio 7 includes Feature Pack 2 for users with Support and Upgrade Agreement (SUA). It also contains some bug fixes and minor improvements available to all users.

Improvements:

• Showing or hiding toolbars now applies to all windows in Studio. This makes interwindow mouse operations easier.
• Events can now be included also when adding Risk Analysis clones.

Bug fixes:

• Fixed problem that prevented use of drag and drop to add variables as parameters to controls in private diagrams.
• Paste Special Parameter dialog now only lists public children if a submodel is dropped in a control.
• Fixed problem that prevented use of drag and drop to add included child variables as parameters to controls.
• Fixed problem that caused Studio to use extremely long time when loading some projects.
• Fixed problem with the PRIORITYALLOC function sometimes causing the simulation to freeze.
• Fixed problem with the SLIDINGINTEGRATE function when used with three parameters. This problem was introduced in Studio 7 SR5.

Service Release 7 — includes Feature Pack 2 for SUA users

Released March, 2008.

The seventh service release of Studio 7 includes Feature Pack 2 for users with Support and Upgrade Agreement (SUA). It also contains a number of bug fixes and minor improvements available to all users.

Improvements:

• Summary type and transfer direction for dataset variables are now available in the Properties dialog.
• Exponential form is now used for large numbers in auto reports and tooltips.
• Improved error messages when loading of simulation state fails.
• File Open/Save dialog boxes now display a shortcut bar containing icons for commonly-used folders, such as Favorites and Desktop.

Bug fixes:

• Fixed problem that sometimes prevented users from assigning parameters to cells in the Table Control.
• Creating an XLDATA variable by dropping a selection of Microsoft Excel cells now works for non-English editions of Excel.
• The Spreadsheet Dataset and the XLDATA function now handle spreadsheets with more than 256 columns or 65536 rows.
• Fixed problem with pasting of clipboard data from other applications. Among other things, creating an XLDATA variable in a diagram by dropping a selection of Microsoft Excel cells did not work. This problem was introduced in Studio 7 SR6.
• Fixed problem with reference parameters where data is partially missing in the reference run.
• Fixed problem sometimes causing unknown exception in the Search for Dependency dialog.
• Fixed problem with negative angles when displayed in auto reports and tooltips.
• Fixed problem with animated reference data sometimes not displaying the last value.

Service Release 6 — includes Feature Pack 2 for SUA users

Released February, 2008.

The sixth service release of Studio 7 includes Feature Pack 2 for users with Support and Upgrade Agreement (SUA). It also contains a number of bug fixes available to all users.

Bug fixes:

• Fixed problem experienced when a run was stopped or paused at the end with the "Automatically pause at end of each run" switched off.
• Fixed "unknown error" problem sometimes experienced when writing data to a database using the Database Dataset.
• Fixed problem with unit expressions where a unit is multiplied or divided by a scaled unit.
• Fixed problem with continuous data transfer from Spreadsheet Dataset experienced by some users in Studio 7 SR5 where user interaction in Excel caused transfer to fail.
• Index variable values are now limited to the range specified by the index variables even if modified from the Table Control.
• Fixed problem causing save external data error message to be displayed in some cases even though the operation was successful.
• Fixed problem when loading simulation state experienced by some users in Studio 7 SR5.
• Fixed problem sometimes experienced in Studio 7 SR5 with time-dependent Spreadsheet Datasets using explicit times when the simulation horizon lies beyond the times loaded from the spreadsheet.
• Fixed problems with units that in some cases caused Studio to fail when loading projects saved by Studio 7 SR5.
• Fixed problem with multidimensional Database Datasets where the dimensions have different sizes.
• Fixed issue with delimited SQL identifiers when using the Database Dataset with MySQL.
• Fixed issues experienced when using table or field names containing space characters in the Database Dataset.
• Fixed problem experienced when using stored queries or user-provided queries towards SQL Server in the Database Dataset.
• Fixed problem with keyboard navigation in dropdown lists in toolbars and menus.
• Fixed problem regarding the "Zero point" field in the Unit Definition page.

