Assigning a column role

Column roles enable enhanced bidder feedback and bid validation. You can assign column roles to specific columns on the Columns tab.

Column roles area
Figure 1. Column roles area

Column roles can only be assigned to numeric, purchaser-input columns.

The following column roles are available.

Historic

This enables the calculation of savings when evaluating scenarios. The historic cost must be scaled to reflect the cost calculation model you are using. For example, if your cost calculation is annualized, your historical cost must also be annualized. Similarly, if your cost calculation is based on unit cost, your historical cost must also be based on unit cost. For additional information, see Historic cost and the Historic column role.

Reserve

This enables reserve met feedback in Event Settings. When this feedback is enabled, in the bid sheet, a blue indicator is displayed when the reserve has been met; a gray indicator is displayed when the reserve has not been met. For additional information, see Reserve feedback.

Target

This enables proximity to target feedback in Event Settings. When this feedback is enabled, in the bid sheet, a traffic light color system is displayed to indicate bidder performance. Alternatively, direct targets can be displayed. For additional information, see Traffic light feedback and target rates.

Bid decrement

This enables a required minimum bid reduction for the column. For example, if the current bid is $100, and the bid decrement is set at $5, the next bid must be $95 or lower, to be valid.

Minimum bid value

This enables minimum bid value validation. Bidders receive an error message if their bids — as per the primary cost calculation — are below this limit.

Maximum bid value

This enables maximum bid value validation. Bidders receive an error message if their bids — as per the primary cost calculation — are above this limit.

Volume

This enables awarded volume calculation in scenario analysis, volume-based trigger criteria for bundle discounts, and lot share capacity. If you want to enable bidders to offer discounts based on the volume they are awarded or to define their lot share capacity limits, you must assign the Volume role to the column containing the volume or demand in your bid sheet. For additional information, see Enabling volume-based bidder discounts and Capacity tab.

Assigning a column role
Figure 2. Assigning a column role

To assign a column role to a column, complete the following steps:

  1. Go to Design > Bid Sheet.
  2. Click the Columns tab.
  3. In the Column roles area, click Assign roles.
  4. Under the column role you want to assign, select the column you want to assign the role to from the Column list.
  5. At the top of the page, click Save changes.

To unassign a column role, under the column role you want to unassign, from the Column list, select Not assigned.