This overview collects the most frequently asked questions about using Helix. Each section explains step-by-step how to handle common actions and troubleshoot issues.
If you don’t see your question here, please email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help.
Modeling
What should I do about Excel and import errors?
What should I do about Excel and import errors?
The Import/Export function in Helix requires strict formatting. If the file format does not match, Helix cannot process your data.
To avoid errors:
Always start by exporting an Excel file from the same page where you want to import data. This ensures the correct format.
Make sure the Excel file:
Follows the pre-configured Helix import format. Do not change the number of columns or the column titles.
Does not contain any formulas. If a value was calculated by a formula, paste it as a value (use Excel’s Paste Special > Values option).
Does not include values referring to cells outside the table. Avoid using lookup or reference functions, as Helix cannot follow those links.
..
Why is the old name still visible in the 'add materials' list if I've changed the material name in the composition?
Why is the old name still visible in the 'add materials' list if I've changed the material name in the composition?
When you rename a material in Helix, the software treats it as a new material but keeps the old name stored. To remove the old name, go to the Purchasing page, click the X next to the old dataset to delete it. Make sure you first add the correct dataset to the new material before removing the old one.
I've received an error message. What can I do to resolve it?
I've received an error message. What can I do to resolve it?
During the implementation process in Helix, the following errors may occur in certain situations.
This error can have different causes depending on the situation:
When changing the company name in an existing account:
After the error appears, click Back in your browser. You will return to the Settings page, and the company name will have been updated to your input.Error when viewing results, but results look fine for another Ecochain user:
Try deleting the cookies in your browser.Error when clicking on Results:
If this happens in a copied account, it is often due to incorrect Calculation Method settings. You can adjust this under Settings > Calculation Method.Error when importing Excel files:
See the next section below for guidance.
Why do no products match the criteria?
Why do no products match the criteria?
This is a statistical error that happens if products have compositions but no Usages & Emissions or processes entered yet in the account.
To solve this:
Add a very small amount (e.g., 0.0000001 kg) of water on the Usages & Emissions page at the company level.
Create a process and allocate 100% of this water usage to it.
On the Process x Product page, choose the Custom distribution method, untick all boxes, and click Save.
Recalculate the account.
All statistics will now be visible without the process being allocated to your product.
How do I empty a year in Helix so I can copy new data into it?
How do I empty a year in Helix so I can copy new data into it?
To clear out a year or scenario in Helix, follow these steps in this exact order. If you do them in a different sequence, you may still be unable to copy new data into the year. If that happens, create one item on each page and then repeat the steps in the correct order.
Do not delete the use & end-of-life (EOL) scenarios inside the year or scenario. Instead, check that they are no longer linked to products in the year you want to clear.
Delete all compositions using the Clear all compositions button.
Delete all products using the Delete all products button.
Delete all transport distances:
Click the x icons under Transport method.
This will automatically remove the distances and references below.
Make sure to delete both the dataset and the transport method itself (for example, “lorry”).
Delete all purchased materials and references:
First, click Delete all datasets.
Then click Delete all materials.
Delete all usages and emissions using Delete all footprint-items.
Delete all processes using the Delete all processes button.
Click Recalculate.
Once you complete these steps, the scenario is empty, and you can copy data into this year again.
How can I use a dummy product when only part of the production volume or weight is available?
How can I use a dummy product when only part of the production volume or weight is available?
Why would you want to do this?
Using a dummy product is helpful if you don’t yet have complete or accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all products but still want to get started with modeling in Helix.
This approach allows you to gradually build and improve the model as more data becomes available.
Caution - Adjusting the dummy product: Each time you update the actual products, adjust the dummy product’s production volume so your totals remain correct.
How to set it up
If you don’t have BOM data for a portion of the portfolio, you can still start modeling with the information you do have:
Enter Usage and Emission (U&E) data for the entire location as you normally would.
Add products as usual in the software.
Include a dummy product in the list of products:
Combine all remaining products without BOM data into this single dummy product.
Estimate the production volume and the average weight of these products.
Import everything into Helix.
The only step you cannot complete for the dummy product is the BOM tab.
In the Process x Product tab, select the production volume option.
In the Results – Product view:
By default (single product view), the dummy product will only show impacts for stage A3.
If you switch to production volume or total production views, you will see that the dummy product has significant impacts compared to other products, but still only contains A3 impacts.
How can I retrieve product IDs (UUIDs) from Helix?
How can I retrieve product IDs (UUIDs) from Helix?
Product IDs (UUIDs) are sometimes needed for advanced modeling, especially in complex Use & End-of-Life (EOL) scenarios. For 1-2 product IDs, see the guidance below. For 2+ consult your environmental specialist or the Ecochain Helpdesk ([email protected]).
For 1 or 2 product IDs
You can retrieve them directly in Helix:
Go to the account, year, and product you need.
Navigate to the Results – Product overview or Results – Statistics – Product page.
Click the magnify results button.
A pop-up opens, and the product UUID appears in the URL bar of your browser.
..
Results
Why can't I see any CO2 or MKI/ECI (Environmental Cost Indicator) results?
Why can't I see any CO2 or MKI/ECI (Environmental Cost Indicator) results?
This can happen if the account recalculation hasn’t finished yet in the background. To finalize your results, click the Recalculate button.
Another reason could be that your account settings are not configured correctly. Check the Calculation Method section on the Settings page to confirm the right method is selected.
Other FAQs related to results...
Other FAQs related to results...
Other frequently asked questions related to results are:
How do I get insights into the environmental impact of my product?
How can I view different impact categories?
How do I get an overview of the full life cycle of my product?
The following video tutorials explain the 'Results | statistics' page on a "Product level" and address the questions listed above.
The following video tutorials explain the 'Results | statistics' page on a "Product level" and address the questions listed above.
How do you benchmark and compare the footprint of products in the results section?
How do you easily search and compare products in the product portfolio?
We hope this guide helps you navigate Helix more confidently and resolve any questions quickly. If you need further assistance or run into a unique situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team. We’re always ready to help you get the most out of Helix.