Service Release 5 — with Feature Pack 2 for SUA users

Released January, 2008.

The fifth service release of Studio 7 introduces Feature Pack 2 for users with Support and Upgrade Agreement (SUA). It also contains several improvements and bug fixes available to all users.

New features (Requires Feature Pack 2 access):

• New Database Dataset that lets simulations exchange data with relational databases (for example Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle).
• The spreadsheet dataset variables now support different summary types.
• Manual transfer is now supported for the Spreadsheet Dataset.
• This makes it possible to use the Spreadsheet Dataset offline.
• It is now possible to create parameters for Spreadsheet Dataset connection variables. This makes it possible to view and edit a connection variable's history.
• The new "Represent time spans as days" option enables the use of time formatting for time spans in the spreadsheet.
• "Clear cells beyond simulation end time" is a new option that helps to maintain a nicely formatted spreadsheet in connection with changing simulation horizons.
• Calculator mode is now optional when using bi-directional transfer in the Spreadsheet Dataset.
• New Tail length property that allows the user to control the length of the Scatter Graph.
• It is now possible to control where the markers are placed on the Scatter Graph.
• The Scatter Graph Control can now be set to follow the simulation's report window with the new "Follow report window" option.
• It is now possible to change the report interval and summary period for the Scatter Graph Control.
• Parameters with summary types are now supported by the Scatter Graph Control.
• Events can now be triggered by user input also when the simulation is paused.
• New Copy Value Action that copies the value from a source variable to a destination variable.
• For the Set Value Action it is now possible to use other destinations than simulation variables. In addition you can use a sub selection of the variable elements as destination.
• It is now possible to automatically run multiple runs, instead of manually having to start the simulation between each run.

Improvements:

• The Spreadsheet Dataset can now be used in combination with runs, games, cue points and optimization.
• Improved and simplified unit syntax and terminology.
• Improved error messages and help system in connection with unit and unit consistency problems.
• Added tooltips for icon buttons in several dialogs.
• XLDATA function now supports Microsoft Excel 2007 files.
• To avoid inadvertently loosing changes made in the Properties dialog, the dialog is now locked to the current selection until the changes are applied or canceled.
• Improved delay functions making it easier to avoid circular definitions.
• The scope of index variable values has been changed from the current window to the current simulation. Index variable values are now also saved with the simulation.
• A new "Copy Area with Background" command is now available on the context menu for the "Copy Area as Picture" tool. With this command the diagram background is included in the copied picture.
• Introduced "Back" and "Forward" buttons in dialog help windows.
• Started listing public child variables of linked submodels in the "Linked variables" list in the Variable Definition dialog.
• The value source tree now shows tooltips that explain why items with stop sign indicators cannot be added as parameters.
• It is now possible to create parameters for variables of time-independent datasets.
• Added F9 as keyboard shortcut for the "Autoscale Now" command.
• New sample model: The Production Planning simulation illustrates import and export of data to/from SAP BI or a database.

Bug fixes:

