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?
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?
What forms are available?
Can I print on plain paper?
Do I have to purchase report numbers?
What formats of reports are available?
Can I insert electronic signatures?
Can I change the report colour?
I'm not a member of any particular organisation like the NICEIC or the ECA, can I still use the software?
Can I print circuit charts?
Can I work with remote engineers sending reports into a central location?
Can I download my test instruments directly into PIRform?
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Licensing / Subscription Service
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. There are a whole number of features that makes PIRform unique. The most important is that PIRform has the appropriate regulations built in and fills in the report for you as you type, spotting any deviations from BS 7671. PIRform is really easy to use and lets you do small or large jobs with ease. {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. You can override anythign that PIRform adds to your report at any time. After all, you're the engineer and it's your report! {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 and there is no need to backup and restore your whole database just to transfer file information. We do of course recommended that you back up your files regularly. {back to top}
Q. Can I save files to .pdf for distribution to my customers?
A. Yes - click here for more information. {back to top}
Q. Can I e-mail or send certficates to other PIRform users?
A. Yes, the Certificate Sharing feature lets you send files to other PIRform users. This feature is available in Premium Edition or with the Certificate Sharing Bolt On. {back to top}
Q. What forms are available?
A. See our features page for more details. {back to top}
Q. Can I print on plain paper?
A. Yes. PIRform is designed to print onto plain paper.
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Q. Do I have to purchase Report Numbers?
A. No. PIRform generates certificate numbers for you. You can control how they are generated and change the certificate number at any time. {back to top}
Q. What formats of reports are available?
A. The format for PIRform's reports closely follows the IET model reports. PIRform lets you produce domestic, commercial, industrial or any other type of report. You just selct the appropriate colour and add your company and trade organisation logo See some samples here. {back to top}
Q. Can I insert electronic signatures?
A. Yes. You can add any image file - such as a scan or a photo - of signatures against the engineer. {back to top}
Q. Can I change the report colour?
A. Yes, in each report there is a colour picker that lets you 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 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. Can I work with remote engineers sending reports into a central location?
A. Yes. The PIRform allows engineers to export one or more certificates to a file. The file can then be imported into another edition of PIRform. The files PIRform produces are small and can be easily emailed back to the office. Note that you will need Premium Edition or the Certificate Sharing bolt on.
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Q. Can I download my test instruments directly into PIRform?
A. Not yet, but we are currently working with the market leading test instrument manufacturer. Check back for further updates. {back to top}
Licensing / Subscription Service
Q. Why is PIRform licenced annually?
A. Each licence has a simple, single annual licence subscription. There are no other hidden charges for upgrades, maintenance or support. As long as your licence is current, you will always have access to the latest version. This allows us to release new features and updates due to regulation changes as soon as they are ready, and not wait to package them up into an upgrade and charge you for that. If you don't want to carry on using PIRform, you just don't renew your licence.
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Q. What happens if I don't want to renew 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. However, if you want to move away from PIRform for any reason, we will make sure that you have managed to save all your certificates to PDFs before you stop using it completely. {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. You can access your licence in the Client Centre here.
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Q. How many computers can I use PIRform on with one licence?
A. PIRform is licensed to the computer. You will need one licence 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. Just email our Help Desk (support@pirform.co.uk) and we will get you up and running again.
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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. Just email our Help Desk (support@pirform.co.uk) and we will get you up and running again. (Note that we limit the number of times that you can transfer a licence.)
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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 using the contact details here.
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Suggestions
Q. What's your policy on customer feedback and suggestions?
A. We love to hear from our users, and a lot of your suggestions have been put into PIRform so far, and we intend to continue doing that. You can either just drop us an email (support@pirform.co.uk) or post your suggestion to our website forums 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 attend trade fairs - please come along to see us there. Keep an eye on our blog for more details.
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