Features of Umberto

Here is a comprehensive list of Umberto features. For details on how these features are used please go to the 'Practice' section at my.umberto.de.

• Network Editor
  Graphical editor for building network models, interactively insert elements (transitions, places, arrows, labels, graphical objects). 'Look&Feel' for modifying networks and subnets. Grid, ruler, zoom. Free choice of colors. Change size of network elements, add cliparts or standard process symbols, embed graphics, photos, maps.

• Hierarchical Network Models
  A process (transition) can be modeled as a (sub)net in a separate editor window. Any number of subnet levels, fully incorporated in network calculation. Hierarchical tree-view.

• Sankey Diagrams
  Mass proportional colored flow diagrams for materials, energy or costs. Labeling of Sankey flows. Free setting of colors. Numerous display options. Scaling. Export and printing of Sankey diagrams.

• Materials
  Define substances, materials, semi-finished products, products and energy forms in a flexible, configurable material hierarchy with material groups. Standard basic units 'kg' and 'kJ', definition of additional individual units for display if quantities. Synonyms and multi-language support for materials.

• Material Properties, Units and Number Format
  Definition of technical, economic and ecological material properties, e.g. density, calorific value, thresholds, CAS number. Use of properties in definition of units, process specifications and assessment systems.  Standard basic units 'kg' for mass and 'kJ' for energy. Definition of additional basic units and any number of entry or display units. Setting of number format for quantities display.

• Projects, Scenarios, Periods
  Administer any number of projects with alternative scenarios. Material flow networks allow to study process systems for different time periods (fiscal year, quarter, month, day). Updating of flow data and modeling of time-related questions.

• Process Definitions
  Use pre-defined processes from the library or individually specify processes. Simple specification using input/output coefficients. Import from spreadsheet files. Non-linear process definitions using mathematical description of material flows. All mathematical operators and expressions plus a set of functions to be used: EXP, LN, SQR, SQRT, MAX, MIN, ABS, INT, ROUND, trigonometric functions, Boolean expressions, comparison operators, RANGE, DAYS, FIRSTDAY, LASTDAY, PI.Define parameters for adaptability of processes. Advanced process specification with scripts.

• Process Library
  Umberto contains a library with standard process modules. Process data are from various areas: transportation, energy generation, waste treatment, basic materials, plastics (see full list here). Process modules can be viewed and modified by the user, they are fully documented. Import and export. Numerous processes can be adapted flexibly through parameters. Own modules or process descriptions from other sources can be stored in the process library. Other process library (e.g. Ecoinvent) can be used as well.

• Allocations
  Individual allocation rules can be defined for transitions representing coupled processes (multi product processes). Predefined allocation methods (e.g. mass, value, material properties).

• Calculation
  Calculation of unknown flows and stocks in the process system (network) using known flows and process specifications. Fully consistent flow and stocks accounting. Modeling of recycling loops. Calculation over several periods using results from preceding period. Dynamic Models with closed loops (recyycling loops, feedback systems), observe flows and stocks. Monte-Carlo Simulation to account for uncertainty.

• Input/Output Inventories
  Display of Input/Output flows (balance sheet) for the overall process system or sections thereof. Consistency check. Internal flows and stocks. Analysis through grouping by processes or material groups. Detailed or aggregated view. Scale inventory to user-defined units. Integrated chart tool for diagrams. Assessment of inventory and balance comparison.

• Life Cycle Assessment
  Life Cycle Assessment of the individual products of a process system (functional units) calculated from the material flow network using allocation rules. Parallel calculation for all products in multi product systems.

• Performance Indicators
  Individual definition and structuring of valuation systems for assessment of calculation results. Free definition of valuation figures and key indicators. Use of mathematical functions, including logical operators and verbal variables (e.g. indicator value on ordinal scale). Export and import, application of assessment systems in other projects. Display of result figures in tables and graphically. Comparison of performance indicators.

• Cost Accounting
  Material direct costs and process costs. Free definition ofcost types and cost type groups. Build or import chart of accounts structure. Individually define cost drivers. Normal and marginal costing. Define variable and fixed costs per cost center. Product cost accounting analogously to product life cycle inventory. Present cost data as table, chart or Sankey.Data Quality Indicate data quality for known flows using categories (e.g. data age, technology used, geography, etc.). Visualize data quality as semaphore ("traffic light").

• Export and Print Reports
  Pre-configured print reports with project data and calculation results. Export and printing of network diagram and Sankey diagram. Export of data to external databases or spreadsheets. Graphics export in common file formats.

• Import Data
  import in most common data formats (e.g. Excel). SQL database interface. EcoSpold interface for exchange of process data.

• User Administration and Access Rights
  User administration with password-protected access to project data and library. Access control on scenario and transition level. Optional encryption of process specification details.

• Scripts and Customizing
  Advanced process specification with scripts (Python, Perl, VBScript, Java Script). Add new functions and dialog elements for specific corporate requirements. Customizing of Umberto for individual needs.

• Umberto Services and Training
  Regular training courses for beginners and advanced users. In-house training on site. Update and Support Service. my.Umberto User Forum on the WWW with download of files and updates. Annual Umberto User Workshop for exchange of experiences.

• User Manual and Online Help
  Comprehensive user manual with tutorial and training examples. Documentation of the process library as PDF file. Online F.A.Q. Context sensitive online help.