• Fixed problem with the context sensitive help (?) button in the Properties dialog.
• Fixed problem with POLICYGRID function when used inside a FOR loop.
• Fixed problems experienced when opening Private Diagrams containing indexed parameters for variables with undefined dimensions.
• Fixed problem with fiscal variant time translation in SAP BI Dataset.
• Fixed problem that caused permanent variables to be restored when changing the project's feature level.
• Fixed problem experienced when connecting a model variable using DISPLAYAS to a dataset.
• Fixed problem sometimes experienced when saving external data after deleting dataset variables.
• Fixed problem when loading projects using languages not available in the current operating system.
• Fixed problem with dataset variables using the "Accumulated" summary type.
• Fixed problem with incorrect use of singular/plural unit name when displaying values with scaled units.
• Fixed problem sometimes causing negative currency values to be displayed incorrectly.
• Fixed problem with the Unit Definition page sometimes selecting the "Derived" category incorrectly.
• Fixed problem with incorrect syntax coloring in the Variable Definition dialog for variable names prefixed with '.' or '~'.
• Fixed some minor issues with the Goto dialog.
• Fixed problem with some fonts not displaying correctly on Vista.
• Fixed problem with incorrectly placed graph handles.
• Fixed several issues with the Parameters property page and the Add Advanced dialog.
• Fixed problem with diagrams not reflecting changed values when manually loading data of time-independent datasets.
• Fixed problem with the "Accumulated" summary type in combination with invalid units.
• Fixed problem with incorrect page count in the History and Value property pages.
• Fixed problem where the value of variables with explicit unit was always displayed with the singular form of the unit.
• Fixed problem sometimes experienced when using the {RUNINDEX} field code with the Spreadsheet Dataset.
• Fixed problem that sometimes prevented update of time-independent Studio Dataset connections when their source changed.
• Fixed problem with time-dependent SAP BI Datasets for simulations starting before the first period of the connected SAP data.
• Fixed problem experienced when deleting diagrams shared by multiple simulations.
• Fixed problem with renaming of a global range used in common dimensions of a dataset.
• Fixed problem with the Time Graph and Scatter Graph Controls where the scale was not updated when activating a previous run or loading a game file.
• Fixed problems with private diagrams sometimes causing unknown exceptions.
• Fixed problems with auto reports and the Toggle Design Mode command sometimes causing unknown exceptions.
• Fixed problem sometimes experienced when loading data from multi-dimensional time-independent SAP BI datasets.

Service Release 4 — includes Feature Pack 1 for SUA users

Released June, 2007.

The fourth service release of Studio 7 includes Feature Pack 1 for users with Support and Upgrade Agreement (SUA). It also contains some minor improvements and some bug fixes available to all users.

Improvements:

• Tooltip of array variable symbols now display summary information (sum, average, min, and max).
• The open dialog boxes now list all relevant Powersim files by default.
• Introduced a Finish button in all pages of the New Project Wizard.

Bug fixes:

• Values are now recalculated immediately when parameters (Min, Max, Mean, Deviation, and Seed) of random functions (EXPRND, NORMAL, POISSON, and RANDOM) are changed.
• Fixed problem with the INTERPOLATEfunction when used inside FORloops.
• Fixed problem with the ROUNDfunction when used with complex numbers.
• Fixed problem occasionally experienced when pasting submodels.
• Fixed problem with disabled functionality when using datasets in the Executive Studio edition.
• Fixed problems with calendar day time characteristics in the SAP BI Dataset.
• Fixed problem experienced with some time-dependent SAP BI datasets using unrestricted time characteristics.
• Fixed problem with disabled Behavior over time (Time-dependent Data) command for Studio Dataset.
• Fixed problem with Latin Hypercube-based risk analyses having more than 1000 runs.
• Fixed problem with the recent file list for the Copy Component command.
• Fixed problem with creation and modification date of .sip and .sig files.
• Fixed problem with distorted dials and axes in the gauge control.
• Fixed problem with hidden time table parameters reappearing when opening a project.
• Fixed problem with disappearing scatter points in the scatter graph control.
• A selection of symbols now snaps correctly to the grid also when dragging a link, flow or freeform symbol.
• Fixed problem experienced when attempting to snap controls to the grid.
• Fixed problem with DISPLAYAS in auto reports when used with enumeration subranges.

Released April, 2007.

The third service release of Studio 7 introduces Feature Pack 1 for users with Support and Upgrade Agreement (SUA). It also contains some minor improvements and some bug fixes available to all users.

