Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions. If you can't find the answer here,
visit our Help Centre
PIRform
Licensing/Subscription Service
Support
Suggestions
PIRform
What's so different about PIRform,
compared with other software packages available?
What's the minimum specification for
my PC/laptop
Will PIRform do everything for me?
What if I don't want PIRform to validate
everything, or maybe just one thing?
Why doesn't PIRform offer any guidance on
coding?
Can I add to the list of options in the drop down
menus?
Doesn't the Intelligence allow just anyone to use
PIRform?
I want to send a file to another computer, do I
have to backup my entire database, and then restore it
again?
Can I save files to .pdf for distribution to my
customers?
Can I e-mail files?
How do I know what has been over-ridden, and what
has been changed by the reviewer?
What forms are available?
Can I print on plain paper?
Do I have to purchase Report Numbers?
Does PIRform have the never ending row of tabs
across the report, when multiple boards are added?
What formats of reports are available?
Can I insert electronic signatures?
Can I customise the colours of the report to match
my company colours?
I'm not a member of any particular organisation
like the NICEIC or the ECA, can I still use the software?
Can I add photographs to the report?
I want to edit photos I add, i.e. add some text to
the image, or an arrow to highlight a certain area, is this
possible?
My customers keep asking me for Schematic
diagrams, am I able to create them easily in PIRform?
Can I print circuit charts?
I want to lock a report so no-one else but me can
edit it, how do I do this?
We have a large number of engineers, all using
software remotely, we want to have a central database where files
can be sent to and reviewed centrally, is this an option?
Can I use my PDA with PIRform?
Can I download my test instruments directly
into PIRform?
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Licensing / Subscription Service
Why is PIRform® Licenced, why can't I just buy the
product outright?
What happens if I don't renew my licence(s) every
year?
How long do I have to re-new my licence?
I have several licences, spread throughout the year,
how can I manage them?
How many computers can I use PIRform® on with one
licence?
My PC had to be re-formatted and I've had to
re-install the software, will the licence key still work?
I had to buy a new pc/laptop as my original one
has crashed, can I transfer the licence key to another
machine?
How much will it cost?
What do I get for my subscription?
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Support
What level of support will I receive?
How do I get in contact with you?
Will I get any updates or upgrades?
What about amendments to the Regs (BS7671) will they
be included?
I need help with certain aspects of the
software, can you help?
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Suggestions
What's your policy on customer feedback and
suggestions?
How do I offer a suggestion, perhaps for the
next edition of PIRform®?
Will you be conducting any seminars on the
product?
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PIRform
Q. What's so different about PIRform, compared with other
software packages available?
A. PIRform has been created with the appropriate Regulations built
in, which monitors all the values that are inputted into the forms.
If PIRform spots any deviations from the guidelines of BS 7671,
then the user is alerted and PIRform offers to automatically fill
in any relevant Observations with the correct statement and
regulation number, Page 4 of the report will also be auto filled
should the user accept the deviance. We feel that this makes for a
more accurate and consistent way of working, making a better
product for you and your customer. With the addition of easily
selectable drop down menus, PIRform will save hours on producing
reports. {back to top}
Q. What's the minimum specification for my PC/laptop
A. We do not recommend running PIRform on Netbooks, as they are
primarily designed for surfing the net and emailing.
We recommend your PC /laptop has a minimum of a dual core
processor, and 2GB RAM.
Q. Will PIRform do everything for me?
A. No, PIRform can only offer guidance based on the data the user
inputs. The software cannot make judgement calls on visual issues,
and will only calculate values based on the engineers data input
and selections. PIRform will however carry out various report
updates in the background as you work, but the engineer still has
to make decisions and choices based in his/her competence.
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Q. What if I don't want PIRform to validate everything, or maybe
just one thing?
A. The user has the option to over-ride the Intelligence feature.
This comes with a warning though, if the user decides to ignore the
Intelligence, then a statement will be added to the finished report
stating that the user has decided to over-ride the facility and
that any comments, observations, test results etc have not been
verified by PIRform. The user also has the facility to over-ride
just one item, and PIRform will carry on monitoring input
thereafter. {back to top}
Q. Why doesn't PIRform offer any guidance on coding?
A. One simple reason, to protect the integrity of PIRform AND the
engineer carrying out the inspection and test. PIRform cannot make
judgement calls on visual observations, and the variety of
situations that could arise from certain situations is beyond the
scope of this software. We have thought long and hard about
offering guidance and coding, and the Electrical Safety Council has
released a document (can be downloaded from here)with some
guidance on coding for the 17th Edition. We feel however, that a
competent person still needs to have the final say as to the
severity of any Observations and Recommendations they make. If
PIRform were to offer a suggestion that a particular item should be
a Code 2 when it should be a Code 1 in the eyes of the engineer,
then the software could be liable for errors in reporting, or
possible even endanger lives. Therefore, PIRform will NOT be
offering any guidance on Coding. {back to
top}
Q. Can I add to the list of options in the drop down
menus?
