Release History

This release is all about Array Variables! We’ve been working hard to release this feature, which allows even more flexibility and ease of configuration, particularly for variable-type products.

NEW

• Arrays & Array Variables can now be configured and used! Array variables allow users to specify a different formula for different values of an array, and then reference the array variable from other variables. This effectively creates a chain of calculations that iterates on the array values, without having to configure each one throughout the chain. Array value results can also be aggregated or singled out for more complex/flexible calculations.
  
  See our help site documentation here for more detailed information.

IMPROVEMENTS

• We’ve added a bit more context to the error message when an IRR formula fails to calculate properly, so users can more easily troubleshoot any issues.

FIXES

• Fixed an issue when calculating deeply nested IRR formulas that project well beyond the end of the projection with a very specific and uncommon configuration that sometimes generated errors.

This release focuses on some smaller improvements and bug fixes while we work on some larger initiatives behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more soon!

IMPROVEMENTS

• Existing references to old scenario table versions can now be selected when updating projection settings. This allows the updating of settings without changing the scenario table to a new version.
• The ‘Share’ link on dashboards is now also available on dashboards without filters.
• We’ve updated the error message on a failed economic variable rate scenario file read in the calculation engine logs to include the name of the variable rate for easier diagnosis.

FIXES

• Fixed formula builder state issues with deeply nested time indexed variable references within goal seek seed formulas.
• Fixed an issue causing cell selection in the data table editor to require a refresh to work properly after removing rows from the table.
• Saving a variable while the variable list is filtered no longer clears out the filter.
• Fixed an issue where info icon tooltips were sometimes not displaying on formulas.

OPERATIONS

• We’ve upgraded some backend servers with the latest patches to keep performance and security up to date.

NEW

• A new formula that allows Rounding, Floor, and Ceiling calculations is available in the formula builder.

IMPROVEMENTS

• We’ve improved the user feedback in the Execute and Analyze modules when an old scenario file version is being referenced:

• Scenario file records that go beyond the start/end of the projection time are now supported. In addition, it is now possible to reference time periods beyond the end of the scenario (the last scenario record will be used, in this case).
• The model point allocation field on investment files is now validated when setting the file on the product set allocation, to prevent a validation error further downstream in the calculation engine.
• A link is now available when viewing data tables to take users back to the input table structure for that table.
• Product Output Groupings are now included when copying a product.
• IRR calculations will now log an error message if attempting to calculate beyond the terminal time.

FIXES

• Fixed an issue where scenario files could sometimes not be deleted when still referenced by a projection template.
• Fixed an overlay issue when scrolling on the formula builder.

NEW

• The formula builder can now be zoomed in and out using a slider and zoom buttons in the toolbar. This applies to both the edit screen and the relationship view, for ease of viewing longer formulas.

IMPROVEMENTS

• Users can now navigate back to the model details in model development or assumption management using the icon in the upper right, in addition to the existing icon which allows users to switch between development/assumptions.

• The “Welcome to SLOPE” e-mail that users first receive when added to the system has been overhauled with improved formatting and more information/direction about the system, where to find help resources, etc.

• We’ve improved the feedback users receive when hitting their concurrent scenario limit (for user licenses with a concurrent limit).
• Calculation engine performance has been improved.

FIXES

• Fixed a layout issue that sometimes occurred on delete confirmation dialogs.
• Fixed a state issue with the formula builder that sometimes occurred when creating groupings.
• Fixed file import worksheet selection during inline uploading for excel files within upload dialogs.

We are hard at work behind the scenes focusing on some larger initiatives, but in the meantime we hope you enjoy this week’s updates!

NEW

• Notes can now be added to files after they are uploaded in the file manager.

IMPROVEMENTS

• The table editors now support Ctrl + Arrow Key functionality, allowing users to quickly move to the beginning or the end of a row or column within a table.
• Scenario tables can now be included during Model Export and Model Copy.
• “0” and “1” are now valid values for booleans when importing files.
• Assumption Sets are now visible on the Inputs Used tab on the model results page.
• On the model validation details page, items that contain only one child entity are now collapsed to save space.
• Input table structure list is now refreshed after editing a table’s name.

FIXES

• Fixed an issue in some browsers where a login screen was sometimes appearing when duplicating a browser tab in the Results module.
• Fixed an inaccurate validation error message when uploading a new scenario file inline that had the same file name as the existing file.

In this release, we’ve focused on a significant number of “quality of life” improvements that we’ve received as feedback or have noticed internally. We hope you enjoy!

NEW

• Projections can now be deleted in bulk in both the Execute and Analyze areas.

• Specific dashboard results can now be shared via a new button that copies a URL to the clipboard. The link will take a user to the exact dashboard result, including any filters that have been applied.

• A runtime counter now displays during model execution and after completion.

IMPROVEMENTS

• Relationship View improvements:
  • A new link has been added to load the variable editor for a selected variable.
  • Double-clicking a node now loads the relationship view for that variable.
• Variable editor improvements:
  • When filtering variable lists, a filter indicator will now show up showing that a filter is applied. Clicking on the icon will clear any filters.
  • Last modified information is now displayed on variable details.
  • Input table column names are now sorted in the formula builder.
• Projections can now be deleted from their details page.
• Keyboard navigation is now supported within dropdowns in the table editors.
• The Input Tables section in model development has been renamed Table Structures and simplified to focus on table definition editing to enable faster editing while also helping with the conceptual separation of model code vs model assumptions.
• Newly uploaded files in the file manager will now display an “Uploaded On” timestamp as well as the user that uploaded the file.
• Panels in the diff view in Change Management displaying a change to an entity are now collapsible.
• We’ve improved the messaging around goal seek formulas that do not converge.
• Data table descriptions can now be edited.
• Model tags are now copied when copying a model.
• A more appropriate error message is now displayed when a file type cannot be determined during file selection.
• The Model Copy and Model Export views are now sorted.
• Performance improvements have been made in the calculation engine.
• The Initial Premium system model point field has been removed.

