MSAR
Input Data File
Specify the input data file (or files, if appropriate). It must be located in the Scheme Folder.
Double Clicking will activate the standard Windows Open File Dialog box for selection of a file.
Data Format
The data format of the data file(s).
The data format are saved parameters specifying the column specification of each of the data items contained in the data file. Data format descriptions are prefixed by an indication of the type of format e.g. <Act> for Actives, <Def> for Deferreds, <Pen> for Pensioners.
If you intend to use the GMP Calculators to calculate GMPs after creating your data, ensure that columns are created in your data file for these fields. (In addition, enter dummy data into the data file for the first member that is at least as large as the largest expected GMP for all members. This will ensure that the Format created leaves sufficient space for the GMPs calculated.)
Data>Build
If you have created data using Data>Build then the format name will be the same as the original source (CSV) file or Excel file/tab name.
BasisModule>Migrate
If you have migrated your data files from earlier versions the name will be unchanged.
Start Date (fixed)
Specify a fixed date in DD/MM/CCYY format for start date of the period of accrual. If the start date is a member data item then select this from the drop-down list.
Finish Date (fixed)
Specify a fixed date in DD/MM/CCYY format for the finish date of the
period of accrual. If the finish date is a member data item or DOBADD
select this from the drop-down list.
Service Calculation
- Service Calculation - Period
- Rounding
Select from the drop-down list what service rounding to apply in the calculations. The options are:
- Days
- Months
- Years
Normal Retirement Age
- Male Normal Retirement Age
- Female Normal Retirement Age
Specify the Normal Retirement Age i.e. the age at which it is should be assumed the member will retire.
Accrual Percentage (fixed)
Enter the target percentage accrual that the members should receive at the end of the period. The period is defined by the start and finish dates. The target percentage can either be a fixed rate (for all members in the data file) or a member data item.
To enter a fixed percentage, enter the percentage here i.e. for a target
2/3rds accrual enter 66.667 rather than 0.66667.
To enter a member data item, the select from the drop-down list the data item containing the relevant percentage.
To enter an Accrual Rate Table, ensure this field is left blank.
Accrual Rate Table
Enter the code for the cumulative accrual rate table (type HT).
Members will achieve the pension percentage at the end of the period
between start and finish dates shown in the table.
Please note that only one of the accrual rate fields can be used i.e. one of:
- Accrual Percentage (fixed)
- Accrual Percentage (data item)
- Accrual Rate Table
Related
Selecting rate tables
Rate tables can be selected by any of the following methods:
- Right-click on the field for a list of appropriate Rate Tables. For a field that will accept more than one type of Rate Table (e.g. Miscellaneous Tables), the list will be restricted to the current Table Type specified in the field – if you wish to see all allowable Rate Tables, delete the Table Type from the field before clicking; or
- Double Clicking on the field will produce the Rate Tables form where Rate Tables can be viewed (numerically and graphically) and Rate Tables can be added or edited. A Rate Table can be selected by pressing the Select button or double clicking on the Rate Table description in the tree; or
- the list of allowable Rate Tables can be scrolled through by
pressing the
<or>keys. The description of the Rate Table to the right of the field will change as each new Table is selected.
Minimum Accrual Rate: Numerator
The accrual rate data item that is calculated can be subject to a minimum and a maximum. Enter the numerator of any minimum accrual rate required in this field.
For example to satisfy the Reference Scheme Test you may wish to set a
minimum of 1/80ths. If this is the case enter 1 in this field.
Enter zero in this field to ignore any minimum accrual rate.
Minimum Accrual Rate: Denominator
The accrual rate data item that is calculated can be subject to a minimum and a maximum. Enter the denominator of any minimum accrual rate required in this field.
For example to satisfy the Reference Scheme Test you may wish to set a
minimum of 1/80ths. If this is the case enter 80 in this field.
Enter zero in this field to ignore any minimum accrual rate.
Maximum Accrual Rate: Numerator
The accrual rate data item that is calculated can be subject to a minimum and a maximum. Enter the numerator of any maximum accrual rate required in this field.
For example to satisfy Inland Revenue Maximum you may wish to set a
maximum of 1/30ths. If this is the case enter 1 in this field.
Enter zero in this field to ignore any maximum accrual rate.
Maximum Accrual Rate: Denominator
The accrual rate data item that is calculated can be subject to a minimum and a maximum. Enter the denominator of any maximum accrual rate required in this field.
For example to satisfy Inland Revenue Maximum you may wish to set a
maximum of 1/30ths. If this is the case enter 30 in this field.
Enter zero in this field to ignore any maximum accrual rate.
Output Data File
Specify a name for the data file. The filename specified must not already exist as it will not overwrite an existing file. It will be created in the Scheme Folder.
Double Clicking will activate the standard Windows Open File Dialog
box for selection of a file (which can be used as a starting point for
the name of the file).
Decimal Places in Accrual Rate
Enter the number of decimal places you would like the accrual rate calculated to.
The Display button
Pressing the Display button pop-ups a window which allows you to display a member record with a ruler to determine column specifications.
On the Display window, you can specify the name of the data file (.dat file) and record number from that file.
Run
Click the Run button to run the calculations.
Save As
Click the Save As button to save with a new parameter description.
Save
Clicking on the Save button allows you to save the entries.
Quit
Clicking on the Quit button allows you to exit without saving any of your changes.
In some of the screens you will be asked to confirm if you want to exit Ignoring all changes. If you click Yes, the file will be closed without saving any changes. If you click No you will be returned to your original screen.