The following overview is a comprehensive list of the most commonly asked questions by our Helix customers. Click on a toggle to expand a question to view the answer. The article presents common issues when using Helix first, questions related to results are answered next. Some topics are explained through video tutorials.
Don't see an answer to your question? Send an email to [email protected] and we will be with you shortly.
Why are my results different, when I have not changed anything in Helix?
Why are my results different, when I have not changed anything in Helix?
This might be due to a database update. LCIA databases, like ecoinvent, are updated approximately every 6 months. This might result in slightly different dataset values in the database, that are used in the purchasing page of Helix. When your materials are linked to one of those updated datasets, the final results of this material can slightly differ, which might change your end-product 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 issue might occur when the account (re)calculation is not completed yet in the background. You can finalize your results by clicking on the recalculate button. Another reason for missing MKI/ECI results could be that the account settings are not set correctly. This can be changed under the calculation method section of the settings page in the application.
Why is the old name still visible in the 'add materials' option list if I've changed the material name in the composition?
Why is the old name still visible in the 'add materials' option list if I've changed the material name in the composition?
After changing a material name in Ecochain Helix, the software will consider this as a new material and will remember the old name as well. For materials, this can be solved by removing the old name under purchasing by using the 'cross' behind the name, after removing the dataset. You should not forget to add the right dataset first to the 'new' material.
Why do no products match the criteria?
Why do no products match the criteria?
This is a statistical error that is formed when products are formed with compositions, but no usages & emissions, and/or processes are filled in (yet), in the account. This problem can be solved by filling in a small, insignificant amount (e.g. 0,0000001) kg of water at the company level in the usages & emissions page. Next, you should create a process and allocate 100% of this water usage to it. In the process x product page, choose the 'custom' distribution method and untick all boxes that occur, and click 'save'. Recalculate the account. All statistics are now visible without this process being allocated to the product.
I've received an error message, what do I do?
I've received an error message, what do I do?
During the implementation process in the Ecochain application, the following errors can occur in certain situations.
To resolve this error, the following situations and associated solutions are plausible:
When changing the company name in an existing account. After the error occurs, click the previous page in your browser menu. You'll be back on the settings page, but the company name is changed to what you inserted.
Error when viewing results, but for another Ecochain user the results look fine. Delete cookies in your browser.
When clicking on Results, an error occurs. When this happens in a copied account, it might be due to the calculation method settings being set incorrectly. This can be changed under settings > calculation method in the software.
When errors occur while importing Excel files, see below.
What do I do about Excel and import errors?
What do I do about Excel and import errors?
It is important to realize that the Import/Export function adheres to strict formatting, without which Helix cannot process the data correctly. The easiest way to ensure that this is the case is by importing data through an Excel that has first been exported from the respective page from which you want to import data.
The Excel format should:
Adhere to the pre-configured Helix import format at that specific stage of the process. This means that no changes can be made in either the number of columns or column titles
Not contain any formulas. If the cell value was determined by a formula, please ensure that it is pasted as a value in Excel if it is to be imported into Helix (use the ‘paste special’ option of Excel);
Not contain any values that derive from cells that are not within the boundaries of the table. The ‘Look Up’ or referral functions should not be used, as Helix will not be able to follow that reference.
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 addresses the questions listed above.
The following video tutorials explain the 'Results | statistics' page on a "Product level" and addresses 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?