A. Currently no, but this is something we are working on.
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Q. Doesn't the Intelligence allow just anyone to use
PIRform?
A. PIRform has been designed with both the experienced and the new
user in mind. The purpose of the Intelligence engine is NOT to take
away any of the expertise and experience of test engineers,
electricians or any other users. It is intended to speed the
process of form filling by offering pre-written statements,
monitoring data input etc. Anyone who uses PIRform should still
have a level of competence, be suitable qualified, or have been
assessed under the many schemes offered by the NICEIC, ELECSA, ECA,
NAPIT, PART P, SELECT or. A person who is untrained, un-qualified,
incompetent or in-experienced would still not be able to compile a
suitably acceptable report, despite the assistance from the
Intelligence Within. {back to top}
Q. I want to send a file to another computer, do I have to
backup my entire database, and then restore it again?
A. No, sending files to other computers is easy, each report is
saved as a separate file, (although it can only be opened by
PIRform) there is no need to backup and restore databases just to
transfer file information. (Premium Edition feature only). It is
recommended however that you back up your files anyway, in case of
computer crashes etc. {back to top}
Q. Can I save files to .pdf for distribution to my
customers?
A. Yes, the Print Preview has a pdf generator at the top right
hand side of the Control Ribbon {back to
top}
Q. Can I e-mail or send certficates to other PIRform
users?
A. (Premium Edition feature only) Yes, the Certificate
Sharing feature will you to send files to other PIRform users.
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Q. How do I know what has been over-ridden, and what has been
changed by the reviewer?
A. A button on the control panel offers the reviewer to see if the
engineer who created the report has decided to over-ride any of the
Intelligent validation. This gives the reviewer the chance to check
with the engineer that it is not a simple typing error, and justify
the reasons for the over-ride. The engineer also has the option to
see what changes the reviewer made, by selecting the track changes
feature. (Both these features can be turned off or password
protected). (Premium Edition feature only)
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Q. What forms are available?
A. PIRform Lite contains the following forms:
- Periodic Inspection Report
- Minor Works Certificate
- Electrical Installation Certificate
- Visual Condition Report
The Premium Edition will contain all other Fire Alarm and
Emergency Lighting forms. {back to top}
Q. Can I print on plain paper?
A. Yes, we feel there is more flexibility with Logos and company
customisation. PIRform will be able to overprint on 'computer
friendly pre purchased paper' in subsequent updates which all
current licence holders will receive automatically as they are
released.
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Q. Do I have to purchase Report Numbers?
A. No, you are able to set whichever type and format of numbering
system you already have in place, making any transition from other
packages seamless and hassle free. {back to
top}
Q. Does PIRform have the never ending row of tabs across the
report, when multiple boards are added?
A. No, this was one of the major annoyances with other packages.
PIRform will have a separate expanding window, where new boards
will reside when created. The user has the option to double click
any named Board within the window to open it. The window gives a
much easier view, and also lets the user know if sub mains have
been allocated or not at a glance. {back to
top}
Q. What formats of reports are available?
A. The format for all reports will be a familiar looking
format.The official line from all trade organisations is that they
will not allow us to supply any logos with the package. You WILL
however, be able to download an appropriate logo, if you are
enrolled with the organisation, and upload it to PIRform, which
will then be printed along with your own company logo. The colours
of each report will reflect the organisations base colours (these
will be editable should the user wish to adapt their own company
colours). {back to top}
Q. Can I insert electronic signatures?
A. Yes, simply scan your signature into your pc, and use thr Add
signature wizard to import it into PIRform. {back to top}
Q. Can I customise the colours of the report to match my company
colours?
A. Yes, in each report, there is a colour picker, where you can
change the report colour at any time.
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Q. I'm not a member of any particular organisation like the
NICEIC or the ECA, can I still use the software?
A. Of course, you can still add your company logo, and PIRform
will still work in exactly the same way as it does for a member of
one of the scheme operators. {back to top}
Q. Can I add photographs to the report?
A. (Premium Edition feature only) Yes, a simple 'Add Photo'
button is included for addition of any type of external information
file. PIRform also gives you the option to 'link' photos or files
to any Recommendations. {back to top}
Q. I want to edit photos I add, i.e. add some text to the image,
or an arrow to highlight a certain area, is this possible?
A. (Premium Edition feature only) Yes, PIRform contains a
bespoke photo editing suite within the software. You can add
arrows, circle images, add text etc on photos without leaving the
program. {back to top}
Q. My customers keep asking me for Schematic diagrams, am I able
to create them easily in PIRform?
