Use variable price indexes

A price variable (also called a variable price index) is a named number that your price modules refer to, such as the current diesel price index or a toll surcharge. When the index changes, you update it once and every module that uses it follows. Two module types use price variables: Formula modules, which put the value straight into the calculation, and Variable adjustment modules, which adjust their price by how far the value is from a base level. A variable can also hold a different value per period, so prices follow the index that applied on the day of the transport.

Open the price variables

1. Open the side menu (☰, top right).
2. Choose Prices.
3. Click Price variables at the top of the Price configuration list.
4. Search by name, or click a row to see the variable.

The Price variable list shows the Name, the variable name and the Made on and Updated on dates.

Create a price variable

1. Click + Create price variable.
2. Enter a Name, for example "Diesel price index".
3. Enter the Variable name, for example diesel. Use letters and digits; other characters, such as spaces or a dollar sign, cannot be typed.
4. Enter the current Value, for example 1.62.
5. Optional: switch on Time-bound to enter values per period (see below).
6. Click Save.

Values per period

Use Time-bound when the index changes over time and every transport should be priced with the value of its own date, for example a monthly diesel index.

1. Open the price variable and click the pencil icon, or create a new one.
2. Switch on Time-bound. The Values per period section appears.
3. Click + Add period.
4. Choose the first and last day of the period in the calendar.
5. Enter the Value for that period.
6. Repeat for each period, or click Remove next to a period to delete it.
7. Click Save.

A trip is priced with the value of the period that covers its start date, and a transport order with the period that covers its earliest planned stop. Outside every period, the value at the top of the form is used. When periods overlap, the one that starts latest wins. Vehicles and fleet vehicles use today's value.

Use the variable in a module

• In a Formula module, type the variable name with a dollar sign in the Formula, for example {{ route.distance }} / 1000 * $diesel.
• In a Variable adjustment module, choose the price variable and enter the Base level, Per difference of and Change per step. When the index is above or below the base level, the price is adjusted accordingly.

See Price modules explained for all module types.

Update or remove a price variable

1. Find the variable in the Price variable list.
2. Click Edit at the end of the row, or click the row and then the pencil icon.
3. Enter the new Value, or add a period for a time-bound variable, and click Save.
4. To delete a variable, click Remove and confirm.

New price calculations use the new value. Invoices that were already created keep their amounts.