New features (Requires Feature Pack 1 access):

• New Scatter Graph control (a.k.a. XY Graph and Phase Plot) that displays the relationship between two variables in a two-dimensional graph.
• A group of new functions simplifying prioritization and resource allocation: PRIORITYALLOC, PRIORITYALLOCDISCRETE, SORT, and SORTINDEX.
• Two new interpolation functions: INTERPOLATE and INTERPOLATEINV. Together they may be used to create an interpolation function with variable distance between the fixed points.
• Two new statistical functions: SLIDINGMAX and SLIDINGMIN.
• Two new functions to examine imported time series: SOURCESERIES and SOURCESERIESTIMES.
• A new sampling function, SAMPLEIMM, that performs a sample immediately when a condition is true.
• A new function, WEEKDAY, that simplifies finding the day of the week for a given date.
• The SAP BI Dataset now supports time-independent data in addition to time-dependent data.
• The Studio Dataset now supports time-independent data in addition to time-dependent data.
• When connecting to Excel through Spreadsheet Datasets, it is now possible to force a new instance of Excel to be started for the project (previously, existing Excel applications were always reused).
• When connecting to Excel through Spreadsheet Datasets, it is now possible to let the Excel application start hidden.

Improvements:

• The third parameter of the IF function has become optional, defaulting to zero or FALSE with the same dimensionality and unit as the second parameter.
• Studio now checks the availability of new versions of the software, either automatically or as an explicit user action. 
• Now handles versions with more than 1000 possible choices in the SAP BI Dataset. 
• The problematic part of a variable expression can now be highlighted by clicking in the status field of the Variable Definition property page. 
• The possible range for the run count of a risk analysis is now 2 to 100000, rather than 10 to 10000.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed issues regarding editing of labels in controls where the edit field sometimes would appear empty or in the wrong position. 
• Fixed issue regarding Studio sometimes reporting a script error " ')' expected " upon startup or when opening a project. 
• Fixed issues regarding display of dates and times with infinite values in a diagram. 
• Fixed issue regarding missing satellite line after pasting a model variable symbol together with an included child variable symbol. 
• Fixed issues regarding clipping of graphs at the right and bottom edges of the graph area in the Time Graph and Chart controls.
• Fixed problem that occurred when Apply was pressed after changes of mutually dependent properties in the Definition and Advanced property pages of a variable (e.g., a rate expression and integration order of controlled flows). 
• Fixed problems experienced when browsing for planning structures objects in the SAP BI Dataset Connection Wizard.

Service Release 2

Released February, 2007.

The second service release of Studio 7 only contains two bug fixes.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed problem experienced when changing enumeration range used in variables displayed in chart controls.
• Fixed VBFUNCTION problem experienced by some users in Studio 7 SR1.

Service Release 1

Released January, 2007.

The first service release of Studio 7 contains a number of bug fixes and minor improvements.

Improvements:

• Studio 7 has obtained the Works with Windows Vista logo. 
• Selections in diagrams are now visualized with alpha-blending making it easier to see the contents of selected auto reports. 
• A second, optional parameter is introduced for the PAUSEWHILE function allowing a message to be displayed when the Play button is pushed while the condition is true. 
• The SPARSESUM function now allows up to 6 indices. 
• Introduced Symbol submenu on the Format menu to ease access to symbol commands. 
• A "Paste as VB-script string" command is now available from the variable definition field when writing scripts for the VBFUNCTION. This command makes it easy to use external text editors to write scripts. 

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed problem regarding loading of projects where variables use local units. 
• Fixed problem regarding use of curly braces in flow expressions. 
• Fixed problem that occurred when the "Enforce time unit consistency" setting was switched off in the Project Settings dialog. 
• Fixed problem that occurred when units and ranges were added from the Equations Window. 
• Fixed issues regarding updates of auto reports and table controls after performing an optimization. 
• Fixes issues regarding default fonts on Far East editions of Windows. 
• Fixed issues regarding illegal names in the Add Unit and Add Range wizards. 
• Fixed issue regarding cloning of simulations where the "Save state" setting has been switched off.