A. We are developing a new product which will 'bolt into' PIRform
and will generate CAD style Schematic Drawings based on the
information you enter. The schematic drawing also shows at a glance
if there are any un-associated sub mains. more... {back to top}
Q. Can I print circuit charts?
A. Yes, PIRform auto generates from the data you input. You can
print an individual chart on site, batch print the whole
installations charts, and include all charts with the report when
you despatch it to the client.. {back to
top}
Q. I want to lock a report so no-one else but me can edit it,
how do I do this?
A. (Premium Edition feature only) PIRform contains certain
security measures, and you can set permissions and levels of
access. Reports, files, or even the program can be password
protected and can have multiple log ins. {back to
top}
Q. We have a large number of engineers, all using software
remotely, we want to have a central database where files can be
sent to and reviewed centrally, is this an option?
A. (Premium Edition feature only) Not yet, however, we are
currently laying the foundations and design for a multi network
version. This will include multiple users, being able to upload
files to a central database, either your own or you will be able to
host all your files securely on our own remote servers.
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Q. Can I use my PDA with PIRform?
A. Not yet, but future versions will have the facility to use
PIRform on a PDA. {back to top}
Q. Can I download my test instruments directly into
PIRform?
A. We are currently working with the market leader in test
instrument manufacture, to revolutionise the way test instruments
handle and download data. Check back for further updates. {back to top}
Licensing / Subscription Service
Q. Why is PIRform Licenced, why can't I just buy the product
outright?
A. A Licence or subscription service is the most cost effective
way to keep your product up to date. The subscription includes full
support, updates and upgrades. Whenever a change is made to BS
7671, as long as you have a current licence, you will receive the
updated version at no extra cost.
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Q. What happens if I don't want to re-new my licence(s)?
A. Your copy of PIRform will stop working if you do not renew your
licence. You will need to purchase a renewal to continue using
PIRform. {back to top}
Q. How long do I have to re-new my licence?
A. There is no time period, your data will always be secure, even
if you renew a year or more later. {back to
top}
Q. I have several licences, spread throughout the year, how can
I manage them?
A. Multi user licences can be managed from the web site, simply
log-in to the client centre, with your username and password,
update any existing licences, add new ones, check the status of all
your licences.
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Q. How many computers can I use PIRform on with one
licence?
A. One, additional licences will need to be purchased per
computer. {back to top}
Q. My PC had to be re-formatted and I've had to re-install the
software, will the licence key still work?
A. It is unlikely as the machine code will have changed. Email us
with the activation code and we will re-instate the licence.
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Q. I had to buy a new pc/laptop as my original one has crashed,
can I transfer the licence key to another machine?
A. Should this happen, you will need to contact support, and we will
manually de-activate the licence for the old machine.
NOTE: This procedure can only be carried out on one
occasion.
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Q. How much will it cost?
A. Pricing can be found here
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Q. What do I get for my money?
A. Full details of the licensing service can be found here.
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Support
Q. What level of support will I receive?
A. With your purchase or re-subscription to PIRform, you will
receive 12 months full support which covers technical issues,
problems with the software, help with using the software. Support
is between office hours from 9am to 17:00pm Monday to Friday
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Q. How do I get in contact with you?
A. There are a number of ways you can contact support, by e-mail,
the website, or directly from PIRform Contact details can be found
here.
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Q. Will I get any updates or upgrades?
A. Yes, with your purchase, you will be entitled to all updates
and upgrades, {back to top}
Q. What about amendments to the Regs (BS7671) will they be
included?
A. Yes, the licensing service is to ensure that your copy of
PIRform is up to date. Any amendments that the IEE make to BS 7671,
we will make sure they are included as soon as possible. {back to top}
Q. I need help with certain aspects of the software, can you
help?
A. You should first check the knowledge base and help files that
are included within PIRform, they should be able to help you with
all aspects of running the software, from setting up, creating
reports, adding boards and printing amongst other help contents.
Should you not find the answer you are looking for, we will have
downloadable tutorial files for you to watch and follow, to make
sure you are getting the most out of PIRform. Failing that, you
should contact us by email or by phone, contact details are here.
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Suggestions
Q. What's your policy on customer feedback and
suggestions?
A. One of the reasons PIRform has been so long in the making is
due to all the suggestions we have received engineers. We feel that
the best people to create a product, are the people that use it,
you. Therefore we welcome all suggestions for future versions, and
will consider all possibilities. To voice your suggestions, please
join the user group and post a thread to start a discussion. The
user group/forum is monitored by us, and we welcome all opinions.
User group/forum can be found here. {back to
top}
Q. How do I offer a suggestion, perhaps for the next edition of
PIRform?
A. The best way is to put your suggestion on the user group forum. There
is a special section for suggestions, where you can describe what
you'd like to see, and for others to interact and perhaps make
other suggestions. Or you could always e-mail us. {back to top}
Q. Will you be conducting any seminars on the product?
A. Yes, we are hoping to attend any relevant trade fairs too. We
will keep you informed of any dedicated seminars we will be
conducting, register your interest here.
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