FIXES

• Fixed problems that sometimes occurred while parsing delimited flat files during data table import. Column headers are now also case insensitive.
• Fixed an error during projection comparison.
• Switching between a report with filters to one without now properly clears the filters section.

NEW

• Formulas can now be ungrouped in the formula builder via a new icon at the top of any grouping.

• A new “Rolling Value” formula type is available on all variables, which allows users to calculate a moving value (average, min, max, median, sum) of a time indexed variable over time.

• A new option is available on templates/projections that allows users to run variables with no tags in addition to the selected variable tags, if any are applied.

IMPROVEMENTS

• “Sparsely” populated scenario files are now supported, allowing users to carry values forward over time and only specify time indexes where there is a change in value.
• In preparation for future model governance features, Projection Templates have been moved to the Assumption Management module to more easily distinguish model code from model assumptions.
• “Economic Scenarios” section in the Development module has been renamed “Economic Scenario Structure” for clarity of intent.
• File names are now included in the deletion confirmation in the file manager, to help users be sure they selected the right file to delete.
• Dashboard filters are now expanded by default in the reporting module.
• Product aggregation options can now be set during creation in addition to editing.
• Performance improvements have been made around model point file validation.

FIXES

• Pressing the “Return”/”Enter” key while editing constants in the formula builder will now “commit” the changes without removing the formula.
• Fixed a slight flicker when loading pages with tag filter controls.
• Fixed issues with less common file delimiters during parsing in the calculation engine.
• Error messages when parsing investment files in the calculation engine are now propagated to the run logs appropriately so users can more easily troubleshoot.
• Fixed an issue causing company calculations to error inappropriately when relying on a non-output portfolio variable aggregation.

NEW

• Groupings can now be created from existing formulas in the formula builder by selecting the formulas and selecting the grouping icon.

• Variable lists at all levels can now be filtered by tag in addition to name, and the filter control remains fixed at the top of list for ease of use.

IMPROVEMENTS

• Validation errors are now shown properly for “root” level formulas. For example, the date field in the Date Part formula.

• An icon now displays next to variables that are tagged, showing all tags on hover of the icon.

• A new “Re-run” button is available on completed projections which allows users to re-run and replace the results of an existing projection, preventing the need to delete the results later when they are no longer needed.
• Minor interface improvements have been made to the formula builder for ease of use.
• Performance improvements have been made to the interactions with filters and dashboards in the Model Results module.
• Yield curve points and currencies can now be merged in the Change Management module, as well as changes to existing input tables.
• Entities in the merge preview are now sorted within each section by name.
• Scenario files can now be downloaded from the Model Results module on the details view.

FIXES

• Whitespace is now trimmed on either side of data table values on save to prevent parsing issues downstream.
• Fixed an issue where post projection calculations were sometimes not being calculated in dynamic mode if a model point was terminated during processing.

OPERATIONS

• We’ve upgraded versions of some backend technologies we use in order to keep up to date with the latest in performance and security.

NEW

• Tagging is now available on projections and projection templates, independent of the model tags. This allows for organization, filtering, and a new “grouped by projection tag” view in both the Execute and Analyze modules.

• We’ve added new views to the model list in model development to provide more options for organization, including groupings by tag and legal entity.
• Portfolio variables can now be merged in the Change Management module.

IMPROVEMENTS

• “Page Up” and “Page Down” keys now select cells appropriately when navigating within the table editors, in addition to scrolling the pane.
• Minor performance improvements have been made to the reporting module queries and when restarting a scenario.

FIXES

• Fixed redirect when attempting to log off of an already expired session.
• Info message about variable references now updates appropriately on input tables after adding a variable that references it.
• Self-referencing variables now properly reference themselves after merging and/or copying.

OPERATIONS

• We’ve made several upgrades and updates to our backend servers for improved reliability and performance. This includes updating server software as well as adding new hardware for disaster recovery.
• Several architectural changes are being made behind the scenes to support a host of upcoming features.

NEW

• We’ve added new views to the Model Execution and Model Results modules that allow users to view projections in a variety of different ways, as well as filter by model tags. Here is an example of one of the new views (collapsible grouped sections by status):

• Variable Tags can now be selected on templates and projections in order to filter projection output. Use this option to filter out variables to speed up model runs and/or focus on variables of interest.

• New & existing company variables, new data tables, new mortality tables, new variable rates, and all model point file definition changes can now be merged between models in the Change Management module.

IMPROVEMENTS

• To improve overall run stability and performance, users will now be prompted to turn off model point output when starting a projection with multiple scenarios. If model point output is left on, SLOPE will attempt to run the scenarios in the most optimal way for stability and performance.
• File references in the Execute and Analyze modules now properly store references to old file versions, should they be needed for download.

FIXES

• Fixed an issue in the reporting module when creating new dashboards that sometimes required a page refresh in order to populate the Projection ID filter properly.
• Fixed an error that sometimes occurred when trying to delete a portfolio.
• Excluding certain entities from a model copy no longer causes issues downstream.